Community Engagement Events

Overview

Victoria has been enriched by people from all over the world. Victoria Police's Community Engagement Events provide an environment where police and members of Victoria's culturally diverse communities can get together to learn more about each other.

Coming together in this context helps to allay fears that some members of the community may hold about police, often due to negative experiences they may previously have had with police and other military/government agencies.

The events focus on multicultural communities and significant community events. Recent dinners included the New and Emerging Communities Reception, Jewish Community Dinner, Iftar Dinner and the Multi-faith Reception.

While each event is unique, the format includes an acknowledgement of the Traditional Aboriginal Community and speeches by Police including the Chief Commissioner of Police and/or the Commander of the Operations Coordination Department. The program also includes key note speakers from the relevant community.

Catering accommodates the religious and dietary requirements of the guests such as Halal or Kosher food, and the events are alcohol free.

The Islamic and Jewish events included deference to the appropriate prayers and ceremonies relevant to their religious calendars. Because the Victoria Police Islamic Dinner was held during Ramadan, it was centered on the Iftar ceremony. This included a Call to Prayer, a reading from the Holy Koran, as well as the provision of a Prayer Room. 

The Jewish functions followed a theme that has relevance to both the community and Police. For example, the 2009 event had, 'Melbourne Yiddish Culture' as its theme. 

The Victoria Police Multi-faith event was designed to bring together representatives of many groups in an atmosphere of community and shared respect. This function compliments the work of the Victoria Police Multi-faith Council. 

The Victoria Police New and Emerging Communities Reception was designed to foster a greater understanding between Victoria Police and the state’s new and emerging communities. Victoria Police is aware of the many sensitive issues facing recently arrived communities, most of whom have been refugees before settling in Australia.

What are the aims of the project?

These events are a meaningful way of expressing the Victoria Police's respect for diversity and increasing understanding of the diverse communities living in Victoria. This in turn improves Victoria Police's ability to provide a better policing service that reflects and respects the needs of the community.

What was involved in the staging of these events?

Each function is coordinated by the Victoria Police Multicultural Advisory Unit. Key religious and community leaders are consulted in the planning to ensure that relevance, meaning, and cultural respect are emphasised at each event.

Who participated?

Around 150–350 guests attend each event. The guest list is put together in a way that fosters positive relationship building, information sharing, and constructive dialogue.

There is around 70 per cent community members and 30 per cent Police at each event, mainly operational members.

The Community Engagement events attract a diverse number of people from many cultural and religious groups in Victoria.

What were the outcomes?

The functions have resulted in positive relationship building between Victoria’s multicultural community and Victoria Police. They have helped to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions about each other.

Where can I get more information?

Further information on this project is available.

Multicultural Advisory Unit
Victoria Police
Email: multicultural.advisory.office@police.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 9247 5233