Officer Fakahau Elevates Voices in Multicultural QLD

This Multicultural Queensland Month, Queensland Police Service (QPS) is celebrating the voices behind the Police Liaison Officer (PLO) uniform.

The PLO program helps shape a safer, stronger and more connected community across Queensland by fostering mutual understanding and trust between culturally and linguistically diverse communities and the Service.

Working closely with individuals, families, and community groups, PLOs build strong relationships, practice early intervention, improve safety and create inclusive spaces where Queenslanders feel respected and heard.

From cultural education, and community engagement, to helping resolve tensions or prevent misunderstandings, PLOs are trusted connectors and advocates who make a daily difference in Queensland safety.

PLO Maria Fakahau is a proud member of the Tongan community in Logan and an exemplary PLO.

Leading with passion, PLO Fakahau empowers the youth in her community through culture, education, and support.

As a mother of eight, and a long-term community leader, PLO Fakahau brings heart, heritage and a hands-on approach to her role each day.

Before becoming a PLO, she was a Volunteer in Policing working at the Loganholme Police Station, where she saw an opportunity to represent Tongan women in QPS.

Encouraged and supported by the Officer in Charge at the time, she pursued further studies and graduated university with a Bachelor of Human Services.

Whilst she had originally planned on becoming a police officer, her path led her to a PLO role - and she has never looked back!

PLO Fakahau is working on the frontline of community engagement, helping to bridge the gap between the diverse Logan community and QPS – a calling she describes as being rooted in care and connection.

Alongside supporting her colleagues, PLO Fakahau has created and led a powerful cultural initiative that is making tangible differences in the lives of young people in her community.

Additionally, PLO Fakahau established the Pacific Islander (PI) Roots initiative more than three years ago.

The initiative began at a Logan District school to support staff and reconnect disengaged students with their heritage, identity, and confidence.

The initiative began after staff reached out to QPS for support with a group of students who were struggling with attendance, behaviour, and a sense of belonging.

In response, PLO Fakahau designed a QPS led program that used cultural music, dance, storytelling, and leadership skills to ground students in their identity and build respect - for themselves, each other, and the wider community.

Now running across three local schools, the program supports both male and female students in years three to six.

Alongside another PLO, PLO Fakahau works with up to 20 students per group.

The sessions run weekly for eight weeks each term, and the outcomes have been transformational.

PLO Fakahau said she was proud of the programs' outcomes, sharing that not only has it built confidence and a sense of a belonging in the students, but attendance and behaviour has also improved.

"The students are proud of their cultural knowledge, they're taking on leadership roles, and they're showcasing their talents at community events, including QPS events here in Logan," PLO Fakahau said.

"Beyond student outcomes, the initiative has helped foster stronger relationships between schools, families, and police, creating a ripple effect of trust, pride, and collaboration across the local community."

PLO Fakahau's passion for young people and education shines in every part of her work – a natural extension of her role as a parent, a leader, and a role model in the community.

Her story is one of dedication, cultural strength, and service and we're proud to spotlight her as part of our Multicultural Queensland Month celebrations.