Would you be prepared to leave your young family and fly from Rockhampton to Brisbane every week to fulfill a childhood dream?
This is exactly what Jiajia Lin did as part of the Get Prepared Pathway program.
Get Prepared is an initiative launched by Queensland Police Service's (QPS) Multicultural Affairs Unit aimed at boosting knowledge, skills and confidence of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) persons who are seeking a career in public safety.
The six-week pilot program was developed through a joint partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Queensland Corrective Services (QCS), and Multicultural Australia.
Get Prepared is designed at reducing known barriers for multicultural persons who wish to join the police service or corrective services.
JiaJia Lin, who moved to Australia four years ago and now lives in Rockhampton with her husband and two young children, believed it was an opportunity not to be missed and flew down to Brisbane each week to participate.
She describes the program as one of the most "memorable experiences I've ever had".
Jiajia Lin was just one of 13 fortunate and incredibly hardworking individuals who graduated from the pilot program in May.
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski attended the Get Prepared Graduation ceremony, where he congratulated the inaugural graduating cohort.
"Your strong focus and dedication to learning demonstrates attributes the QPS seeks within our members," said the Commissioner.
"We value the varying perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and unique skillsets individuals can bring to the organisation."
Program facilitators and mentors Senior Sergeant Lester Brooks, and Inspector Jacqui Honeywood of the QPS Multicultural Affairs Unit, both expressed pride in the establishment of the program as well as pride in the participants, project team, facilitators and mentors
"It's great to see the teamwork and bond these individuals have developed, that's something we truly value in frontline policing," said Sergeant Brooks.
Inspector Honeywood recognised the personal and professional growth experienced by all involved in Get Prepared.
The QPS-led pilot program will now undergo an evaluation to explore the opportunity to offer the program again.
The Get Prepared graduates have backgrounds from a range of countries and continents, from Africa to Asia.
Another graduate, Suliman, described the whole experience as "life-changing".
"It boosted my emergency response skills, teamwork, and confidence. I loved learning about adaptability and awareness, and the importance of values like integrity, accountability and respect," Suliman explained.
Suliman has faced much adversity in his life, fleeing from Sudan by boat over a decade ago, he now calls Australia home.
"I personally encourage all multicultural group members to close the gap and think positively as Australia is the home of all of us," said Suliman.
"If you're thinking about a career in public safety, know that every day, you'll make a real difference in people's lives. It's a fulfilling path where your dedication directly helps keep communities safe."
All graduates spoke fondly of Get Prepared, expressing deep gratitude for the facilitators and mentors as well as agreeing their time during the program has instilled them with confidence and competence to take the next steps towards a career in public safety.
As the tassel on top, many of the graduates feel they have made "lifelong friends" during the program.
Queensland Police Service wish to congratulate each and every graduate and wish them a fulfilling and safe career.
Applications for QPS are now open!
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
