Dedication … Brimbank Police Inspector Michael Grainger and Constable Daniela Jurjevic won multicultural awards from the Victorian Government. 54940.Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Belinda Nolan
POLICING a multicultural community may be a challenge for some but for Michael Grainger, it is one of his greatest passions.
The Brimbank police inspector has made it his mission to promote understanding between police and the municipality’s thriving ethnic community, since arriving at the Sunshine Police Station in July last year.
The top cop’s dedication was recently recognised when he was singled out for praise during the State Government’s annual Multicultural Awards For Excellence.
Insp Grainger and fellow Sunshine police officer Constable Daniela Jurjevic received prestigious Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards during a gala ceremony at Government House in September.
Brimbank’s inspector was awarded the Police Multicultural Award, while Const Jurjevic received the Probationary Constable’s Award.
Insp Grainger was nominated by members of the Newport Islamic Society for his work in setting up inter-faith committees and multicultural and youth liaison networks.
“It was a real surprise but quite an honour to be recognised,” Insp Grainger said.
“I do what I do because I think it’s the right thing and winning an award is just an added bonus.”
Insp Grainger said working with a multicultural community was one of the biggest challenges for police officers, with new arrivals often reluctant to turn to police due to negative perceptions of police in their own country.
“It can be very hard to overcome the stereotypes but it’s something we’re constantly working on and I think these awards are a reflection of our efforts,” Insp. Grainger said.
