An elder helping women experiencing family violence, an unsung community leader who mentors the young and a country police officer who has brought the community together through sport will be honoured at a NAIDOC Week event.
The Chief Commissioner's NAIDOC Awards - which recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to enhance the relationship between Victoria Police and the Aboriginal community - will be presented at Horsham on 10 July.
Award recipients are being named across six categories.
Aunty Pam Branson, being honoured with the Elder Award, is an inspirational role model who lobbies for the rights of Aboriginal women and children in her community. Part of the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus which works to address the impacts of family violence and intergenerational trauma, Aunty Pam's dream is to create a refuge for women experiencing abuse. She is also working on a healing program for women in family violence situations and aims to given them a platform to share their stories.
Proud Wotjobaluk man Chris Harrison, receiving the Community Member Award, is a leader in his community. He is known for his honesty, integrity and passion in mentoring young people. Chris has for more than 15 years served as chair of the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel which provides an around-the-clock welfare service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken into police custody to ensure their welfare and safety. Chris has served on numerous justice committees and is passionate about teaching culture and advocating for his community.
Leading Sen-Constable Les Power, the Victoria Police Employee Award winner, has driven initiatives to bring police and the Aboriginal community together. He was heavily involved in the Murray River Marathon for 13 years, travelling with the Blues and Brothers team comprising Aboriginal youth, elders and police. He was also integral in establishing an Aboriginal and emergency services kayak event in Horsham as well as a local Koori youth group and the Hoops Against Violence basketball program. Sen-Constable Power has been a police member at Horsham since 2009 and served as a Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer, a role he is looking to take on again.
Youth Award recipient Regan Shaw has volunteered with the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative since August 2022, helping with major events such as the Hand Up mental health awareness campaign and Wimmera River Challenge canoe race which aims to strengthen ties between law enforcement bodies and the Aboriginal community. Currently completing Year 12, Regan has shown maturity beyond his years and is highly respected. He helps Goolum Goolum's maintenance crew mow laws for Elders and maintain the co-operative's own properties, even volunteering during school holidays.
The Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative has taken out this year's Aboriginal Organisation Award for its work providing a range of health, support and cultural engagement services. The Horsham-based organisation is dedicated to fostering cultural pride within the community and is focused on ensuring Aboriginal culture, history and experience is respected. Goolum Goolum runs a range of programs to support and advocate for Aboriginal people. These include a program to support Aboriginal people who have come into contact with the justice system and the Yallum Yallum Elders and Respected Persons Council, a justice program which aims to divert Aboriginal people away from the criminal justice system. It also runs the Better Futures Program which supports young people leaving out of home care to ensure they achieve successful and independent adult lives.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety's Adina King, a proud Awabakal woman, is the recipient of the Organisation/Group Award for her dedication in improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As executive officer of the Grampians Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, Adina is a key conduit between government agencies and the Wotjobaluk Nations. She is always willing to stop and have a yarn, especially in helping link a young person with therapeutic programs, support services and Elders in advocating for them to be diverted from the criminal justice system. Adina is known for driving transparency and accountability in everything she does for the benefit of the communities she represents.
Quotes attributable to Superintendent Sharon McCrory, Western Region Division 4:
"Whether it's advocating for others, improving relations with police or helping people in their most dire time of need, each of this year's award recipients have gone above and beyond in making their community a better place.
"Their contributions are nothing short of extraordinary and an inspiration to us all.
"The fact they do this important work without seeking recognition makes them all the more deserving of these awards.
"I am privileged we can come together during NAIDOC Week to celebrate their achievements and the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture."
