A former brickie who turned his hand to helping the community has been named this year's NSW Police Employee of the Year.
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Glen Sutherland works as an Aboriginal community liaison officer (ACLO) with Lake Illawarra Police District, based out of Oak Flats.
He has been in the Illawarra since 2015 but has been an ACLO for about 10 years, having previously worked with the Central West Police District out of Orange.
At the NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards, Mr Sutherland was praised for going "above and beyond his normal duties" to support the Aboriginal community and "foster positive relationships between that community and police".
"Through the COVID pandemic, Mr Sutherland was constantly in contact with community members through welfare checks, by phone, email, assisting with food deliveries, as well as promoting vaccination with assistance from the local Aboriginal medical service and University of Wollongong," award night attendees heard.
He was also recognised for partnering with the Illawarra Koori Men's Support Group in December 2020 to establish a weekly program called Fit Together - Koori Youth Aboriginal Kultcha Konnection, which helps Aboriginal youth at risk of harm.
It was noted that Mr Sutherland had built stronger relationships through a mentoring program with primary school students, worked in another program aimed at high school students at risk of suspension, as well as a bush regeneration program and an art initiative.
He has also created cultural designs and artwork in his spare time, including the 2021 Lake Illawarra Commander's Active Citizen Program t-shirts.
Mr Sutherland told the Mercury he was "very shocked" to have received the honour and thanked the Lake Illawarra police for "all the hard work they do", the crime prevention unit, Inspector Aaron Wunderlich and the PCYC.
He said he became an ACLO after working as a bricklayer for about 27 years because his wrists and shoulders "started to wear out a bit", so he looked for something he could do to help community.
A Wiradjuri man, he'd already had experience working with the community, having been involved in volunteer programs such as training boxing at the PCYC.
Mr Sutherland said "every day's different" working as an ACLO: it could involve going to community meetings or workings on programs.
"My job's about building relationships with the Aboriginal community," he said.
He said he worked closely with the crime management unit and the school liaison officer, the youth liaison officer and the crime prevention officer.
The programs he works on include initiatives to tackle domestic violence, address drug and alcohol use, boost employment and engage with school students.
ACLOs were introduced in response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and in his time in the job, Mr Sutherland said he had seen improvement in the relationship between Aboriginal people and police.
"I have seen it change, I have seen it move forward, and I think everybody needs to move forward together," he said.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
