BLUE LIGHT DISCOS
Blue Light Discos run by Hurstville police in 1983 proved a huge success both socially and financially.
Twelve discos run between May and December that year packed Hurstville Council’s Marana Auditorium and recorded a profit of nearly $20,000.
Teenagers under 18 paid $2 entry to the discos, which were alcohol-free and supervised by off-duty police.
“Blue Light Disco Committee treasurer, Segeant Bob McCloskey, announced a profit of $19,774,” the Leader reported.
”The number of teenagers at the discos regularly exceeded 1200 and forced organisers to pre-sell all tickets and hold none at the door.
“Up to 15 police have donated their spare time to each disco to make sure the dances ran smoothly.
“The discos were so successful that smoking could be banned without fear of numbers falling”.
More than $13,000 from the disco proceeds was donated to St George Hospital for new equipment.
Police Commissioner Cec Abbott attended the final disco of the year to present a cheque to hospital chairman Joe Orr.
A donation was also made to help buy a new bus for the Sunnyhurst special school at Penshurst.
The first Blue Light Disco was held in Victoria and the movement spread throughout Australia and across the globe.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you a photograph of a news event from 57 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
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