Leading Senior Constable, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, on diverse representation.

Victoria Police has a long and proud history of proactive policing with multicultural communities. And while we continue to grow and support a workforce that is diverse and inclusive, we also recognise the inspiring work of our diverse members.?

This is Leading Senior Constable, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos. When Elizabeth joined almost 35 years ago, she was only the second Greek female to join Victoria Police.?

“It was my dream to join Victoria Police, as far back as I can remember. When I finished high school, I told my parents I wanted to apply. But growing up in a strict Greek household, my parents had other views – a?career in policing wasn’t for women.”?

But after several years Elizabeth applied, much to their dismay.?

“I’d like to think that from a cultural aspect, we [Elizabeth and her fellow female Greek member] were pioneers in Victoria Police. Today, there are many women from a Greek background on the job and that makes me very proud.

"I’ve worked in a lot of different areas across the organisation. We truly work with some amazing people who are from so many diverse backgrounds, cultures, with work and life experiences prior to joining Victoria Police."

The first sworn Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) was appointed over 20 years ago. Today, many members?provide a wealth of knowledge and support to individual multicultural community groups across metro and regional areas.?They identify multicultural trends and issues and assist in developing and implementing objectives and initiatives to encourage interaction and build rapport.?

For Elizabeth, many of the issues she attends to sit within crime prevention,?family violence, elder abuse, and the role of Victoria Police.?

"One of the most satisfying parts of my job is holding information sessions to emerging communities and seeing newly arrived members gain a better understanding of the role of police in Victoria and feel safer about coming forward to ask for advice or to report an incident.

“Many community members tell us they are fearful of police in their home countries. So, it's really?rewarding to see some attendees go from fearing police to understanding that we are a community-focused police force, and that our role is to protect life and?property.?I genuinely believe these presentations break down angst and build trust with new and emerging community groups.”?

A proud mother of two, with her eldest following her lead in ‘serving our community’ as a paramedic, Elizabeth has also always felt the support of her colleagues she quickly recognises as friends.?

"The other thing I love about my job is the friendships I have?made along the way. I’ve always had their support – both in my professional development and life changes.?The transition from frontline to pro-active work was a big change. I also had two children – now adults – and the flexible nature of the job allowed me to raise my children how I wished to, which I will always be grateful for.”?

Harmony Week is time to celebrate multiculturism and acknowledge the?individual contribution we make to cultivate an environment that is inclusive and safe from discrimination.

Learn more about Victoria Police’s commitment to growing a workplace that represents the people we serve: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/diversity ?