Australasian Council of Women and Policing Excellence in Policing Awards took place on September 13 at Crown Perth, Western Australia, Queensland Police say.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with ‘The Power of Many Equals’ seminar, co-hosted by Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) and the Western Australia Police Force.
The awards publicly acknowledge and reward those who contribute to improving policing and law enforcement and ensure policing services are enhanced for women.
Members and programs of the QPS were winners in four categories.
Sergeant Tina Edward, Highly Commended in the Most Outstanding Female Practitioner category
Additionally, Sergeant Tina Edward was Highly Commended in the Most Outstanding Female Practitioner category.
Sergeant Kevlynn Janz, Most Outstanding Female Administrator Award
Sergeant Kevlynn Janz won Most Outstanding Female Administrator Award, for her work as administrator for PCYC in Queensland.
Since 2015, Sergeant Janz has managed officers and staff members throughout the whole state, coordinating a dispersed workforce in diverse communities.
Sergeant Janz also manages an informal network to help female managers find careers in PCYC and other youth programs.
Janelle Andrews, accepting on behalf of ‘Connected Women’ program
The ‘Connected Women’ program of the QPS won the Excellence in Law Enforcement for Women Initiative Award.
This women-led nine-week program, aiming at empowerment and education, was created in partnership with the Islamic Women’s Association of Australia.
Designed for young, newly-arrived refugee Muslim women, the program incorporates a mentorship from senior female police officers.
Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards received the Champion of Change Award
Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards received the Champion of Change Award, acknowledging the individual and/or collective influence and commitment of men towards improving law enforcement for women.
Detective Senior Sergeant Edwards has demonstrated unwavering belief, support and commitment in advancing and mentoring female officers and staff within the Sunshine Coast District.
Senior Constable Catherine Nielsen, who was unable to be present at the ceremony, was honoured with the Integrity and Courage Award.
This award acknowledges the personal commitment required to make law enforcement and the community better for everyone, even at personal risk.
Senior Constable Nielsen was recognised for her immense courage, dedication and integrity in dealing with a high pressure and tragic conflict situation last year that claimed the life of her colleague, Senior Constable Brett Forte.
On May 29 2017, Senior Constable Nielsen and Senior Constable Forte were ambushed near Gatton by a heavily armed gunman who fired on the officers, hitting Senior Constable Forte.
Senior Constable Nielsen returned fire to repel the gunman and attempted to save Senior Constable Forte’s life.
Senior Constable Nielsen has since provided support to other officers involved in the incident and continues to serve the Queensland community in operational policing.
Congratulations to our award winners and nominees!
