An elder who has worked to support Aboriginal people for more than 50 years, a high school student who co-founded an empowering dance group and a sporting club that's become a hub for the community are being honoured this NAIDOC Week.
The Chief Commissioner's NAIDOC Awards - which recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to enhance the relationship between Victoria Police and the Aboriginal community - were today presented at the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury.
Award recipients were named across six categories.
Uncle Graham Bootsie Thorpe, receiving the Elder Award, has dedicated his life to supporting the community. A proud Gunai Elder, he is especially well known in Melbourne's northern suburbs having worked to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, joining the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in 1977 Uncle Bootsie Thorpe's efforts have extended to volunteering with young Aboriginal people, providing advice and guidance as they navigate life's challenges while maintaining a connection to Aboriginal culture. He also volunteers at Preston-based Aboriginal family violence service Dardi Munwurro to help break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and is a strong advocate for the ability of sport and culture to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Shianne Bamblett, recognised with the Youth Award, volunteers to help young Aboriginal people through dance and sport. The year 12 student with a friend in 2023 formed an Aboriginal dance group, last year teaching cultural dance to the younger girls who later showcased their skills to family and friends.
A keen sportswoman, Shianne volunteers as a youth basketball and netball coach, also playing in a local representative netball team. Shianne has represented Victoria's inaugural First Nations netball team on multiple occasions and played with the Budgies, Australia's national First Nations side. A proud Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Gunditjmara and Warlpiri woman, Shianne hopes to play netball professionally while continuing to work with children in her community.
The Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club has taken out this year's Aboriginal Sporting Group Award.
Founded in the 1960s and re-established in 2008, the club celebrates sport to foster social, cultural and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people. Transcending sport, it's become a hub for the entire community, providing intangible social "glue" for wellbeing, safety and respect. More than 5000 Aboriginal community members typically attend the Stars' home games while more than 800 young Aboriginal people attended last year's NAIDOC Children's Day. Located within the largest population of Aboriginal people in metropolitan Melbourne, the Stars are an integral part of the Northern Football Netball League, acting as a vehicle for practical reconciliation through positive community engagement.
The Northern Metropolitan Aboriginal Community Justice Panel is recipient of the Aboriginal Organisation Award. The volunteer-based organisation works with police and other agencies to minimise Aboriginal people's contact with the criminal justice system. This includes liaising with legal and welfare organisations and assisting police in assuring the safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody. The panel works closely with local Victoria Police custody centres and engages with local police to build better relationships and help educate them about their legal requirements and cultural issues impacting the Aboriginal community. It's among 12 Aboriginal Community Justice Panels set up after the 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Jo-Ann Proctor is a leader in the provision of services to victim-survivors of family violence. As manager of the Women's Healing Journey program at specialist Aboriginal family violence service Dardi Munwurro, the Community Member Award recipient has built strong relationships with local police and is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for Aboriginal people. This includes sharing information and cultural knowledge to assist responses to family violence. Ms Proctor also provided Victoria Police with crucial insights in a role overseeing an area of Melbourne where the decriminalisation of public drunkenness was piloted. Humble, respectful and a quiet achiever, her dedication has broken down barriers in the spirit of reconciliation between the Aboriginal community and police.
Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer Metiria Bell, honoured with the Victoria Police Employee Award, has demonstrated not only professionalism and integrity but a deep and unwavering commitment to building trust with the Aboriginal community. This has included fostering genuine partnerships between Victoria Police and Aboriginal elders, youth and families through cultural engagement, restorative programs and proactive support services. Her work has been instrumental not only in improving police relations with the Aboriginal community but in reducing conflict, promoting cultural understanding and supporting at-risk young people. First Constable Bell is known for her warmth, empathy and respect for Aboriginal culture and traditions. She supports The Long Walk involving Essendon football legend Michael Long and helped organise a recent community basketball game between the Victoria Police Ballers and Koorie Academy All Stars.
Quotes attributable to Supt Timothy Cron, Victoria Police North West Metro Region:
"Whether it's helping survivors of family violence, furthering opportunities for young people or building stronger relationships with police, each of these award recipients have gone above and beyond for the Aboriginal community.
"They are dedicated, they are passionate and they go about their work with quiet purpose.
"This NAIDOC Week we are proud to stand with the Aboriginal community to recognise their incredible efforts.
"So too do we celebrate the history, culture and achievements of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
