The Queensland Police Service has recognised community groups and individuals for their outstanding efforts and initiatives in policing at the inaugural First Nations Peoples and Communities Awards in Cairns. The inaugural ceremony consisted of five award categories, reflecting the important contributions made by individuals and groups both within and outside of the QPS.
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM hosted Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Executives and Delegates representing discrete communities and other delegates from Government Departments across Queensland, at the inaugural awards which were hosted in Cairns on Monday, September 4.
Commissioner Carroll recognised the exceptional contributions y individuals towards First Nations People and Communities.
“At the heart of these awards, lies the spirit of collaboration and dedication to enhance the safety, well-being and improve policing outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities across Queensland,” she said.
The award ceremony saw five categories presented, including the First Nations Champion of Change, Leadership, Integrity and Courage, Partnership and Community Service Award.
Aurukun PCYC Sergeant Stephen Armstrong-Ravula was awarded the Champion of Change Award for his commitment to providing services to our First Nations Peoples and communities through his adaptation of strategies within communities to effect positive change and demonstrated outcomes in the community.
Sergeant Stephen Armstrong-Ravulaby has created a strong youth presence in the PCYC Aurukun, going above and beyond to ensure it is a safe space for them to play sport, get involved in positive programs, make new friends, gain self-confidence and find opportunities to develop and grow.
Sergeant Armstrong-Ravula explained he is able to make these changes with the support of local police, staff, volunteers and visitors of the Aurukun PCYC as well as through his community based partnerships. He also explained the programs have helped the kids involved connect and find enjoyment in their own skills.
“We are involved with the whole community and we understand the values and skills young people possess and we’ve been very successful in connecting the children with those skills,” he said.
“We can’t do this without our Aurukun Mayor, Council, local police, staff at the PCYC which includes my wife Norma who is a Youth Support Worker and our daughter Helena, who is a volunteer at the PCYC, the community and of course the kids.”
Sergeant Tony Rehn from Darling Downs also received a Highly Commended award in this category for his ongoing work.
Joint winners for the First Nations Leadership Award went to Senior Police Liaison Officer (SPLO) Doug Peachey from South Brisbane District Cross Cultural Liaison Unit and SPLO Gaylene Patterson from Yarrabah, for providing outstanding leadership focused on improving police services delivery outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.
Joint winners for the First Nations Integrity and Courage Award went to SPLO Fritz Loban from Weipa and Senior Protective Services Officer (SPSO) Robert Youngblutt for their integrity and courage when creating positive change, by improving workplace culture and capability, improving pathways to cultural inclusion and working closely with their communities.
A Highly Commended Award was also awarded to SPLO Lawrence Weazel for his work in the Woorabinda Community.
The winner for the First Nations Partnership Award went to Woorabinda Mayor Joshua Weazel and Officer in Charge of Woorabinda Police, Senior Sergeant Ricky Zimitat for their work on creating and building partnerships that close the gap in outcomes for First Nations Peoples or partnerships that support a path to treaty or delivered outcomes that enhance the safety in their community.
Two other partnerships were highly commended in this category and included the work Ms Louise Thompson did with the Cherbourg Rangers and the work Senior Sergeant Anthony Moynihan, Senior Constable Patricia Pedro and Thursday Island Police did regarding Domestic Violence Yarning Circles and their partnerships with agencies involved in the prevention of domestic and family violence in their communities.
Woorabinda Mayor Joshua Weazel won the Community Service Award which recognised his service to the Queensland Police Service, First Nations people and community by delivering outcomes that have provided opportunities for and enhanced the safety of the community.
Commissioner Carroll also commemorated and celebrated the life and service of Senior Police Liaison Officer, Uncle Paul Dai who sadly passed away in Townsville in February 2021 after a short illness, by naming our latest Torres Straits police vessel, the PV Paul R Dai.
Paul served the community of Queensland, particularly his home in the Torres Strait Islands for over 30 years as a member of the Queensland Police Service, as well as eight years as a Community Police Officer, amassing to an incredible 38 years of distinguished community service.
Uncle Paul commenced his career as a Community Police Officer in the Torres Straits on Saibai Island and Thursday Island and spent much of his life on Saibai Island, Murray Island, Darnley Island, Yam Island, Thursday Island and Horn Island. An upbringing built on faith, teaching, travel and community service, would go on to shape him as an influential member of his community and the QPS. He joined the Queensland Police Service as a Police Liaison Officer serving at Horn Island Police Station and in 1998, he sought out the opportunity to work at the Brisbane City Watchhouse for 12 months, before returning to Horn Island and serving his community in an exemplary manner while providing support and guidance to all members within his station. He was fluent in 14 dialects across the region and beyond its borders and maintained relationships, mentoring sworn police and advising on matters of cultural importance, which became Uncle Paul’s life work.
Uncle Adrian Coolwell was also awarded the Exemplary Conduct Medal for demonstrating exemplary conduct as a reputable First Nations Community Leader, his work as the QPS Indigenous Employment Officer and his many varying roles throughout his career. He is a pillar within the First Nations community, as well within the First Nations and Multicultural Affairs Unit (FNMAU) and the Queensland Police Service as a whole.
The Commissioners Outstanding Award was awarded to Senior PLO Doug Peachey, who has excelled in bridging the gap between our First Nations Communities and the Queensland Police Service, throughout the entirety of his 21 years of dedicated service.
Uncle Doug plays a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable community members, often during some of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives and has always been a fierce advocate for multicultural unity, inclusion, diversity, and partnerships. As a community Elder, he stands proudly amongst his community and peers across the Service, always seeking to go above and beyond for those who need support. There seems to be no slowing down Uncle Doug’s passion, commitment, and love for supporting not just First Nation communities, but all people who call South Brisbane home.