Nominations for the 2025 South Australia Police Officer of the Year are now open.
Presented annually since 1978 by the Rotary Club of Unley, the award seeks to increase awareness of the policing role in the community and offers an opportunity for community members to recognise an outstanding and committed police officer.
The South Australia Police Officer of the Year award is given to an individual who, in serving the community, displays high standards of professionalism; or performs significant acts of courtesy, kindness, understanding or courage; or handles a complex and difficult situation or provides significant off-duty community volunteering.
A wide-ranging publicity campaign is being undertaken through the media, emergency services, service clubs, police stations, special interest groups and in posters displayed by businesses throughout the state.
The previous four award winners include:
Nominated for his work in assisting domestic and family violence victims in the Limestone coast Local Service area. Chris has worked tirelessly in his quest to develop a community model to support victims of domestic violence of the upper Southeast. His perseverance and creativity have initiated a community focused approach to helping victims of child abuse, those escaping domestic violence and helping victims resettle after experiencing domestic violence trauma.
Nominated for ‘The Blue Rose Project’ in Gawler, which is a pilot project for young people who were at risk of going missing and since its creation in 2021 Gary has taken the lead on running it with his colleagues. The project was designed to create relationships with the youth of Gawler and give them support which in turn has assisted in lowering the number of missing person reported and helping to improve wellbeing and health for youth involved.
Nominated by Operation Flinders Foundation CEO David Wark for his dedicated work for Operation Flinders, a program designed to build engagement, resilience and wellbeing for ‘at risk’ youth where he has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of thousands of young people through his guidance and support.
Nominated for his tireless charity work for multiple organisations including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics and the Wall to Wall Ride. He was described as the ‘epitome of serving the community’.
If you know an officer who has had a similar positive impact on the community then please acknowledge their effort by nominating them for the South Australia Police Officer of the Year award.
Nominations open Friday, 30 May 2025 and close Friday, 11 July 2025. Nominations should be via written submission (visit www.unley.rotary.org.au for the downloadable nomination form) detailing the reasons for the nomination and forwarded to:
SA Police Officer of the Year
Rotary Club of Unley
PO Box 18
Unley SA 5061
or email to pooty@unleyrotary.org.au
The recipient will be selected by the Rotary Club of Unley in consultation with the Commissioner of Police.
The 2025 winner will be announced at a public ceremony held during the Royal Adelaide Show in the Goyder Pavilion at the Adelaide Showground on 5 September 2025.