In 2023, we were commissioned by the Yoorook Justice Commission
to create a shield to be presented during the Justice Hearings to
Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton APM.
to create a shield to be presented during the Justice Hearings to
Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton APM.
Mick explaining the design on the shield to
Yoorook Justice Commision Deputy Chair Commissioner Lovett
Photo: Renata Laureano
Yoorook Justice Commision Deputy Chair Commissioner Lovett
Photo: Renata Laureano
The shield was not to be given as a gift but to be given as to act as a reminder of his landmark apology in May 2023 during the Justice hearings at the Yoorook Justice Commission, and in expectation of the transformative change that must follow.
The shield stands as a reminder to all current and future Victoria Police officers of their duty to protect “First Peoples communities and families: to protect First Peoples culture, cultural rights and human rights.”
Read the full Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton APM’s apology to the Aboriginal community in the hearing transcript on the Yoorrook Justice Commission website.
Read the full Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton APM’s apology to the Aboriginal community in the hearing transcript on the Yoorrook Justice Commission website.
Story of the shield - Mick Harding Artist
"Shields represent the protection of our people. The designs on this shield are symbols of Aboriginal people in this country – Bunjil the creator spirit, totems and our footprints. They recognise our lore, customs and languages.
Sharing this shield comes with the expectation that Victoria Police will respect the fact that First Peoples have lore and customs to protect country (land and waters) and people. And that Victoria Police will protect First Peoples (ensuring their safety).
The shield is a visual reminder that Aboriginal people’s lives are as equally important as everyone in our community.
Gilbruk Baan Biik Woora Woora Nugal-Nganjin
Gilbruk Buk Nugal-Nganjin
Respect our water, our country, our sky
Respect Our People."
Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton APM with Uncle Mick Harding,
Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM,
Yoorrook Justice Commission Deputy Chair Commissioner Lovett,
Hon Anthony Carbines MP, Minister for Police and
Yoorrook Justice Commissioner The Hon. Anthony North KC
Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM,
Yoorrook Justice Commission Deputy Chair Commissioner Lovett,
Hon Anthony Carbines MP, Minister for Police and
Yoorrook Justice Commissioner The Hon. Anthony North KC
The shield was unveiled at the Victoria Police Centre in Docklands on 8 May 2024. Yoorrook Commissioners joined the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patten, the Minister for Police Anthony Carbines MP and guests including artist Uncle Mick Harding, Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy and the Djirri Djirri dancers.
