Haul truck operator receives police excellence award

Pictured: Rebecca Johnson receives the Queensland Police Service Award for Excellence from Metropolitan North Region acting assistant commissioner Les Hopkins.

Clermont Mine haul truck operator Rebecca Johnson has received a Queensland Police Service Award for Excellence at a ceremony in Brisbane.

The former Senior Police Liaison Officer developed and initiated the start of Indigenous Elders Police Patrol, a programme to reduce minor drug and alcohol related offences in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.

The Indigenous Elders Police Patrol programme received the silver award in the Problem Oriented and Partnership Policing category of the Awards for Excellence.

"I'm really proud of Indigenous Elders Police Patrol, which is a true partnership between the Brisbane Board of Elders, Goori House drug and alcohol referral programme, and the Queensland Police Service," said Ms Johnson

"Elders go out on patrol with police and liaison officers, so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have familiar faces to deal with.

"The patrols provide education about minor offences and diversion into drug and alcohol programmes.

"Since they started in 2008, the patrols have led to a decrease in complaints in the areas targeted.

"They have also built a more positive understanding for both police officers and the indigenous community."

Ms Johnson started work at Clermont Mine in May this year.

"I needed a new challenge and wanted to work outside, so working at a mine is perfect," said Ms Johnson.

"While driving a haul truck is completely different to working as a police liaison officer, I've found teamwork and communication are still the keys to success.

"Rio Tinto has a commitment to working with indigenous communities, and I hope there may even be a chance for me to help with projects in my new job."

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