Mount Isa-based policewoman Renee Hanrahan was among those officers congratulated by Commissioner Ian Stewart for receiving medals and awards at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Brisbane on Wednesday.
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Acting Inspector – Patrol Services Hanrahan was given an Australian Federal Police Operations Medal with an Operation Pleach Clasp.
The medal and clasp is an internal Australian Federal Police award afforded to all those who took part or supported the whole-of-government operation initiated in June 2007 to assist the Northern Territory Police in the protection of children in remote indigenous communities from sexual and other abuse.
This award was presented to eight QPS officers including Inspector Hanrahan who was there with her proud daughter.
The 2007 Northern Territory intervention was an initiative of the then John Howard-led federal government.
More properly called the Northern Territory National Emergency Response was a package of changes to welfare provision, law enforcement, land tenure and other measures to address allegations of rampant child sexual abuse and neglect in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.
A. Inspector Hanrahan said she was was deployed to the small community of Yarralin, also known as Walangeri, around 400km south-west of Katherine during the Intervention.
“It was a wonderful experience, not without its’ challenges but that is what made it so rewarding,” A. Insp Hanrahan.
She was one of two Queensland police officers assigned to the operation in Yarralin and she admits they arrived to an initially hostile reception.
“But after a lot of hard work, we were adopted by our community, which was a real privilege,” she said.
“Being in such a small community, of approximately 400 persons, meant you had a much greater sense of the impact of your successes and that was fantastic to see the community benefit.”
Commissioner Stewart said all award recipients were of the highest calibre.
“Everyone presented with an award today shows the professionalism that is a hallmark of the QPS,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“It’s important we also acknowledge family and friends, in front of us, who provide officers the essential support needed to perform our roles every day, who stand alongside all of us during both the challenging and the rewarding times.
“It is the comfort, support and counsel that you provide that gives police officers the strength and confidence required to fulfil their duties, even in the face of adversity.”