Sergeant Jim Bellos, Queensland Police Service

Growing up in one of the most diverse suburbs in Brisbane gave Sergeant Jim Bellos a life-long passion for working with multicultural communities.

After serving in the police service for 14 years, Sergeant Bellos was promoted to the position as Metropolitan South Region Cross Cultural Liaison Officer (CCLO) in 2005. Four years later, he was named the 2009 Queenslander of the Year.

"To be recognised with such an honourable title is a huge recognition for Queensland Police," Sergeant Bellos said.

The award is also recognition of all the hard work and commitment Sergeant Bellos shows in his work, being available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week for any issues that arise.

"I am very passionate and dedicated to my role. Who would have ever thought a police officer in a suburban area of Brisbane could be nominated for such a prestigious award?"

Having good communication skills and a passion for helping people is what led Sergeant Bellos to working as a CCLO.

"I grew up in the heart of West End, and for years had been refereeing football tournaments in the multicultural community.

"I was approached by a member of the service who let me know that the position was advertised and it required someone who enjoys working with the public who loves talking to people."

The work has taken Sergent Bellos on a very interesting journey involving a wide range of projects and initiatives.

"Everything from organising multi-faith dinners with up to 50 different faiths, to projects involving disadvantaged kids, and information sessions for newly-arrived emerging communities."

Sergeant Bellos said the most rewarding part of this work is the community contacts he works with on a daily basis from his office in Upper Mount Gravatt.

"Our region is the most multicultural area in Queensland. We have around 200 communities from all over the world in this region who practice 100 faiths and speak up to 150 different languages."

If he had not become a CCLO, Sergent Bellos said he would never have had the opportunity to contribute to important issues such as community harmony and education.

"For example we helped educate the local community about the issues of Sudanese. There was a perception the groups were going to cause problems, but in reality these people just enjoyed hanging around together. It is a cultural thing."

Sergeant Bellos encourages other police officers to consider becoming CCLOs.

"It is so important to talk to the community, identify issues and make sure those issues are addressed. If not, you can end up having serious problems in these communities."

Further information is available.
See: Queensland Police Service > Cross Cultural Liaison Officers