This NAIDOC Week, Queensland Police Service (QPS) is recognising the meaningful contributions our First Nations Police Liaison officers (PLOs) make within Queensland communities.
Particularly, QPS is proud to celebrate the strength, vision and legacy of PLO Logan Yeatman from Yarrabah - a young leader who embodies the 2025 NAIDOC theme through action, heart and a deep connection to his community.
Logan first walked through the doors of Yarrabah PCYC at eight years old, drawn in by the safe space, friendly faces and a love of sports.
For young people in rural communities, there are limited after-school structured programs, so PCYC programs are critical to keeping kids engaged and safe, providing a centre where they can build trust, find mentors and develop positive habits.
Although Logan didn't have a formal mentor growing up, he had the support of his parents and, like many, made a few mistakes along the way before finding his feet and attributing his positive contributions to the to the PCYC community.
He engaged in the youth programs regularly until he was 18 years old, with the night programs in particular, that offered him not just recreation, but a space to connect with his friends.
After finishing school, Logan worked as a support officer at a local primary school.
During this time, Logan still attended PCYC as a participant, and his fundamental care and respect for the younger attendees caught the attention of Yarrabah PCYC Acting Sergeant Bridget Hughes.
Acting Sergeant Hughes had mentored Logan for several years, watching him grow, learn and engage with younger boys in the community.
She saw leadership potential in him and encouraged Logan to apply for a vacant PLO role in Yarrabah.
This conversation was a pivotal exchange that sparked a sense of purpose and direction, and in 2023, Logan left one afternoon as a PCYC participant and returned as a PLO.
Today, Logan is committed to being someone who leads by example - with a young son, he sees fatherhood as part of his motivation to be someone wo makes good choices and sets a strong example.
Logan is surrounded by a team he deeply respects, crediting Acting Sergeant Hughes for her guidance and leadership as well as the diversity of skills amongst his colleagues that teach him something new every day.
Recognising how important it is for kids to see someone in uniform who is fair, firm and approachable, Logan talks about his time with Acting Sergeant Hughes and the impact she has had on him personally growing up in Yarrabah.
'There is a huge value in being a consistent, reliable adult in a young person's life, especially for those who may not have safe role models at home," he said.
"Now I can be that person, alongside Sergeant Hughes.
"I have learnt a lot from the way she speaks to the kids - even when the conversations are hard, she offers guidance when things are difficult and has earnt the respect of the young people around her."
Since starting in the role, Logan has embraced every opportunity for extra training and connection with the wider PLO network.
He enjoys meeting officers from outside Yarrabah and Cairns, learning from their experiences, and seeing the breadth of diversity across QPS's PLO teams.
Within his own team, Logan is known for his energy, positivity and heart.
He's already gone through two pairs of police boots in under two years - a fact that has become somewhat of a running joke among his team.
Officially, the reason is a 'gammy little toe' but unofficially, it's because Logan is simply always on the move, going the extra mile (often literally) for the job.
His dedication extends well beyond regular duties – if a colleague needs to attend a house that's unfamiliar, Logan will step in to make introductions.
He never lets a team member leave the PCYC at night without making sure they're safe. He checks tide levels during storms, reminds others to drive safely over the range, and leads with quiet, constant care.
As this year's NAIDOC theme encourages Australians to honour legacy and nurture the next generation, Logan's story stands as a living example.
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
