The program, which is a partnership between Blue Light, Victoria Police and Hit Factory Boxing Club, began in the second half of last year and has grown to 30 teens regularly taking part.

Bendigo police Sergeant Adam Woods said the program was about building relationships between youth and police, and to give teenagers a focus.

“It lets them know who we are, and that we’re not bad people,” he said.

Blue Light reactivated in Bendigo in 2016 after a hiatus of some years, and now runs regular events connecting police and the region’s young people.

Sergeant Woods said everyone was welcome to attend the open day on Saturday, which would begin with a session at 9.30am, followed by sparring from some of the regular participants and an early lunch after 11am.

Training gear is required if youth want to take part on the day.

Regular sessions for 12- to 16-year-olds run on Wednesdays at 4.30pm and Saturdays at 9.30am. For more information, contact Sergeant Woods – adam.woods@police.vic.gov.au or 5448 1420 – or visit the Bendigo Blue Light Facebook Page.