By Matthew Sims
Victoria University [VU] has received recognition for delivering its Police Diversity Recruitment Program, winning the Excellence in Community Engagement award at the 2022 Engagement Australia Excellence Awards.
Held on Monday, November 21 in Sydney, the awards acknowledged the most exciting engagement activities undertaken by universities which demonstrate far-reaching impact and innovation in the Australian and New Zealand economy and community.
Run via VU’s Polytechnic vocational education arm, Jobs Victoria established the pilot program in 2018 in conjunction with funding from the state government’s Department of Education.
Over the past four years, VU Polytechnic has helped run eight programs with more than 130 participants across its duration, 70 of which have commenced the recruitment process and 20 of which have been accepted into the Police Academy, while others are currently employed as protective service officers or correction officers.
Victoria University deputy vocational education vice-chancellor Dianne Semmens said the university was “very proud” to receive the award.
“We would like to extend our deep appreciation to Engagement Australia for this honour,” she said.
“We would also like to congratulate the other finalists.”
During the 15-week programs, teachers worked closely with potential recruits from African and refugee backgrounds to help build their skills around language, numeracy, cultural understanding, fitness and swimming, with additional support from a number of different organisations, including Jesuit Social Services, Matchworks and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Ms Semmens said the success of the program was due to the efforts of the participants.
“This award really belongs to the participants who took a bold leap of faith to be part of this innovative program,” she said.
“Our community is all the richer for increased diversity among serving police members.”
Victoria Police Superintendent Mark Porter said the program showed the importance of a diverse police force.
“For the police force to be effective, it must truly reflect all parts of the community which it serves,” he said.
