Elisabeth Champion
An innovative community support program that supports those suffering from domestic violence in the Upper South East has seen Naracoorte Senior Constable Chris Mailley named as Police Officer of the Year.
The annual award is presented by the Rotary Club of Unley in partnership with South Australia Police (SAPOL) and acknowledges police officers who have demonstrated exemplary qualities and devotion to duty.
Snr Con Mailley’s work in SAPOL’s Family Violence Investigation Section inspired the development of the ‘Upper South East Domestic Abuse Program’ (USEDAP), which raises funds to help people in life-threatening domestic situations.
Originally from the United Kingdom near Birmingham, Snr Con Mailley became a police officer almost 30 years ago and enjoyed a thrilling career overseas working in the riot squad, tactical teams, drug disruption, firearms unit, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the covert arena.
But the appeal of an Australian lifestyle saw Snr Con Mailley, his wife Amanda and their Jake pack up and move to Naracoorte in 2009.
Here, Snr Con Mailley has dedicated time on and off-duty to set up initiatives for vulnerable young people, including the construction of a BMX track, and running of numerous drug awareness community forums for young adults.
He said the award was not an award for him, but an award for the whole community, who have come together to help get the program up and running.
“I had a couple of situations where I needed urgent money and it was out of hours, so there’s nobody else to phone,” he said.
“Then I realised there was this gap, where if we had the opportunity to have available funds 24/7, then we could help more people.
“So I came up with the concept of how that could work, then went to the Lions Clubs of Naracoorte, Bordertown and Lucindale who all supported the concept.
“Then once I formulated how it’s at work, then went to (Naracoorte Lucindale Community Care Network chairperson) Erika Vickery, who was then able to logistically fit it in as a subgroup within the Naracoorte Lucindale Community Care Network.
“I don’t think I’m articulate enough to describe the amount of support and help and willingness that the community gives. I call it a community united by compassion.
“I think it’s fair to say that as a one man band, if I was to try and do this alone, I would not be anywhere near as successful in helping people and drawing on the resources we’ve got without support in the community.”
Since its inception the program has helped around 50 people get urgent assistance, ranging from the supply of baby milk, to flights to leave the region for their safety
“It ranges from all sorts, and that’s why I think the program has been so successful in keeping people safe, because it’s just very unique in the way it operates, and it’s open to everybody.
“It has no limitations, no restrictions, it doesn’t matter who you are. It’s open to everybody. I think that’s fantastic.”
Snr Con Mailley continues to volunteer his time to support others in need, including through his involvement in the Naracoorte Lions Club, and work with the local high school.
He also somehow manages to find time to run his own farm and powder coating business.
When asked about slowing down, the 59-year-old said he’s “not done yet”.
“I’m hoping to see the Upper South East achieve the best domestic violence support in the state,” he said.
With the success of the program evident, Sen Con Mailley is now looking to the future, working on preventative measures to help eliminate domestic and family violence in the community.
“We’re quite comfortable with where we’re at at the moment, in as much as we cover the crisis and recovery stage, and and I foresee, with the resources that we’ve got within the community, that we always will, regardless of what scenario.
“So we’re doing well in that area, but really, if we don’t look at prevention, nothing’s going to change, and we’ll just keep doing that, so now we’re concentrating on the prevention stage as well.
“We are working with other people, such as schools and ac.care so we can change the attitude of youngsters, then we might have a generation that changes in society as well.”
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens congratulated the regional police officer on his award and recognised his commitment to assisting vulnerable Upper South East community members.
“Senior Constable Mailley exhibits outstanding character traits that make him an exceptional police officer and community leader, including enthusiasm and compassion,” Mr Stevens said.
“Through and outside of his police work, he has engaged with vulnerable victims and ensured many have a safe passage to escape their domestic situations.”
