A new police program will bring a group of boys from the bush to meet boys from the lakes next week as part of an innovative educational exchange program.

The ‘Tunbilliko’ Program, which is Aboriginal for ‘exchange’, is a joint-initiative between Lake Macquarie and Darling River Local Area Commands that will provide an opportunity for Indigenous teens and local police to develop strong relationships between the north and the west.

The inaugural Tunbilliko trip will see five Indigenous teenage boys from Bourke arrive at Lake Macquarie today (Tuesday 24 March 2014), and team up with five local Indigenous teenage boys to share experiences from different aspects of Aboriginal culture and learn about life on the coast.

Over the next four days, the boys will visit the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle, the Aboriginal Learning Circle at Hunter TAFE, and local police facilities, including Police Rescue, PCYC and Marine Area Command.

In addition, the boys will have the opportunity to go sailing, kayaking, and fishing, learn about local bush tucker, spend time at the beach and attend a Newcastle Knights home game.

Later in the year, the boys from the coast will head to the bush and meet up with their friends in Bourke.

Lake Macquarie Local Area Commander, Superintendent Brett Greentree, said the program aimed to create new friendships amongst the boys and further grow relationships between police and the community.

“We are excited to be involved in the Tunbilliko Program and pleased the local Aboriginal community has embraced the idea and helped bring it to life,” Supt Greentree said.

“While both areas are beautiful, Lake Macquarie is a stark contrast to Bourke, and this is a great opportunity to impart knowledge and better understand the differences in our ways of life.

“There are a range of activities planned over the next four days, ranging from relaxing to intense and educational to just plain fun, which we hope everyone will enjoy.

“At the end of the program, the boys will be awarded a certificate from TAFE NSW recognising the skills learnt during their stay,” Supt Greentree said.

Funded by the Aboriginal Strategic Direction Crime Prevention Grants, the program has strong community support, including the Community Consultative Committee and Belmont Rotary Club.