A huge thanks to all who helped in the official launch of our innovative Be Wise app, including Victoria Police and Melbourne’s Whitefriars College.
Ten, Nine and Seven news crews were on hand as Foundation director Matt Cronin unveiled the free phone app at a media conference outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to highlight what we believe will be a game changer for young Victorians as they begin to socialise again.
Using special mobile geofencing technology, the app sends reminder messages to sports fans and nightclubbers to make “wise decisions” as they enter major recreational arenas and entertainment precincts – a perfect companion during the festive season.
Acting Commander Sharon McKinnon, of Victoria Police, and Mark Murphy – the principal of Whitefriars College where Pat completed his schooling – both spoke at the launch in support of the Foundation.
Acting Commander McKinnon stressed the importance of safety with the return of nightlife and major sports events in Melbourne over summer, while Mr Murphy reiterated the Foundation’s message that aggression was never the answer.
In addition to urging you to have a great time and look after yourself and your mates as you arrive within 150 metres of a large entertainment precinct, the app is also packed with real-world strategies for handling conflict and emergency situations as well as advice on anger management. There’s also educational resources for young people aged between 12 and 25, for family and friends and anyone who may require information relating to mental and physical health – as well as a ton of handy links.
What makes the app different?
How many times have we heard that life is all about the timing?
So it is with the Be Wise app. Because it travels with you – and is there at crucial moments – it may mean all the difference when it comes to making wise decisions during a day or night.
And to assist in its adoption, it’s set to become an integral component of the Foundation’s widely received Be Wise educational sessions.
What they said:
Foundation Director Matt Cronin:
“We believe the app has the potential to be a game changer. We are expecting to reach about 60,000 young people at our Be Wise educational sessions next year, and so we’ll be encouraging schools to share the app with their students.
“This is a big step forward for us. Going forward, the technology will allow us to keep safety top of mind in all those who download the app.
“While the app now covers the Melbourne region, we have plans to roll it out further afield next year as the Foundation grows.”
Whitefriars College principal Mark Murphy:
“The appis a powerful idea.While as educators and parents we talk to our boys and raise them to be gentle men and that aggression is never the answer, we can’t always be there to remind them.
“The beauty of this app is that it’s there at the particular moment it’s needed.
“By providing a timely message to enjoy yourself and stay safe, it creates crucial space to breathe and stay calm.”
Acting Commander Sharon McKinnon, of Victoria Police:
“Police are well prepared for a busy festive season, particularly with the return of major events and nightlife across Melbourne.
“All too often we’ve seen the negative impact that excessive consumption of alcohol has, particularly leading to devastating consequences of street assaults, as well as road trauma and family violence.
“To send a critical message to a young person at that sliding doors moment is so important – it could impact a decision which could change the course of their life.
“Take care of your mates and look out for each other over this summer period – we want everyone to enjoy themselves, but most of all we want everyone to get home to their friends or families safely at the end of the night.”
The free Be Wise app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play. To find out more about the Pat Cronin Foundation, follow us on Facebook, or email us at info@patcroninfoundation.org.au
