Connecting through culture

Editorial: Lane Mihaljevic

Photography: Danielle Ford and supplied

Just three years since its launch, the Victoria Police African Employee Network (VICPOLAEN) is making strides in the diversity and inclusion space.

In that time, it has quickly become a significant part of Victoria Police’s commitment to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Moreland Crime Investigation Unit’s Tactical Intelligence Officer Senior Constable Arsène Juste Bounda, Chair of the Network, said VICPOLAEN is shaping the force’s relationship with the African-Australian community by simply being present.

“The benefits of the network are two-fold,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“It provides a safe platform for employees of African background to connect and share

experiences, while strengthening the relationship between Victoria Police and the state’s African communities.”

But it’s Sen Const Bounda’s life experience that really sheds light on the importance of the network.

“I was born in the Congo-Brazzaville and arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2004,” he said.

“I joined the force in 2015 because I knew I wanted to be a police officer, but I didn’t know of any members with African background.

“I was pretty much on my own.”

Despite his passion for policing, Sen Const Bounda recalls feeling “a little bit lost”.

That was until he read a Police Life story celebrating the achievements of an African- Australian employee.

“It was an inspiration for me,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“I had never seen another employee of African heritage wearing the Victoria Police uniform, let alone recognised in print.”

He was thankful that he had found someone he could turn to.

But today, African-Australian employees can turn to an entire network.

VICPOLAEN consists of police officers, Protective Services Officers, Protective Custody Officers and Victorian Public Service employees.

“It’s all about providing African employees with the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“Peers of different ranks, managers, even members of Victoria Police Executive Command.

“The goal is to build up their confidence so that they can advance their careers.”

Thanks to the dedicated individuals who devote their time to operating the network, members now have the opportunity to take part in the VICPOLAEN Mentoring Program.

“The program is scheduled to commence in May, so it’s still in its growth phase,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“But we’ve received nothing but positive feedback and encouragement so far.”

The program aims to support African-Australian employees in setting and progressing their professional goals by providing them with the opportunity to tap into the experiences of senior staff members.

“It’s so great to be receiving expressions of interest from employees of all different ranks and cultural backgrounds,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“From constables looking to take part as mentees, to members of Victoria Police Executive Command who would like to mentor.

“The diversity is just so fantastic to see.”

During the official launch of the program in December 2021, Sen Const Bounda and Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and Security Ross Guenther also unveiled the VICPOLAEN banner.

Green, pink, yellow and blue in colour, its design is representative of the fabrics that both African women and men wear proudly.

Members of VICPOLAEN gather to celebrate the launch of the network's mentoring program.

Soon to be on permanent display at the Victoria Police Academy, the banner will act as an important visual reminder of the network’s presence.

“It will be a key part of ensuring that recruits know about VICPOLAEN and feel comfortable being at a Victoria Police workplace from the onset,” Sen Const Bounda said.

DC Ross Guenther couldn’t agree more.

“Pursuing a policing career is challenging within itself, but more so for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” DC Guenther said.

“So we hope that the presence of the network’s banner at the Victoria Police Academy will remind African-Australian recruits that support is available.”

Having seen the impact of VICPOLAEN through his role as executive sponsor, DC Guenther is a big believer in the network’s value to Victoria Police employees and African-Australian communities.

“VICPOLAEN is providing our African-Australian employees with the guidance they need to take the next step in their careers with Victoria Police,” he said.

“It’s also providing us with the opportunity to better understand African culture and specific challenges faced by African-Australians.”

Excited to see what VICPOLAEN’s future holds, Sen Const Bounda is especially grateful for the network’s support team.

“I’d like to say a big thankyou to everyone involved,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“The network wouldn’t be where it is today without our executive sponsor Deputy Commissioner Ross Guenther, champion Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, the Victoria Police Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Unit, Airlie Leadership Development Centre, the African Employee Network Council and every member that has joined VICPOLAEN since launch.

“Let’s continue to create a sense of belonging and community for African- Australians, both within the force and outside of it.”