Port Stephens Hunter Police District fly Aboriginal flag at three stations in support of improving relationships with Indigenous Communities Port Stephens Port Stephens News Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Tomago by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 12, 2021 1. Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM, Maurice Perry, ACLO Dean French, A/Supt Kylie Phillips, A/Asst Commissioner Chad Gillies. PORT Stephens Hunter Police District have set the precedent for all regional NSW Police Districts by joining only fifteen other Police stations in flying the Aboriginal flag. On 4 May 2021, Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Nelson Bay Police stations joined the list. The raising of the flag is part of the New South Wales Police forces efforts to improve relationships with Indigenous and First Nations communities, acknowledging the rich and important Indigenous history, whilst looking towards the future. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Raymond Terrace Police Station hosted the traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome To Country conducted by Maurice Perry to raise the flag. Currently there are only fifteen other stations across NSW flying the Aboriginal flag including Armidale, Albury, Batemans Bay, Broken Hill, Condobolin, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Gosford, Griffith, Gunnedah, Moree, Nowra, Oak Flats, Tweed Heads and Wilcannia however, many want to see the flag flying at every station in the state. Regional new South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said, “We know that this is the right thing to do and we know how it brings Aboriginal People and the police together, which is what we need for a good outcome for local communities.” “Just because we raised the flag doesn’t mean the conversation stops. “It doesn’t mean we stop helping each other and talking about some of the issues and problems. “We need to leave a legacy for police and make all our police understand the history, but more importantly how they can impact on communities,” said Mr Worboys. The goal is for all 24 hour stations in NSW to fly the flag, but some stations are not able to participate due to logistical issues. Joe Cassar, Assistant Commissioner and Corporate Sponsor for Aboriginal Engagement added, “We have established a process within NSW Police Force that ensures Aboriginal engagement has a coordinated focus and that officers are held accountable at all levels to implement Aboriginal Policy. “We look forward to furthering our collaborative partnerships with the Aboriginal Community and service providers.” By Tara CAMPBELL 2. ACLO Dean French, Sgt Kevin Armstrong, Insp Kristin Marshall raising the Aboriginal, State and Australian Flags.
