www.monumentaustralia.org.au

Queensland Police Service - Look to the Stars Acknowledgement PlaquePrint Page Print this page

The "Look to the Stars" plaque and artwork at Police Headquarters acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and Elders past, present and future and the significant contribution by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards the protection and safety of all people in our country. 

The artwork is featured on the ceiling at the entrance to Queensland Police Headquarters and is incorporated in the design of the plaque. 

"Look to the Stars" was launched by the QPS in May 2018 and serves as a visual reminder of our past, present and future engagements with all Indigenous communities throughout Queensland. Former Commissioner Ian Stewart initiated a Look to the Stars ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ plaque that is gradually being placed at all QPS establishments.

 "Look to The Stars."  As we look to the stars, the Guiding Constellation lights up the sky, illuminating our way forward through trust, relationships and respect. The artwork incorporates Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles of policing as stars. The artwork was produced by Indigenous artist Jenna Lee from Gilimbaa who worked with a specialist reference group from the QPS to inform the artwork.

Thursday August 30 Police Headquarters held a ceremony to install a plaque with local Elders invited to the ceremony. Acting Inspector Joanna Stone performed the role of Master of Ceremonies and invited Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Michael Douglas to perform the Welcome to Country. PLO Douglas acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and gave an impassioned Welcome to Country stating the importance of stories being passed from Elders to new generations.

Reverend Jeffrey Baills from Southern Region led a prayer. Before the prayer he discussed his admiration for the artwork and its incorporation of Sir Robert Peel’s nine Principals of Policing as stars especially principle seven and ‘the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police’.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said that the artwork presented an opportunity for the police to engage with the community. "By building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities we can realise true reconciliation built upon trust and respect. The plaque will remind our members of the important role that Indigenous people have in our organisation and understand our past and present relationships to build a stronger future," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski invited Uncle Bill Ivinson, as a member of the reference group who informed the production of the artwork, to assist him and unveil the plaque.

Before the conclusion of the ceremony Shannon Ruska of the Nunukul Yuggera Dance Troupe performed a smoking ceremony on the plaque.
Queensland Police News, 4 September 2018.



 

Location

Address:200 Roma Street, Queensland Police Headquarters, Brisbane, 4000
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -27.466991
Long: 153.017981
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
View Google Map

Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:Culture
Sub-Theme:Indigenous
Artist:Jenna Lee (Gilimbaa)

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Thursday 30th August, 2018
Front Inscription
                            [Look to the Stars Artwork]
The Queensland Police acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, winds and waters on which we so proudly serve our community. It is a privilege and honour to be on traditional country. 

We acknowledge Elders of the past, present and future, for they are the holders of culture, knowledge, wisom and leadership that is passed from generation to generation.

We acknowledge the significant contribution of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Island people towards the protection and safety of all in this great country we live and share. 
Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au