By Melissa Grant
If you think underage discos went out of vogue in the 1990s, you’re wrong.
It’s a Friday night and more than 300 kids are streaming into the Pakenham Hall to get their groove on.
They’ve come to the hall on John Street for the Pakenham Blue Light Disco – one of the biggest social events on the calendar for local children aged 8-14.
For many, the underage alcohol-free and drug-free disco is the only event they attend without their parents or carers.
The bi-monthly dance is supervised by police and has a ‘no pass out’ policy, so mums and dads can feel confident dropping their kids at the door.
Youth Resource Officer Senior Constable Sharon Patterson is among the police officers who keeps a close eye on those who attend.
She says there’s been no real trouble at the disco, which has been running in its current format for the past six years.
Many parents will have their own ‘Blue Light’ memories – the discos have been running across Victoria for decades.
However, some may have misconceptions that make them reluctant to allow their child to experience the event.
“A lot of parents, speaking to them, have memories of the Blue Lights they went to when they were 16 or 17 and they were out of control,” Snr Const Patterson said.
“We explain to them that this Blue Light Disco is safe and it’s for younger kids.”
In fact, one of the biggest dangers at the disco is a child slipping over a drink spilled on the floor.
As for the music, the kids love listening to songs typically in the top 40 or those they download on their devices.
However, the resident DJ does receive requests for some classic dance anthems.
“At the last disco, the kids asked for Hey Mickey! and all the girls were up and dancing,” Snr Const Patterson said.
“They do actually ask for a lot of the older songs, which is funny.
“Some of the kids don’t dance but it’s a real social event for them. They would have one every month but it is hard work!”
For many, the event provides their first real interaction with police.
The whole idea behind the underage dance, Snr Const Patterson says, is to foster a positive relationship between younger children and the police.
Rotary and Neighbourhood Watch are also involved in running the event, which is also attended by St John’s Ambulance personnel.
The $5 entry fee covers costs, including insurance and building hire.
Profits from the canteen, which sells confectionary and non-alcoholic drinks, go to community causes.
