Millicent Spencer
Students at Mernda Central College have joined forces with Victoria Police and Latrobe Lifeskills to take out the national record for the longest human chain.
In a show of solidarity for International Day of Disability, 330 students and officers formed a human chain by patting each other on the back continuously for 30 seconds.
Mernda Central College principal Anthony Oldmeadow said this challenge was a great way to mark International Day of Disability and emphasise the school’s inclusive environment.
“The tap on the back gesture fits exactly with the school being supportive and inclusive of all students,” Mr Oldmeadow said.
“We advocate for a supportive and inclusive environment.
“We want to make sure students do everything they can to understand disability.”
Senior Sergeant David Magnavacca said he hoped the challenge would assist in forming and building relationships for school students with their local police unit.
“It’s an opportunity for Victoria police to connect with a local school,” he said.
Co-founder of the Australian Book of Records Helen Taylor said after judging 93 national records she still gets so much joy out of participating in these challenges.
“We get more enjoyment when we get kids involved, there’s incredible meaning behind today,” Ms Taylor said.
“We love the fact it’s all about the comradery and inclusivity.”
This is not the first tilt at a national record for Whittlesea police, having taken home the record for largest paper chain last year.
Ms Taylor said she hopes to see more national records and possibly even world records from the Mernda community.
“We’re aiming for a national record, and next time hoping to get the world record,” she said.
“This is a good starting point.”
Currently the Guiness Book of Records’ world longest human chain is held by the Bangladesh Awami League and involved over five million people to create a chain over 1000 kilometres long.
