A trailblazing PSO who established an inclusion program with Islamic schools, a senior sergeant who founded an awareness day with the Jewish community and a detective whose interpreting services have been crucial in delivering justice for family violence victims are among Victoria Police employees recognised in this year's Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
The awards - presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission - honour outstanding individuals and organisations that foster cross-cultural understanding, support migrants and refugees and celebrate and preserve the diversity of cultures that make Victoria a great place to live.
Six Victoria Police members have this year received awards recognising outstanding contributions to multicultural harmony in the field of policing.
PSO Aamer Kiani, stationed at Sunshine in Melbourne's west, has been honoured after starting an inclusive education program with local Islamic schools aimed at addressing misconceptions about working in policing such as whether staff can observe their religion at work.
The initiative - comprising information sessions for students, parents and staff - also promotes policing as a career path with Victoria Police's applicant attraction team attending schools involved.
Sen-Sgt Ron Klajnblat, based at Caulfield Police Station, has been recognised for tireless work with the local Jewish community.
This has included organising a community awareness day to strengthen relationships following last year's Covid-19 lockdowns.
Sen-Sgt Klajnblat's strong relationships with the Jewish community have also come to the fore in a several recent incidents.
These included reassuring the community after a high-profile homicide and working with the local council to ensure the swift removal of swastikas within an hour of them being posted.
Detective Senior Constable Edmond Shkembi, also honoured, worked with police in his native Albania before being forced to flee to Serbia when he became a political target for fighting against institutionalised corruption.
An accredited interpreter for both Albanian and Serbo-Croatian, his skills have been used in a string of investigations including family violence matters after he realised many women from Albania were not aware of their rights in Australia.
This work has been invaluable to police as they negotiate cultural issues for not only victims but also offenders and their families.
Others honoured are Sergeant Amanda Fahey who last year volunteered as a mentor for the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program, PSO Yasac Abdullah who has become a role model for youth within the Somali community and Victorian public service employee Patti Hiras who has worked with organisations in the Greek community to support disadvantaged families and young people with a disability.
Several Victoria Police programs and initiatives have also been recognised.
These comprise the force's new STOPIT text-based reporting service for unwanted behaviour on public transport, which is available in 12 languages other than English, multifaith chaplaincy services, the Dandenong-based Komak group to support the local Afghan community and Caulfield Police's Victoria Police and Jewish Community Day.
Quotes attributable to Commander Lisa Hardeman APM, Priority and Safer Communities Division:
"Community is central to everything we do.
"That's why it's vital we have a deep understanding of the issues and needs of Victorians no matter their background.
"The efforts of these award recipients are testament to the passion, determination and commitment of our employees in fostering strong relationships with our diverse community.
"I know their actions have brought about change, improved understanding and new connections we are determined to build in the future."
