QPS Honors Statewide Domestic Violence Prevention

Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers, community members and partner agencies operating in the Domestic and Family Violence space, have been recognised for their ongoing efforts at the Annual QPS Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards, held on Wednesday, October 9.

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is a complex issue, requiring trauma informed and victim-centric responses that recognise the impact on individuals and families affected by DFV.

The awards identify and acknowledge the many achievements of members of QPS, personnel of external organisations, and members of the community who have assisted the QPS in the prevention of domestic and family violence in Queensland.

Officer in Charge (OIC) of Far North District DFV&VPU Senior Sergeant Amanda-Lee Winterburn was recognised with the Commissioner's Outstanding Award for her operational drive and directed focus towards a victim-centric approach to unpacking the complexities of DFV, through the establishment of Thursday Island Yarning Circles.

Senior Sergeant Winterburn's community-based program has created a space for education and conversation around DFV, a subject which is often not discussed in First Nation communities.

"I am honoured to be recognised with the Commissioner's Outstanding Award and am incredibly proud of the open dialogue and education we have been able to explore within our Yarning Circle platform," said Senior Sergeant Winterburn.

"DFV is a complex issue and programs such as the Yarning Circle, help us better support those affected by offering safe spaces for conversation and education."

Sergeant Vanessa Firman, South West District DFV Coordinator, was awarded the Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator Award.

Sergeant Firman was recognised for successfully promoting victim-survivor engagement through initiatives including the Ruby Program, Paint the Town Purple, DFV Awareness Walk and DFV Safe Program.

Through her outstanding commitment and professionalism, Sergeant Firman has logged more than 120 victim-survivor engagements this year, supporting and empowering victim-survivors. She has also attended multiple court hearings to offer specialist explanations of the court process and provide safety and support to victim-survivors.

"I, like everyone else within this space, am incredibly passionate about ensuring the safety and empowerment of DFV victims by demonstrating unwavering and dynamic support," said Sergeant Firman.

"It is essential that we raise awareness to ensure those affected know they are not alone and that support is available."

See the full list of award winners and highly commended from the 2024 Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards below:

Commissioner's Outstanding Award

• Winner – Senior Sergeant Amanda-Lee Winterburn, OIC Far North District DFV&VPU.

Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator:

• Winner – Sergeant Vanessa Firman, Sgt DFV Coordinator, South West District.
• Highly Commended - Sergeant Maria O'Brien, DFVC Sunshine Coast District DFV&VPU.

Domestic and Family Violence Liaison Officer

• Winner – Detective Senior Constable Rebecca Collins, Organised Crime Gangs Group, Crime & Intelligence Command.
• Highly Commended – Senior Constable Anthony Cliffe, DVLO Mission Beach, Far North District.

Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Practitioner

• Winner – Senior Constable Emily Lyons, Townsville District DFV&VPU.
• Highly Commended – Senior Constable Angela Thompson, Ipswich District DFV&VPU.
• Highly Commended – Principal Program Coordinator Mel Akroyd, DFV&VP Command.

Police Service Award

• Winner – Detective Senior Constable Kama Burgess, Acacia Ridge CIB, South Brisbane District.
• Highly Commended – Senior Sergeant Jonathan Searle, District Duty Officer Townsville.
• Highly Commended – Sergeant Ryan Packenham, Calliope, Capricornia District.

Partnership Award

• Winner – Safe St George Partnership (Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services; Lifeline; Queensland Corrective Services; QPS St George).
• Highly Commended – Far North District DFV&VPU and Women's Centre Cairns Partnership.
• Highly Commended – Act for Kids Cairns.

Community Service Awards

• Winner – ZONTA Club of Redcliffe.
• Highly Commended – Encircle Community Services.