In recognition of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll for a flag raising ceremony at Police Headquarters this morning.
In 2019, NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across the country from July 7, to July 14, and this year’s theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth.
The theme is a nod to 2019 being the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages and recognises the importance of Australians’ Indigenous voice and knowledge being heard.
Following the flags being raised by Commissioner Carroll, Senior Constable Carleen Armour, Minister Ryan and former Sergeant Stephen Tillett, a breakfast was held where Aunty Peggy Tiddyman gave her keynote address.
Commissioner Carroll said today’s flag raising ceremony was an opportunity for members of the QPS to come together to share in a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“Our flag raisers today; Senior Constable Armour, a proud Kamilaroi woman and former Sergeant Stephen Tillett, a proud Torres Strait Islander descendent, have made significant contributions to their communities and we are grateful to have them here with us,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“It is through strong leadership and the cooperative effort of people like our flag raisers, and others with a passion for community engagement, that the relationship between the QPS and the community, continues to thrive.
“We are determined to use experience and relationships with the community to find long term, sustainable solutions to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantages.
“We will continue to work with the community to progress strategic goals, including the continuation of our recruitment and engagement strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
