TO say Mark Townsend is committed to the Berwick Blue Light Disco is an understatement.
The career cop has missed just two discos in the event's 31 years.
He has been a constant at an event where the music, hairdos, fashion and dance moves change with each new batch of fresh-faced teenagers.
Despite the changing crowd, there is some continuity in the faces showing up at the Berwick Leisure Centre at 6pm on the first Saturday of each month.
"The parents dropping off their kids today used to come to the disco themselves, and they still recognise me today," Leading Senior Constable Townsend said.
Backed by a dedicated committee of volunteers - "I'm talking about people who stand at the front door in the wind, rain and hail" - the Berwick disco was an early leader in a proactive policing program that has grown considerably over time.
"Blue Light started in 1976 with four police officers at Mooroolbark. There was nothing for the kids to do back then, and it has grown to 43 activities across Victoria today."
The movement's slogan, "We do more than just dance", refers to the myriad camps, hikes and activity days Blue Light hosts in addition to its discos.
Dancing, however, remains one of the key attractions for the 400-odd teens who turn out to the Berwick disco.
Michael Muzur was one of the disco's first DJs, spinning tunes for a decade before taking a break in 1997.
He has recently returned to the event but in a different role: guiding his 16-year-old son, Adam, who is now in charge of inspiring the dance floor.
"DJing is a career that has a life span," he said.
"I couldn't get up there and entertain teens; I'm 47. Adam can relate to the kids - he knows what they want."
Michael Jackson numbers and hits from the musical Grease no longer had a huge following at the disco, but other elements remained the same, he said.
"It's a great environment for the kids; it's secure and the beautiful part about it is the people who are working there are volunteers. So their heart is in it."
Disco profits are donated to community organisations, such as football clubs and scout groups, based on the hours put in by their volunteers.
Leading Senior Constable Townsend said volunteers often started out to help their club or group, but many kept coming back for 10 or 15 years.
"My committee, they fall over backwards to help. It's like a big family and we are close; we communicate often and have functions together."
It was this willingness to help out that kept the disco going, Mr Muzur said.
Reflecting on what made Blue Light special, Leading Senior Constable Townsend hinted at a long-term effect of sneaky dance floor snogs.
"Over the 30-odd years, I'd like to know how many guys met their girlfriends there who are now their wives."
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