Achieving a policing ambition by supporting youth

Enthusiastic. Devoted. Respected

Senior Constable Draz Brkljac’s life ambition was always to serve and protect the people of NSW by becoming a police officer.

He is taking that ambition to the next level through his work as an engaged and innovative role model and mentor to young people.

For the past seven years, he has been a case manager at Parramatta’s Police Citizens Youth Club, where he helps young offenders and at-risk youth to improve their self-respect and reduce their risk of reoffending. He also encourages them to participate positively in the community and teaches them life and social skills that other people may take for granted.

Draz, who was named the 2019 Blacktown City Citizen of the Year, is deeply honoured also to be voted a Westfield Local Hero.

His most successful initiative is the Stand Tall program, which is designed to help disengaged youth to resolve criminal and behavioural issues or cope with learning difficulties.

The program redirects participants away from making negative decisions.

“It exposes the program participants to the NSW Police Force in a positive way,” he says. “They realise that the police are there to help and to protect.”

The overall focus of Draz’s work is to empower young people to take control of their lives.

The social skills he teaches include basic manners like greeting someone in the morning or shaking their hand when appropriate. This helps to counter the potential anti-social and negative influence of screen-based distractions like social media and video games.

“We try to break down the barriers – especially of technology – that are preventing conversation between individuals.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

The Parramatta Police Citizens Youth Club will use its grant to fund the continuation of the Stand Tall program and to provide barista courses.

“Receiving the grant and recognition just reinforces the great work PCYC NSW and the NSW Police Force are doing in the youth sphere,” Draz says.

“Both organisations are empowering young people to make positive life choices.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __