Broome schoolkids given fresh and colourful clothing from Border Force as part of Uniforms4Kids initiative

Students from St Mary’s College returned home with colourful garments made from repurposed uniforms after a recent visit from the Australian Border Force officers. The clothing, delivered by ABF officers from the Broome district office, are part of the Uniforms4Kids initiative, which aims to minimise waste and build trust between schoolchildren and frontline officers. ABF commander operations west Ranjeev Maharaj said visits like the one to St Mary’s were essential for his officers to build and maintain important community connections. “This is not just about repurposing retired uniforms, this is about building real and lasting connections with members of the community that we are not only a part of, but that we’re here to serve,” he said. “Especially in regional and remote areas such as Broome, the local community really is our eyes and ears on the ground and so our relationships are critical to mission success. “To see the kids’ faces light up when we surprised them with the uniforms was a really heartwarming moment.” The April 8 visit also included a Q&A session, where members of the student representative council got to ask the ABF officers about their role in protecting Australia’s border. “I think the most enlightening part of the tour was the students getting the chance to engage with how many possibilities and pathways there are out there,” she said. “The ABF team was really able to unpack that for our students, inspire them and show them the courage they can demonstrate to try different things. “They see officers in uniform as leaders in the community and for them to be able to meet and get to know these people is really important for these relationships.” It comes after the ABF launched Operation LEEDSTRUM in late 2023 in response to a surge in illegal foreign fishing activities, particularly within the Kimberley Marine Park. People in the community can report suspicious border-related activity at any time through the Border Watch website.