Queensland Police Service's youngest Police Liaison Officer, Chantelle Walmbeng, has been acknowledged for her work in a Far North Queensland Indigenous community.
Ms Walmbeng was recently awarded Young Citizen of the Year, recognising her contribution to the remote Indigenous community and her role as a youth leader and mentor at PCYC Aurukun.
The 19-year-old was honoured with the award at last month's Aurukun Shire Council awards.
Aurukun PCYC Sergeant Melissa Gilbert said Ms Walmbeng was a deserving recipient and an inspiration to the local Aurukun community.
"Chantelle has been coming to PCYC Aurukun since she was a girl and it's been a pleasure to see her dedication and commitment to the community flourish over the years," Sergeant Gilbert said.
"She plays a pivotal role in the PCYC's Kang Kang youth leadership team and continually puts her community first by taking an active role within local events."
The remote community about 800 kilometres northwest of Cairns has a population of 1200.
Sergeant Gilbert said Police Liaison Officers play an important role in their communities, maintaining a positive rapport between First Nation people and the Queensland Police Service in communities such as Aurukun.
"They advise and educate police officers on culture and cultural issues, reduce and prevent crime and help improve community knowledge of law-and-order issues and policing services," she said.
Sergeant Gilbert said Ms Walmbeng has excelled in her role in reducing domestic violence and reducing communication barriers experiences Aurukun's population.
"Since Chantelle became a PLO, she has taken her newfound responsibility in her stride and advocated to reduce domestic violence at the Say No to Domestic and Family Violence Conference in Cairns last month.
"Wik Mungkan is the first language of First Nations people in the Aurukun community, so Chantelle also assists with communicating with young people in Wik Mungkan and breaking down barriers.
"I commend her for being such a great role model for the youth of Aurukun and look forward to seeing her future achievements."
