May 12, 2017
Queensland Police Service officers and staff have been rewarded at the inaugural QPS Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards for their innovation and commitment to the prevention of violence in our communities.
Held during Domestic and Family Violence Protection Month, last night’s ceremony saw awards presented to officers and staff in five different categories.
Police Minister Mark Ryan congratulated the award winners and praised their dedication towards the prevention of domestic and family violence.
“It is with great pleasure and my heartfelt thanks that I congratulate the winners of these important awards which acknowledge the commitment of these inspiring officers and staff,” Mr Ryan said.
“Police respond to approximately 250 domestic violence incidents around the state daily, or around 87,000 incidents each year, and are often faced with harrowing situations requiring both sensitivity and fortitude.
“The innovative work these officers and staff are doing is a testament to their professionalism and on behalf of the Palaszczuk Government and the people of Queensland, I thank them for their hard work.”
Deputy Commissioner Pointing said all award recipients were of the highest calibre.
“Everyone presented with an award today shows the professionalism and unwavering commitment we have to prevent domestic and family violence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators to account,” Deputy Commissioner Pointing said.
“This commitment deserves to be recognised and applauded.
“We thank and commend them for their contribution to building safer communities.”
Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing presented the Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator Award to Sergeant Jo Griffin of the Capricornia District in Central Region.
Highly Commended Awards of this category were presented to Sergeant Glenn McBain of the Far North District, Northern Region and Sergeant Ken Hendrie of the Wide Bay Burnett District, Central Region.
The Domestic and Family Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) Award was presented to Sergeant Simon Walter of the Whitsunday Police Division in Central Region.
Highly Commended Awards were presented to Senior Constable Chris Gibson of Boondall Police Division, Brisbane Region and Sergeant Elise Feltham of Townsville Police Division in Northern Region.
The Domestic and Family Violence Police Officer Award was presented to the Logan District Domestic and Family Violence Unit of South Eastern Region.
Sergeant Charmaine Leafe, Acting Sergeant Terri-Sue McDonald and their District Officer Chief Superintendent Martin Mickelson accepted the award.
A Highly Commended Award was presented to the Cairns Inquiries Office of Northern Region for their proficiency in investigating domestic violence and handling matters through the court process.
The Queensland Police Service Domestic and Family Violence Partnership Award was presented to the Toowoomba High Risk Domestic Violence Team of Southern Region.
Senior Constable Susan Forte of Toowoomba Police Division and Ms Kathleen Turley from the Toowoomba Domestic Violence Action Centre accepted the award.
Highly Commended Awards in this category were presented to the South Brisbane District Vulnerable Persons Unit of Brisbane Region and the Coen Social Housing Survey and Report Team from Northern Region.
The Queensland Police Service Domestic and Family Violence Community Service Award was presented to Ms Lauren Davidson who is recognised for her work as a Community Development Officer with the Crestmead PCYC.
A Highly Commended Award for this category was presented to the Edon Place Domestic and Family Violence Centre Inc from Central Region, a non-for-profit organisation that has been helping victims of domestic and family violence since 1978.
Finally, the Commissioner’s Outstanding Award was presented to the Gold Coast District as they received several nominations across the categories.
Gold Coast Assistant District Officer, Superintendent Michelle Stenner received this award on behalf of the Gold Coast District Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Taskforce, DV Support Teams and the Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Prosecution Unit.