Police repay efforts of school girls from Cairns high schools at the 2017 International Women and Law Enforcement conference
What a way to start a conference – a parade of nations through the streets of the Cairns CBD. Over 1000 delegates from nearly 60 countries will parade from the Cairns Esplanade to the Cairns Convention Centre, many in their police uniforms and behind their nation’s flag, starting at 8am, Monday 18 September 2017.
Holding those flags are local Cairns school girls and life savers. These up and coming leaders of our community have given up their holidays to participate in the parade. This included rehearsals over the past weeks.
To repay the young female leaders, the conference has organised a leadership program on the Monday afternoon. No doubt the highlight for the girls will be a personal reflection and presentation from Australia Zoo’s Bindi Irwin.
Miss Irwin said we must always believe in our strength to change the world.
“Young people today will be tomorrow’s leaders, voters and world changers,” Miss Irwin said.
“Through education and passion we will inspire a bright and beautiful future for our mother earth.”
One of the young leaders carrying the Papua New Guinea (PNG) flag is St Monicas High School student, Savannah Woolcott, whose heritage is PNG.
Miss Woolcott said the parade also highlights how important our closest neighbours are and the regional issues that we face together.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to be involved in such a special event. It has always been my dream to join one of the law enforcement agencies and participating in an event like this is such a special opportunity for me,” Miss Woolcott said.
“I’m also looking forward to hearing from such amazing and inspirational guest speakers throughout the day and could not be more grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
Proud host, Queensland Police Service Commissioner Ian Stewart, together with event sponsor NEC Australia said he is excited to see the young leaders challenged at this event.
“Young leaders from Cairns were eager to help out and that to me demonstrates their wonderful commitment to their community,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“I hope that they consider a career in law enforcement as a result of their connections with policing following this special event.”
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin will also be a speaker at the event. “I look forward to being able to inspire these young women and give them confidence to understand that in today’s world they have the opportunity to become and do whatever they choose. “
President of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Deb Platz said she is grateful for the young leaders giving up their time.
“This is a once in a life time opportunity,” Assistant Commissioner Platz said.
Source: Cairns Crime Alert
