ACWAP Awards 2011
The 13th Annual Excellence in Policing Awards were presented on 23 August 2011 at the Seventh Australasian Women and Policing Conference in Hobart.
Audrey Fagan Memorial Award
Deputy Commissioner General Un Sokunthea, Cambodian National Police
Lieutenant General Un Sokunthea, is the first female Deputy Commissioner General of the Cambodian National Police. She is a natural born leader and mentor, guided by her passion to make the workplace better for all female officers in the CNP. She is known for her charismatic ability to persuade organisation and government leaders to adopt gender equality strategies to enhance capacity development opportunities for women.
Bev Lawson Memorial Award
Sergeant Jodie Pearson, Western Australia Police
Sergeant Jodie Pearson has excelled in her role and is highly regarded as Bomb Technician at the WA Police Tactical Response Group Bomb Response Unit. Sergeant Pearson is widely recognised as one of the most senior and proficient Bomb Technicians in the Australian Bomb Response capability. The Cairns Convention Centre donated a prize for the 2011 Bev Lawson Memorial Award)
Hellweg – Bravery Award
Samantha Barlow, NSW Police
On 13 May 2009 Sergeant Samantha Barlow was viciously assaulted and left with critical injuries after being attacked as she walked to work at Kings Cross Police Station. Given little hope of surviving Sergeant Barlow has proven herself not only strong and courageous, but an inspiration and an example of single minded bravery.
Hellweg – Bravery Award
Highly Commended
Chloe Beattie, Queensland Police Service
With less than two years police service Constable Beattie was on her own and isolated when the second inland tsunami thundered down the Toowoomba range, destroying lives and communities. Displaying bravery, composure and innovation belying her years Constable Beattie performed above and beyond the call of duty during this time of crisis.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security Excellence in Policing in the Asia Pacific Region
Sexual Offences Interagency Working Group
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Papua New Guinea Office of the Public Prosecutor, and the Papua New Guinea Department of Health.
The Sexual Offences Interagency Working Group have enhanced Government responses to victims of sexual assault through improving and promoting increased interagency cooperation and coordination of services for victims in Papua New Guinea.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security Excellence in Policing in the Asia Pacific Region
Highly Commended
Mary Sandy, Vanuatu Police
Sergeant Mary Sandy is the mother of six children and an instructor at the Vanuatu Policing Training College. She displays exceptional leadership, vision and motivation in promoting the cause of women in the VPC and is an inspiration to many.
Excellence in Policing for Women Initiative
Mark Whitnall, Queensland Police Service
Senior Sergeant Mark Whitnall’s 25 years of policing have been dedicated to building safer communities. As a senior offi cer and President of the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service he has made a significant difference in Far North Queensland towards the response to victims of domestic and family violence.
Excellence in Policing for Women Initiative
Highly Commended
Peta Kneen and Ves Kandas, NSW Police
In an attempt to divert young women from the justice system., these two constables have committed considerable time and eff ort into implementing the innovative and successful Iluka Program. They have not only changed these young women but have managed to change the minds and hearts of fellow male and female police officers in how they deal with at-risk aboriginal youths.
Australasian Institute of Policing – Excellence in Research on Improving Policing for Women
Ms Sheena Fleming, Griffith University
Sheena Fleming produced a first class honours dissertation on the topic of recruitment and retention of Indigenous women police that made valuable practical findings about how to improve the representation and integration of Indigenous women in police work and to improve their contribution to general and Indigenous communities.
Countrywide Austral Media – Most Outstanding Female Investigator
Karyn Murphy, Queensland Police Service
Detective Acting Inspector Karyn Murphy is a dedicated, motivated, inspirational, passionate and honest leader who empowers and inspires all she comes in contact with. As the first female to lead the QPS Armed Holdup Unit she has been at the forefront of change and improvement, enhancing the profile and professionalism of women in policing.
Countrywide Austral Media – Most Outstanding Female Investigator
Highly Commended
Sharon Rhodes, NSW Police
Detective Senior Constable Sharon Rhodes was inspirational in her leadership, guidance and professionalism
during the homicide investigation of baby Tegan Lane and the subsequent conviction of Keli Lane. Her
commitment to the investigation established her as a role model to many.
Australian Football League – Most Outstanding Female Leader
Gillian Wilson, Victoria Police
In the aftermath of the February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires Acting Superintendent Gillian Wilson was appointed to co-ordinate the systems, intelligence and police response to the Royal Commission; a position of national relevance for which she has been widely recognized for her commitment, innovation, performance, leadership and outstanding results.
Australian Football League – Most Outstanding Female Leader
Highly Commended
Melanie Franklin, Tasmania Police
As patrol officer and negotiator Senior Constable Melanie Franklin is a leader not only to female officers of Tasmania Police but to all members of the service. She is a patient, determined, easy-going and professional leader whose dedication and integrity is highly regarded by her peers and supervisors.
Countrywide Austral – Most Outstanding Female Practitioner
Audrey Jones, Victoria Police
Senior Constable Audrey Jones has manages the Maroondah Police Seniors Register, of which large proportions of are registrants are women. She is professional and highly capable, displaying empathy, sensitivity, initiative and a determination to increase the availability and delivery of policing services to elderly citizens.
Countrywide Austral – Most Outstanding Female Practitioner
Highly Commended
Melissa Thomas, Tasmania Police
Constable Mel Thomas is a pioneering expert practitioner of restorative justice in Tasmania, who has tirelessly and passionately promoted ‘youth early intervention’ for 11 years. She is sought out by Detectives, uniform police, youths, parents and many other stakeholders to provide assistance and expertise.
Most Outstanding Female Administrator
Virginia Nelson, Queensland Police Service
Inspector Virginia Nelson is an exceptional administrator with a wealth of policing experience and is an inspiration to her fellow workers and the community at large. Her skills are strengthened by her professionalism, interpersonal and management skills as well as a strong commitment to mentoring and developing others.