Number one code

AROUND one thousand Yarra Valley school students were entertained by Code One, the Victoria Police band, in Healesville last week.
The band, which has spearheaded Victoria police’s public relations for the past 17 years, performed to students from Coldstream, St Brigids, Gruyere, Yarra Glen and Badger Creek primary schools.
The concerts, which were staged at the Healesville Memorial Hall on Thursday, 20 July, featured an impressive range of popular music, from early 1950s rock‘n’roll to current top 40 chart hits. The band’s regular lead vocalist, Senior Constable Brian Carbery, was unable to perform on the day due to illness, so the band’s newest edition, Constable Lorena Novoa, took to the front of stage.
Constable Novoa, who was a Young Talent Time member for four years, has had a recording contract with Sony Music, has performed on radio and television and has co-written songs with Australian Idol’s Anthony Callea.
During the performances students sang and danced with the band and prizes were awarded for students with the most impressive dance moves.
Healesville police Sergeant Tony Van Gorp and the Code One band members also gave out a number of Victoria Police Encouragement awards to local students who have overcome obstacles and are achieving at school.
“Having Code One come to the Yarra Valley is a great way to break down barriers between students and the police,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
“It is also a great fun day out for students and teachers, and for local police.”
Sgt Van Gorp said students from another seven local schools, including students from Healesville High School, would take part in Code One performances scheduled for this week.