By Candice Boyle
A PROGRAM designed to help bridge the gap between Aborigines in the West and law enforcement has earned recognition for the program’s co-ordinator.
Footscray Police Acting Inspector Bill Weatherly was one of nine Victorian officers to receive an Aboriginal Justice Award at Parliament House earlier this month.
The awards are an initiative of the Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) to recognise police officers’ effort to improve justice for the Aboriginal community.
The “Walk in their Shoes” program, coordinated by Insp Weatherly, was a statewide first and gave Aboriginal communities the opportunity to spend a week at Footscray police station and experience police work first hand.
Inspector Ian Gedde, manager of the Victoria Police Aboriginal advisory unit, said the awards were a reflection of the Koori community’s appreciation of the programs.
“It is very pleasing to see the officers receiving these much deserved awards today and we look forward to continue to strengthening relations with the Koori community,” he said.
Insp Weatherly’s award also recognised his role as the Victoria Police Aboriginal liaison officer for the Footscray area and his role as a key member of the Westgate Aboriginal police liaison committee.
As part of his roles, Insp Weatherly commissioned Aboriginal artists to design artwork for the foyer of Footscray Police station.
The artwork recognises the way Aboriginal people and police can work together towards reconciliation.
