Commissioner Ian Stewart officially launched an artwork for the Queensland Police Service called Look to the Stars at Police HQ today, Queensland Police say.
On the eve of National Reconciliation Week the artwork was produced by Indigenous artist Jenna Lee from Gilimbaa who worked with a specialist reference group from the QPS to inform the artwork.
Commissioner Stewart said the artwork would be used in a myriad of ways to communicate and engage with the community.
"The artwork will adorn polo shirts worn by officers, a vehicle which is destined for Aurukun and even the ceiling of the entrance to police headquarters," Commissioner Stewart said.
The entrance to Police HQ which features the central constellation and nine stars which represent Robert Peel’s principles.
"I personally thank everyone who played a part in the creation of the artwork and I would like to especially pay thanks to the artist, Jenna Lee, who is an inspirational Indigenous woman who undertook this journey with our staff to capture the essence of our story.
"The artwork will invite people to start a conversation and foster and build relationships both within the Queensland Police Service family and with the community in which we serve."
Commissioner Stewart said that the artwork incorporated Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles of policing as stars.
"A core tenant of those principles are that "police are the community, and the community are the police."
The police vehicle which is covered in the artwork will be used in Aurukun.
"Look to the Stars is a turning point in our history. This is the first time that the QPS has taken a unified approach to use an art piece to break down barriers and build relationships across not just Indigenous communities but all of the diverse cultures living in our state."
For more information on the artwork and the story behind it go to looktothestars.mypolice.qld.gov.au.
