By Casey Neill
Lilydale police hosted a belated NAIDOC celebration, inspired by three Indigenous teens.
Senior Sergeant Kevin Barrie said Victoria Police partnered with Skillinvest to give three students from Healesville’s Worawa Aboriginal College work experience to earn administration qualifications.
National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week runs each July and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sen Sgt Barrie wanted to hold a ceremony during the week, but the planning took time and the event finally took place at Lilydale Police Station on Tuesday 21 August.
Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place members performed a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony.
They said the lightly-scented white smoke that billowed from gum leaves held in a half-tree stump basket would cleanse the body.
Among the ceremony participants were Worawa students Kyema, 15, and Rochelle, 17.
Rochelle has been working at Mooroolbark Police Station in recent months, and Kyema at Lilydale.
“I do a lot of paperwork, filing and mail,” Kyema said.
“I’ve learnt how to communicate in the workplace.
“I’ve learnt about computer skills and data.”
She said the internship would earn her a certificate three in business.
“Also to get to know more about what the police force does for the community,” she said.
“It’s a different perspective.”
Kyema said the ceremony was “a bit special”.
“They’re really recognising our culture,” she said.
“It’s really nice and generous.”
Rochelle wants to become a police officer, like her uncle.
“There aren’t many Aboriginal police,” she said.
“My grandfather is really proud of me for getting the traineeship at Mooroolbark.
“I would be proud of myself of keeping the community safe.
“I would enjoy protecting people.”
She’s enjoyed the insight into police life the internship has afforded her.
“I didn’t know the police officers. All I thought of them as was really scary and tough,” she said.
“They’re really friendly.”
