Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Darryl Hamilton has been named as the 2020 Blacktown Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year.
Mr Hamilton works as the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with the Mount Druitt Police Area Command, a role which he has served in for almost 20 years.
He also plays a pivotal role in the Breaking Barriers fitness program, which provides an important circuit breaker for Aboriginal youth at risk of entering the justice system.
The program has supported hundreds of young people since its inception in 2014.
After a temporary halt due to COVID-19 restrictions, the program has expanded under the NSW Police 'Fit for Life' initiative and operates 3 days a week out of the PCYC in Shalvey.
Braking Barriers is delivered by NSW Police officers and mentors from the Mount Druitt/Blacktown Aboriginal Justice group.
The young people in the program are picked up from their homes, driven to the PCYC to undertake a fitness program, and then provided with a nutritious breakfast.
Running the Breaking Barriers program, Darryl Hamilton begins his day at 4.40am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the school term.
Councillor Kathie Collins OAM, Chair of Council's Aboriginal Advisory Committee, presented the Award to Mr Hamilton on behalf of Council and Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM.
"I was immensely honoured to present Darryl Hamilton with this prestigious and important award, which recognises the outstanding contributions of members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to Blacktown City," Cr Collins said.
Mayor Bleasdale congratulated Mr Hamilton as a very deserving recipient of the award.
"Our local police officers do incredible work in serving the diverse communities of our great City, and it is wonderful to see the impact of programs like Breaking Barriers," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"The dedication, compassion, and care displayed by Mr Hamilton is truly inspiring.
"I am sure he will continue to be a mentor to the youth of Blacktown City for many years to come."
Mount Druitt Police Area Commander, Superintendent Trent King, praised Mr Hamilton for his dedication to, and relationships with, the local community over many years.
"Darryl is recognised in the community for his efforts, and the link he provides between the community and police has been invaluable over a long period of time," Superintendent King said.
"He has a genuine interest in the wellbeing of community members, particularly the young members of the community.
"That's highlighted in Darryl's contribution and commitment to programs including Breaking Barriers and other programs we are running in our schools."
