By Esther Lauaki
What’s your connection to Melton/Caroline Springs?
I am the newly appointed Local Area Commander for the Melton Police Service Area that covers the Melton Shire and houses the Melton and Caroline Springs police stations. I have grown up in the western suburbs, having lived in the Brimbank area for most of my life and currently reside there with my family.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I had previously worked in the neighbouring areas of Sunshine and Footscray, which was some time ago. I have most recently worked at the Priority Communities Division, having managed projects that have impacted the Melton community. These include the Community Safety Network events such as the recent Melton and Caroline Springs community days and the Social Cohesion program involving the Youth Basketball program.
Tell us about your role at Melton.
My role as an Inspector is extremely varied. My main responsibilities include stakeholder engagement with key community members to promote collaboration for current and emerging issues impacting the community. I am also responsible for the management of all the uniform members in the Melton and Caroline Springs police stations. This can include the management of larger-scale operations and events. The role is challenging and it keeps me on my toes. I am supported by a great team and feel extremely privileged to be doing this role.
What is your background in Victoria Police?
I spent almost a decade at the Critical Incident Response Team. I was a trained negotiator, having dealt with siege and hostage situations. Whilst at the CIRT, I also provided dignitary protection to key figures including former prime ministers, ex-Victorian premiers and the most memorable being the Dalai Lama. The Critical Incident Response Unit was where I developed my tactical skills, which complemented my varied uniform operational service. I eventually got promoted to Inspector in 2015 where I worked at the Priority Communities Division. Whilst there, I was involved with the development of projects specific to the Aboriginal community and the African Australian Community Taskforce.
What are your priorities for Melton?
In my first week as the local area commander, there was a fatal collision in the Melton area. This was the third one in Melton in less than one month. These deaths on the road are all avoidable. My priority is to prevent road trauma and avoid other families and friends having to live through such unnecessary tragedy. We recently had a traffic operation over the long weekend which resulted in a number of people being caught speeding, driving whilst on drugs and/or alcohol – and the list continues. My other priority is to work with community members to prevent children and adults from offending. I am passionate about this cause.
What are some of the things you love most about your line of work?
I love the variety and meeting people. One day I could be at a large incident and the next I could be at an event getting coerced into some type of traditional dance. It is different every day.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
I used to play the piano accordion – not very well. I couldn’t speak English until I started primary school, despite being born in Australia.
What would you like to see improved in policing in Melton/Caroline Springs?
I am hoping to improve community confidence in police. Policing is so challenging and the members do such an amazing job in sometimes difficult circumstances. I am wanting to promote a police service where our members maintain professionalism, are respectful and empathetic to better serve the community.
