Warrandyte: Police begin flying Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander flags at station

Indigenous community members have described an outer east police station’s decision to fly their flags as a genuine effort towards reconciliation.

Police members and guests during the raising of the Indigenous, Australian and Torres Strait Islander flags at Warrandyte Police Station for the first time. Picture: Kiel Egging.

An Indigenous elder has described the flying of the Indigenous flag at an outer east police station as a step forward towards improving relations between the force and community members.

Warrandyte police raised the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags outside its base following a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

The ceremony had been planned more than 12 months ago but was continually pushed back due to the Covid-19.

Manningham police Inspector Luke Kirkton said the display of the flags came following a statewide internal review which identified relationships with local Indigenous communities could be stronger.

He said the flags were being progressively rolled out at all police stations across the state.

“It is about making sure whether they are a victim of crime or a suspect in crime, when they come to a police station, they will be respected and looked after while they’re there,” Insp Kirkton said.

Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Zeta Thomson said she felt Warrandyte police had embraced “bridging the gap” and the ceremony was not a token event.

Warrandyte police's Stuart Henderson with Charli, 15, Shawna and Tarini, both 14, and Victoria Police's outer east Aboriginal community liaison Selina Grizos at the flag raising ceremony at Warrandyte police station on November 23, 2021. Picture: Kiel Egging.

“We’ve had a history of not enough connection and understanding between the two, and this is one step towards making a change hopefully for our children and grandchildren,” she said.

“Our history speaks for itsPelf with what's happened to our people … we’re still here on our country and we’re still battling, but today has been a good day.”

Mullum Mullum indigenous Gathering Place cultural wellbeing officer Chris Hume said he was pleased to see the station join others in the east including Knox, Croydon and Lilydale in displaying the flags.

He said having the flags at Warrandyte was significant as nearby Pound Bend was a gathering spot for the Indigenous community in the early 60s.

“Police took our children, fathers, mothers away and it’s all bad stories from back then,” Mr Hume said.

“When you go into somewhere where there’s no flags or information about Aboriginal services or anything, it makes it a very sterile environment and uncomfortable.

“It’s been some time coming but I think it’s very genuine, it’s not a stunt, and it (the relationship) will go forward.

“Just having a flag at the front makes a hell of a difference towards Aboriginal people and their engagement with the station.”

Warrandyte police Sergeant Stuart Henderson said Indigenous art or images from the area would also be installed in the station’s foyer at a later date.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the organisation had been auditing stations across the state to ensure they offered a welcoming and safe environment for Indigenous Victorians.

The spokeswoman said police would continue to consult with Indigenous leaders and community groups to explore new ways of improving visitors’ experiences.

Police were unable to provide the cost of the initiative and details of stations yet to install indigenous flags.