As Australia marks National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), the Queensland Police Service (QPS) acknowledges the contributions and legacy of the nation's first First Nations police officer, Dr Colin Dillon AM APM.
A proud Kombumerri man of the Yugambeh Nation, Colin made history when he joined the QPS at just 20 years old in 1965.
Now 81-years-old and looking back on his career, he said he didn't realise when he first started in the Service that he was breaking new ground.
"I was genuinely surprised," Colin said.
"It never occurred to me that there wouldn't be other people of my race among the police.
"I can remember on the first parade – we all had to line up, and I took a glimpse to my left and right, and the ranks behind me, and I thought there's nobody else like me. It was unnerving."
When he joined the Service, it was just two years before the 1967 referendum, which recognised First Nation Australians in the census, and 10 years before the ratification of the Racial Discrimination Act.
"It was a pretty lonely road to travel initially, and there were a few years where I was by myself, and I was facing racism from all levels," he said.
"I had wanted to be a police officer all my life, and I didn't know if I would be able to go the distance.
"But there was something inside me that made me stick the course and go all the way."
Colin spent nearly four decades in uniform, in which time he rose to the rank of a commissioned officer, retiring as an inspector in 2001.
Reflecting on his time with the Service, Colin spoke proudly of the growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander police officers and the role he played paving the way for other First Nations people.
"There has been such wonderful progress, and it is so wonderful to see so many First Nations people in uniform," he said.
"I'd like to think that the journey I've travelled, from constable to inspector, is a path other First Nations people can look towards, and know it is something they can do too.
They play a vital role across the Service, supporting community safety both through frontline work, as well as crucial cultural liaison and administration efforts.
As National Reconciliation Week commences, First Nations Division Executive Director Alan Dewis reflects on the contributions of Colin, and the First Nations officers who followed in his steps.
"Colin's legacy is one of courage and conviction," Mr Dewis said.
"His service not only transformed policing in Australia but also paved the way for hundreds of other First Nations individuals to be welcomed into the Service and support their community with pride.
"This year's National Reconciliation Week theme, 'All In', invites all Australians to commit to reconciliation through meaningful action every day.
"Colin's service exemplifies this commitment, standing as a powerful reminder that progress is driven by courage and a willingness to challenge injustice.
"We thank Colin for his dedicated service and honour his contributions to shaping modern policing while working towards a shared future of reconciliation."
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