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Members of the Queensland Police Service attended a ceremony yesterday to formally unveil an ‘Acknowledgment to Country’ plaque, at the site of the ‘Look to the Stars’ artwork which overlooks the Parade Ground of the Queensland Police Service Academy.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski and Assistant Commissioner Alistair Dawson were joined by local elders, teachers, student representatives, and sworn and unsworn staff from across the QPS to celebrate the artwork.

Two pieces of the artwork were installed at the Queensland Police Service Academy in September 2018 and include one large full colour artwork and the other is a smaller partial segment of the artwork in black and white.

‘Look to the Stars’ was launched by the QPS in May 2018 and serves as a visual reminder of our past, present and future engagements with all Indigenous communities throughout Queensland.

The artwork was designed as a contemporary piece that will be used for generations of QPS members to build stronger, meaningful relationships based on mutual trust and respect with all the diverse communities living in our state.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said the artwork at the QPSA would be viewed by generations of future police.

“The artwork placed here on the grounds on which our future police will pass through, calls on those seeking to serve our communities to reflect on our past and look toward our promising future,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“It reminds our members of the important role that Indigenous people have in our organisation and helps us understand our past and present relationships to build a stronger future.

“With its reference to Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles of policing, ‘Look to the Stars’ reminds us all that police are the community, and community are the police.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart has initiated the Look to the Stars ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ plaque that will be placed at all QPS establishments.

Look to the Stars was created with the assembly of Indigenous and specialist staff.