The Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) has been participating in the global network of women in policing since it was established in August 1997. It consists of women and men within law enforcement agencies and the community who work together to improve the opportunities and services provided to women within our communities.
Each year ACWAP presents a number of awards for excellence in law enforcement.
The Awards for Excellence in Policing are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and reward the achievements of women and men who are contributing to improving policing and law enforcement and ensuring policing services are enhanced for women.
This year’s 25th Excellence in Policing Awards was held on Thursday, October 24, in Brisbane, Australia, in conjunction with the biennial ACWAP Development Seminar co-hosted by the Queensland Police Service.
The following Awards were presented:
The Audrey Fagan Memorial Award, sponsored by the Australian Federal Police, honours the memory of Assistant Commissioner Audrey Fagan APM who was the ACT’s Chief Police Officer at the time of her death on April 20, 2007. The Audrey Fagan Memorial Award recognises outstanding women who have shown exceptional qualities as a mentor, role model and leader of men and women in policing and law enforcement and is chosen by a selection panel from the nominees across all Award categories. This year the Award was presented to Hannah Packer, New South Wales Police Force. Hannah is a dedicated and compassionate investigator who leads her team with excellence. She has handled complex and challenging investigations with unwavering integrity and professionalism. A role model who mentors others and encourages staff to seize development opportunities. Hannah is an inspiration to those she works with.
The Bev Lawson Memorial Award sponsored by FC Lawyers is the Council’s most prestigious award and recognises the most outstanding woman who has been a trailblazer in any law enforcement activity or support service. The Award is in honour of the ground-breaking achievements of Bev Lawson, who as a former Deputy Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force was Australia’s most senior woman in policing until her untimely death in 1998. This year the Award was presented to Jill Clarke, Queensland Police Service. Jill is a trail blazer and has dedicated her career to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of others. She provides high level case management to victims, witnesses and concerned parties relating to thematic complaints of misogyny, sexism, racism, homophobia and bullying. Jill’s empathetic response and approach has had a significant impact in changing the perspective and mindset of victim-survivors and concerned persons, in particular women, to empower them when reporting unacceptable workplace behaviour.
The Champion of Change Award is sponsored by Queensland Police Service. This award acknowledges men’s individual and/or collective influence and commitment to improving policing for women. It also acknowledges the importance of men’s role in increasing women’s representation in leadership within policing and how policing is delivered to women in the community. Areas of particular focus are how the Champion has achieved a real change in workplace culture and mindset and empowered both women and men within law enforcement to advance gender equality and improve policing for women. This year the award was presented to Brett Curran, Victoria Police. Brett drives ongoing cultural changes in gender equity and inclusion to enhance the lives of women and other key communities in policing. Importantly, he also guides men and other leaders on how to contribute to the solution.
Malcolm Campbell, Western Australia Police Force and Shane McLennan, Tonga Police were both recognised with Highly Commended Awards in this category.
The Integrity and Courage Award is sponsored by QBank and acknowledges the courage required to make the community and law enforcement better for everyone. It is an opportunity to recognise more than just physical bravery but seeks to recognise the courage and integrity of the circumstances where someone has the time to think about the implications of their actions and the impact those actions will have on their career, their family and themselves. It includes resolving conflict or situations that require challenging established beliefs or practices and protecting others who are negatively affected by unlawful, dangerous discriminatory or unethical practices or events. This year the award was presented to Akausha Savage and Millie Stephen, Queensland Police Service. When faced with an extremely dangerous and volatile situation on a remote island with no sworn police, and no accoutrements, both unsworn police liaison officers did not hesitate to assist a female actively being assaulted by her drunk and aggressive partner to limit harm and trauma to the victim.
The Most Outstanding Female Leader Award is sponsored by Western Australia Police and recognises a member who demonstrates dynamic and innovative leadership, mentored and guided others and contributed significantly to their field. This year the award was presented to Loletta (Loretta) Hunt-Tevaga, New Zealand Police. Loretta is recognised for her dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to community engagement, diversity and general equality within law enforcement. She is inspirational leader who quickly grasps concepts and leads with a calm and professional demeanor.
The Most Outstanding Female Investigator Award is sponsored by Queensland Police Union of Employees and this year the award was presented to Deborah McDougall, Queensland Police Service. Deborah has made significant contributions to investigative practice concerning interrelated fraud and identity theft offences, holding offenders to account and facilitating justice for victims of identity theft.
Amanda Cary, New South Wales Police Force was recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Most Outstanding Female Administrator Award is sponsored by Australian Border Force and was awarded to Carmen Walters, Queensland Police Service. Carmen has been instrumental in developing and implementing high profile and highly regarded wellbeing programs for Queensland Police Service members. She is a mentor for early-career female psychologists to promote careers in law enforcement and supports members and their families in response to critical incidents and major events.
Dr Shuang Fu, New South Wales Police Force was recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Most Outstanding Female Practitioner Award is sponsored by Police Association of New South Wales and this year was awarded to Rosalind Grant, Australian Federal Police. Rosalind is a highly experienced investigator, who draws upon her personal experiences to mentor and lead others, ensuring investigative priorities are achieved. She is recognised for her ability to work collaboratively and constructively across agencies, legal systems and at all levels and ranks.
Lynette Gibson, South Australia Police was recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Most Outstanding Female Intelligence Practitioner Award is sponsored by the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers and this year was awarded to Katherine Lee, Victoria Police. Katherine’s efforts to establish innovative intelligence collection opportunities and structured environmental scanning frameworks have been critical for the successful implementation of intelligence-led offender management model for Registered Sex Offenders across Victoria Police.
Hannah Doak, New Zealand Police was recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Emerging Leadership Award is sponsored by South Australia Police and this year is awarded to Natalie Arnold, New South Wales Police Force. Natalie’s positive attitude and drive for intelligence-led policing is all encompassing. She is highly respected as a role model and subject matter expert within the intelligence community. Natalie improves policing for women by her support and in leading the way inspiring the next generation of female sworn and unsworn intelligence officers.
The Excellence in Law Enforcement Initiative for Women in the Community Award is sponsored by TripleZero Property Group and this year was awarded to Lisa Clemence and Sameh Morgan, New South Wales Police Force. Lisa and Sameh are recognised for their outstanding work in the creation and development of the Empower You App and for their efforts to ensure the safety of Victim Survivors of Domestic and Family Violence.
The New South Wales Police Force Police Transport Command South/West was also recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Excellence in Law Enforcement in the Pacific Region Award is sponsored by the Australian Institute of Police Management and this year was awarded to Ruci Nasemira, Fiji Police Force. Ruci is recognised as a professional and experienced officer. She is an inspiration and provides guidance to women both within law enforcement and in the community. Ruci is a prominent in the community, enhancing the safety and security of Fiji’s communities.
Maryanne Yabara, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary was also recognised with a Highly Commended Award in this category.
The Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award is sponsored by the Australia & New Zealand Society of Evidence Based Policing and this year was awarded to Demi Kuiters, Queensland Police Service. Demi has shown outstanding determination and perseverance driving a research-initiated information sharing partnership between the Queensland Police Service and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). This partnership emerged following an in-depth analysis by Demi on the relationship between animal cruelty and domestic and family violence contributing to better policing practices and a safer Queensland community.
If you require any further information with regard to these Awards please contact Sandra Venerables by email at .
