Logan born and bred Ethan Watego has become the city’s First Nations police liaison officer (PLO) – a position he will use to help “bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people”.
Mr Watego, a Bundjalung Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, said he was honoured to be given the position.
“I feel both humbled and grateful to be able to sit in this space. I feel like my elders both past and present have led me and guided me to this role,” Mr Watego said.
“I feel honoured and grateful to represent both my community and the QPS and I will strive to uphold those values and expectations.
“I applied for this role within the QPS to represent my family and help advocate for people culturally within the Logan area.
“I’m hoping as an Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander man I can help bridge the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people”
Mr Watego said he felt a strong connection to the Logan people.
“I’ve grown up in Logan, I’ve lived in housing commission properties, I went to public schools, and I played in the streets as the lights came on.
“I have roots that run deep in Logan.
“I love Logan and I’ve always been proud to call Logan home.
“My family have been a part of Logan for a long time – we sit in every space, from schooling, education, support and employment to health and trades and we’re all very proud of what we bring to Logan. I know they’re very proud of me.”
As a PLO, Mr Watego will aim to connect policing and the community.
He will work to educate and to engage with the community, as well as to teach police how to engage with different communities.
“I want to be an advocate for my people, and to keep myself well educated on cultural protocols and customs, be present, be there in person and listening, represent QPS and their values, and continue being a support network, who understands the barriers and obstacles of my people,” he said.
Mr Watego will be working within the Logan District Cross Cultural Liaison Unit.
To celebrate his arrival, the Logan District last week had a gathering at its headquarters.
Aunty Rhonda Reid delivered the Acknowledgement to Country, and PLO Maria Fakahau sung a hymn and prayer in Tongan.
“I hope the elders of Logan are proud of me, and I hope I make all community members proud as well, and represent my people with integrity and professionalism,” he said.
