In briefs

Southern Metro Region celebrates NAIDOC Week

In July, Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson attended a NAIDOC celebration at Nairm Marr Djambana in Frankston to present the Southern Metro Region NAIDOC Awards.

The event invited Victoria Police employees and members of the community to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

After a smoking ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country, attendees heard from Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) Stewart Taylor, Southern Metro Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Therese Fitzgerald and Bunurong man David Tournier who performed a Welcome to Country.

Then came a cultural dance from local Aboriginal performers Bandok Tati, one of the highlights for many.

“It provided both employees and members of the community with valuable insight into local Aboriginal culture,” Priorities and Safer Communities Commander Lisa Hardeman said.

Following the performance, Bunurong elder Aunty Elaine Taylor and A/AC Fitzgerald presented the awards.

They were presented to eight individuals and the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place. Sen Sgt Alan Dew, A/Det Sgt Robbie Colcott, A/Sgt Kim Gammon and ACLO Stewart Taylor were presented with awards for going above and beyond to enhance the relationship between Victoria Police and the Aboriginal community, while four students completing Indigenous School Based Traineeships received awards for their outstanding attitude and leadership.

Superintendent recognised for dedication to firearm safety

Earlier this year, Crime Command Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham was recognised by Crime Stoppers Victoria for his work on a national campaign to help get illegal guns off the streets.

At a special event in May, Det Supt Brigham was awarded the Crime Stoppers Victoria S.I. Mick Miller Award for his continued work and contribution to the National Illegal Firearms Campaign, which is designed to remove illegal guns from the community through education and awareness of dangers posed by them.

Crime Stoppers chief executive Stella Smith said Det Supt Brigham’s expertise in the area was invaluable to the campaign team’s understanding of the impact illegal guns have in the community.

“This project has led to the surrender of tens of thousands of guns, each one now unable to fall into the hands of criminals,” Ms Smith said.

“It has been a great example of Peter’s leadership and understanding of how to collaborate with Crime Stoppers to achieve community safety outcomes.”

DC Wendy Steendam presented Det Supt Peter Brigham with the award.

Supplied

Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam presented Det Supt Brigham with the award.

The Crime Stoppers Victoria S.I. Mick Miller Award is in honour of former Chief Commissioner Mick Miller, who was a staunch supporter of Crime Stoppers and remained an advocate for the organisation throughout his lifetime.

Safe spaces for safe swaps

Special zones have been set up outside police stations in Melbourne’s northeast for buyers and sellers to safely exchange items bought online.

In a trial that started in July, the zones have been established outside 24-hour police stations in the area with good CCTV coverage.

Victoria Police has worked with Darebin Council to set up the initiative, which has been popular in the United States for the last few years.

Superintendent Sean Woods said feedback indicates people feel safer meeting at designated sites instead of inviting someone to their home or meeting where there isn’t good lighting or CCTV.

“With so many transactions made via online marketplaces now, this is about ensuring people feel safer when arranging to meet someone they have never met before,” Supt Woods said.

“We still ask that people consider the risks of meeting someone they have never met before – if you decide to proceed with this method then we also advise to take some common sense safety measures such as meeting during daylight hours and taking someone with you.”

The trial will run over several months and will seek to establish whether the signs improve community safety and whether there are benefits in establishing more safer sites elsewhere.

Participating police stations include:

• Eltham Police Station

• Epping Police Station

• Greensborough Police Station

• Heidelberg Police Station

• Mernda Police Station

• Mill Park Police Station

• Northcote Police Station

• Preston Police Station

• Reservoir Police Station