MEMBERS of the public are invited to watch the NRL grand-final on the big screen at Jellicoe Park on Sunday night as part of the Guumali Youth Project, a NSW Police initiative in partnership with Regional NSW and the NSW Government.

The free, under-the-stars live broadcast of the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm showdown will get underway from 6pm, Sunday, October 6.

There is strictly no alcohol permitted at the community event.

The Guumali Youth Project was established in early 2023 by NSW Police to create positive spaces and bring the community and local services together, with an aim to provide activities for young people while building trust and creating connections.

Since the launch more than 18 months ago, Moree police have hosted 30 movie events across the shire.

New England Police District Inspector Phil Malligan is passionate – and proud – about the program’s success.

“Guumali is a local Gamilaroi word, and means to ‘gather’ or ‘gathering’,” Insp Malligan said.

“When people come to watch a movie or the footie, they’re gathering – it’s a perfect name.

“We have hit 30 events since we started just after Australia Day last year, and we’ve engaged with more than 3500 youth across Moree, Boggabilla and Mungindi.

“It’s all about police building trust and relationships with Aboriginal youth.

“The whole-of-government approach is to reduce the engagement of aboriginal youth with the criminal justice system,” Insp Malligan said.

New England Police District Inspector Phil Malligan with Moree Police’s purpose-built mobile movie trailer. Moree Police will screen the NRL grand-final at Jellicoe Park on Sunday night.

The project is a collaboration between NSW Police, Regional NSW and the NSW Government.

Joe Robinson, from Australian Food and Fibre in Moree, also came on board and donated 250 footballs.

“Joe sponsored the project with the footballs, which are great to have when we’re engaging with the kids,” Insp Malligan said.

“We always take some along to the movie nights. The kids love playing footy and touch footy, and it’s a great way to engage with the kids. All the kids love their footy.

“I got funding for the trailer as well as funding for the outdoor cinema screen. The trailer is a  ripper. “It’s got solar panels, a refrigerator and built-in barbecue, and we store it all at the police station where everything packs away really neatly,” he said.

The Guumali Youth Project is designed for police to interact positively with young people.

An outdoor cinema offering movies and sports events under the stars is the perfect conduit.

“Jellicoe Park is a great venue for something like this, because there’s toilets, power and lighting, and a nice, grassed area for people to sit and relax,” Insp Malligan said.

“We’ve held quite a few events and I’ve found Jellicoe Park is one of the best locations.

“These events build respect and engagement, and brings the community together.

“And with the police running everything, means it’s at a safe, friendly location and the kids get to kick a footy, watch a movie or sport and have a healthy meal,” he said.

Guumali Youth Project

NRL grand-final on the big screen

When: Sunday, October 6, 2024

Where: Jellicoe Park Moree

Time: 6pm start

Cost: free