Noongar-Wongi man and respected police officer, Superintendent Geoff Regan APM, has been recognised with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2025 NAIDOC Perth Awards.

Superintendent Regan is one of Australia's most experienced Indigenous police officers and currently serves as the Aide-de-Camp to the Western Australian Governor, Chris Dawson—the first Aboriginal person to ever work in this role at Government House.

He described the position as both an "honour and a privilege".

When first offered the prestigious role, Superintendent Regan said he knew he had to approach it the right way.

"So, I took it to the old people and got their permission," he told the ABC.

"Because, if they said no, well, I didn't go. But they came back and said yes."

Growing up in Armadale, WA, Superintendent Regan initially dreamed of a football career and even joined Port Adelaide in the SANFL. However after a serious injury ended his sporting aspirations, he joined the WA Police Force in 1992.

Superintendent Regan said he had originally considered joining the army, although his mother wanted him to be a teacher.

He said his decision to become a police officer was difficult for some family members, due to their experiences with racism and police mistreatment. His mother had experienced racism from officers, and his grandmother—who was removed from Country by police—never fully recovered from her trauma.

"We didn't speak for a period of time," Superintendent Regan said. "It wasn't really up until she passed that she told me that she loved me and was proud of what I've done."

Reflecting on his early career in the force, he recalled facing discrimination firsthand.

"I wasn't allowed to use the same fridge as non-Indigenous people," he said.

Despite this, Superintendent Regan said he leaned on the strength and values passed down through his family to push forward.

His contributions to improving policing for Aboriginal communities have been extensive. As Acting Superintendent of Aboriginal Affairs, he helped create the Aboriginal Affairs Division to support Indigenous officers and improve community relationships.

He also organised the inaugural Danjoo Aboriginal Conference, was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal Advisory Panel of Elders across WA, and helped design a new Aboriginal Police Medal.

Superintendent Regan's outstanding efforts have been formally recognised. He received the WA Police Commissioner's Medal for Excellence in 2017, and the Australian Police Medal in 2018.

His daughter has since followed in his footsteps, becoming a WA police officer.

Superintendent Regan said there is still progress to be made, but he believes things are moving in the right direction.

"Do we still have a bit of work to go? Yeah, of course we do," he said.

"We're dealing with human beings. We're dealing with competing priorities as a police force with that.

"As long as the communication remains open and respectful, we will get there in the long run."

Speaking on the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, he shared his hope for the future of First Nations people.

"Look, it's a tough road. But… we're on the right path," he said.

"And that's where I go back to the respectful conversations… there needs to be courage that comes from our leaders, and courage in the decisions that do need to be made."

WA Governor Chris Dawson praised Superintendent Regan's leadership and legacy.

"We are all so proud of your enduring duty to better those around you, particularly as an example to all Australians and those of Aboriginal heritage," he said.

"Superintendent Regan is a torchbearer for many."