QPS Honors Women In Policing At Women's Day Event

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is celebrating International Women's Day (IWD) with an 'Accelerate Action' event emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality.

The rescheduled event, originally planned for March 7 but postponed to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, was hosted by the QPS at Southbank Brisbane today, April 11, and co-sponsored by the Queensland Police Union of Employees (QPUE).

With a focus on swift ways to achieve gender equality, attendees heard from Dr Terry Fitzsimmons, an expert in gender equality and leadership, whose research explores the systemic barriers to leadership for women and the structural changes needed to create meaningful progress.

Today's IWD event also honours the contribution and achievements QPS members with the Queensland Women in Policing Awards across 11 categories that celebrate those who have made outstanding advancements towards gender equality and leadership within the organisation.

The winners were selected by QPS State Honours and Awards Committee, with Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley as Chair, along with representatives from Ethical Standards Committee (ESC), People Capability Command (PCAP), State Emergency Service (SES) and QPUE.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, attended today's event and acknowledged the significance of the awards in recognising the progress that women are making within the Service.

"Our International Women's Day event is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable women in policing who support their communities and their colleagues," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

"The original event scheduled for March 8th had to be postponed due to our response to TC Alfred. However, it is imperative to me and the Service that we commemorate the day and honour our individuals who are truly making exceptional contributions to the Queensland community."

"The number of nominations this year is substantial but not unexpected, as each nominee exemplifies the qualities and values that are essential to me and the Service: integrity, respect, and courage."

Amongst the 11 award category winners was Senior Sergeant Angelique Maloney, who received the Most Outstanding Female Leader award in her role as Gold Coast District Duty Officer.

Senior Sergeant Maloney is the most senior female on-road officer in the Gold Coast District and has been responsible for leading the district's operational response to significant incidents and investigations, coordinating resources on the front line since 2012.

Establishing a working environment built on trust and developing lasting relationships through open conversation, Senior Sergeant Maloney is an excellent role model for the new generations of officers coming through the Service.

Senior Sergeant Maloney emphasised the value of these awards in recognising the hard work all the nominees put into supporting QPS and the communities served.

"To be recognised by my colleagues in this way and to know I'm making a difference to their careers is an honour," Senior Sergeant Maloney said.

"My goal is to ensure the Gold Coast District is a safe place to work, that our team feel supported, and that the Gold Coast Community is kept safe and feels represented."

The QPS Award recipients are:

SES Award Recipients are: