SAPOL is proud to recognise two of its members who have won a NAIDOC award this year.
Officer in Charge, Far North Local Service Area Superintendent Paul Roberts and Crime Prevention Officer in Whyalla, Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Monique Anderson have each been honoured with awards during NAIDOC Week in recognition of their significant contributions to local communities.
Superintendent Paul Roberts
Superintendent Paul Roberts has received the Unsung Hero Award as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations following nomination for the award by the Port Augusta NAIDOC Committee. He was recognised for his considerable contribution to the COVID-19 response, particularly his work with the Remote and Vulnerable Communities Zone Emergency Management Group which aimed to support all Aboriginal and vulnerable communities across the state.
Throughout the pandemic he tirelessly engaged with Aboriginal communities, speaking at numerous community meetings and interacting with elders individually or in small groups, helping to break down barriers and gain the communities' confidence.
Superintendent Roberts' award win is significant as it is the first time a non-Aboriginal police officer has been awarded a NAIDOC Award in South Australia.
The Unsung Hero Award is given to an Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal person who gives their time, talent, and energy unselfishly, making substantive yet unrecognised contributions to their community.
This award highlights the high esteem in which Superintendent Roberts is held by Aboriginal communities across South Australia and underline his reputation as a trusted advisor on Aboriginal culture and relationships.
SC1C Monique Anderson
SC1C Monique Anderson and Indigenous officer is the proud recipient of a Community Role Model award and was presented this award by the Whyalla NAIDOC Committee. She has been a part of the Whyalla community for a number of years, participating on committees and working with many agencies on a variety of programs. She is renowned for pulling everyone together for a common cause.
SC1C Anderson goes above and beyond within her role, working many hours to provide opportunities to local youth. This includes keeping them busy over the school holidays and developing programs that support those young people who are most at risk. She has an understanding, approachable nature that makes it easy for youth to connect with her.
The popular officer gives back to the community by being an active volunteer on camps and sports carnivals. She is passionate about sharing cultural knowledge through her paintings and bush medicine.
Superintendent Paul Bahr, Officer in Charge of Eyre and Western Local Service Area believes the NAIDOC award is worthy recognition for SC1C Anderson's tireless efforts which are much appreciated by the Whyalla community.
"Monique has been an outstanding community police officer who has bought the Whyalla community and police closer together," Superintendent Bahr said.
"Monique's efforts in working with various programs that engage both indigenous and other youth in the Whyalla area have had a positive impact on the policing environment and the levels of criminal offending being witnessed."
Image above: Superintendent Paul Roberts
Image above: SC1C Monique Anderson
