Police Commissioner Grant Stevens heads the guest list at a celebratory ball planned for Rendelsham on November 28.


The gala event marks the 30th anniversary of the Noorla Yo-Long outdoor adventure education site.


News of the celebrations was announced by committee member and ward councillor John Drew at the April monthly meeting of Wattle Range Council.


Furthermore, Cr Drew said Noorla Yo-Long was recently allocated a significant Federal Government grant which will meet its running costs.


“Noorla Yo-Long is really going well,” Cr Drew said.


Developed through a collaboration between the local community, South Australia Police and Blue Light (SA) Inc., the facility aims to foster stronger connections between SAPOL and the community to help reduce crime.


The camp sits on a 45-acre site which was formerly a quarry and rubbish dump.


Among the original members of the South East Youth Development Committee were police officer Steve Chapple, businessman Phil Richards, GP Dr Adrian Griscti and educator Robert Halliday.


According to its promotional material, Noorla Yo-Long is renowned as one of Australia’s premier life skills adventure training centres.


It offers a range of innovative outdoor activities, such as high ropes courses and caving, while continuously enhancing its repertoire with proven indoor learning methods.


This combination creates a dynamic and engaging environment for flexible learning.


The facility is managed by a dedicated on-site police officer, supported by a team of trained staff and volunteers.


The program employs experiential learning, challenge-by-choice principles, and life coaching concepts to facilitate personal growth.


The name Noorla Yo-Long, which translates to “House Cave” in the language of the indigenous Boandik people, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the land on which the centre is situated.