Muslim Women and Youth Day

Overview

This innovative initiative has given Muslim women and young people the chance to develop stronger ties with members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

What were the aims of the project?

This initiative aimed to build positive relationships between police and the Muslim community. It was developed by QPS’s Cross Cultural Liaison Officers and Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) from the Metropolitan North and South Regions, in cooperation with the Islamic Women’s Association of QLD.

What was involved?

An exciting day of activities was held at the Bushland Activities Centre in Redland Bay in January 2009. Approximately 30 Muslim women and youth, one police officer and seven PLOs from various cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal, Samoan, Tongan and Bosnian, attended the event.

Police started the day by speaking to the group about their role and the role of the PLOs. They shared personal stories about the experiences they had encountered as part of their jobs. This 'broke the ice' and participants were able to relax and see beyond the uniforms.

Participants then broke into small groups to create informal 'yarning circles' with QPS members. The groups provided a relaxed environment for talking and many people also shared stories about their experiences and journeys to Australia.

The group also had the opportunity to learn about the supplying of breath tests on an 'alcometer'. This activity helped people understand that Australian Law requires everyone to provide these tests, irrespective of gender or faith. In the end, participants turned this into a fun activity.

Other activities of the day included kayaking, abseiling and bushwalking. Some of the participants also listened to stories from female Aboriginal elders who were also visiting the centre.

Funding for this event was provided by the Australian Human Rights Commission (formerly the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission) and the Australian Multicultural Foundation under the Community Policing Partnership Project.

What were the outcomes?

While they were initially wary of the QPS, by the end of the day members developed a positive relationship of trust with the police and PLOs. They also gained a better understanding of the role of the QPS.

Ongoing relationships have been forged with some of the participants. It is anticipated that these activities will be held annually.

Where can I get more information?

Police Liaison Officer Sabrina Hadzic
Metropolitan South Region
QLD Police Service
Telephone: 07 3364 3200
Email: Hadzic.Sabrina@police.qld.gov.au 

Sergeant Cherie Crane
Metropolitan North Regional Cross Cultural Liaison Officer
Queensland Police Service
Telephone: 07 3354 5054
Email: Crane.CherieR@police.qld.gov.au

Ms Galila Abdelsalam
Director
Islamic Womens Association of QLD
Telephone: 07 3208 6333
Email: Galila.a@iwaq.org.au

See also: Community Policing Partnership Project