General News
13 July, 2024
Police praise Naidoc Week high achievers
Victoria Police has used Naidoc Week to honour Wimmera people who have achieved closer relationships between the Aboriginal community and police.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and Western Region Division 4 Superintendent Sharon McCrory of Horsham were among police officers from across the state to attend Wednesday's celebration in Horsham Church of Christ.
"The contributions are nothing short of extraordinary and an inspiration to us all," Sup McCory said.
"I'm privileged we can come together to celebrate achievements and the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture."
The awards are presented annually in six categories and each year honour people from a Victorian region.
A smoking ceremony organised by Colin Gorton, Aboriginal Dalki Murrup or Good Spirit dancing group, and videos telling the story of three Wimmera Aboriginal people preceded presentations.
Dimboola Hotel head chef Fabian Lauricella prepared an impressive finger-food lunch with traditional bush ingredients.
Awards went to: Elder Award, Aunty Pam Branson; Community Member, Wotjobaluk man Chris Harrison; Victoria Police Employee, Leading Snr Const Les Power; Youth, Regan Shaw; Aboriginal Organisation, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative; Organisation/Group, Adina King, an Awabakal woman with the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Ldng Sen Cons Les Power has been involved in the Murray River Marathon for 13 years, travelling with the Blues and Brothers team. He was integral in establishing an Aboriginal and emergency services kayak event as well as a Koori youth group and Hoops Against Violence basketball program. He was also Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer.
Aunty Pam Branson lobbies for women's rights and aims to create a refuge for women experiencing abuse. She belongs to the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus which addresses impacts of family violence and inter-generational trauma and is creating a healing program for women.
Wotjobaluk leader Chris Harrison, a mentor for young people, has served as Aboriginal Community Justice Panel chair. This group provides a welfare service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken into police custody.
Year 12 Holy Trinity Lutheran School student Regan Shaw volunteers with Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, helping with major events such as the Hand Up mental health awareness campaign and Wimmera River Challenge canoe race which strengthens ties between law enforcement bodies and the Aboriginal community.
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative has taken out this year’s Aboriginal Organisation Award for its range of health, support and cultural engagement services.
Adina King from the Department of Justice and Community Safety won the Organisation/Group Award. She is executive officer of Grampians Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee and liaises between government agencies and the Wotjobaluk Nations.