Constable Laurie Bateman of Palm Island Police wins QBANK Everyday Heroes Award

A highly respected Palm Island police officer has won a prestigious state-wide award for his work with Indigenous youth and the wider community.

Constable Laurie Bateman of Palm Island Police said he was “humbled” to be awarded a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award in Brisbane on Friday. Picture: Supplied

A highly respected Palm Island police officer has won a prestigious state-wide award for his work with Indigenous youth and the wider community.

Constable Laurie Bateman said he was “humbled” to be awarded a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award in Brisbane on Friday.

“I find my job so rewarding. I am so privileged to be a part of an organisation that has encouraged myself and others to help those that need help,” he said.

“If we can change one person and help them to head in a positive direction, how many others will that one person change in their life?”

Palm Island Police Senior Constable Laurie Bateman is literally a poster boy for recruitment for the Queensland Police Service. The former world sheep-shearing champion who is youth club officer at PCYC Palm Island has won a QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards in the achievement category. Picture: QPS

Constable Bateman, a former world sheep-shearing champion who has since devoted himself to helping First Nation communities as a Queensland Police Service officer, was one of 22 finalists selected for the awards that celebrate exceptional achievement within police, fire, health, ambulance, corrections, justice, public service, education and volunteers.

He was honoured in the achievement category.

A sworn officer for four years, Constable Bateman is currently Youth Club Officer at the PCYC Palm Island, where he is creating opportunities for youth in the region.

He has spent his career dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities, working on projects including the development of cultural awareness booklets with intention to create booklets specific to all 77 Queensland council shires, the Blue Light Driving program and Blue Light Shearing program.

Originally published as Constable Laurie Bateman of Palm Island Police wins QBANK Everyday Heroes Award