Yamatji woman Natalie Clark helps close the gap and build relationships between Aboriginal people and police

Geraldton police have welcomed its first Aboriginal community liaison officer for the region, helping to improve the lives of Aboriginal people exposed to domestic or alcohol-fuelled violence. Yamatji, Badimaya, Wajarri and Noongar woman Natalie Clark began the new role in the Mid West-Gascoyne district in February, in a move to be closer to her family while keeping busy and staying in touch with her local community. Ms Clark will work alongside the liquor enforcement unit, helping to reduce harm and alcohol-fuelled violence in the community. She was the first Aboriginal community liaison officer working in Carnarvon before making her way to Geraldton, and comes equipped with the knowledge and experience of working with families and agencies, helping to break down the barriers preventing those in need from seeking help. Most importantly, Ms Clark said she wanted to be a point of contact for Aboriginal people in the community when times were tough. “I just love getting out there. I want my Aboriginal community to know that I’m here if they ever need to talk, or if they need me to help with anything, I can help. I’ll go to as far as I can, and if I have any issues, I’ll go to my boss,” she said. When asked what issues there were for Aboriginal people in the Mid West, Ms Clark said just about everything, including domestic violence, housing, health and employment. “With a lot of Indigenous people, we don’t really want to ask for help — we try and do it ourselves. Sometimes it’s shame, so I just want to let people know that they don’t have to feel like that,” she said. “I’m here and there’s other Indigenous agencies out there that can help, and we all come together.” In her policing role, Ms Clark will be focusing on domestic violence and conflict in families, but first she would be making her way around the community to introduce herself, and see what services are already in place. “I’ve already been to the GRAMS (Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service), I want to do more there, and within the Indigenous agencies as well. I just want to get involved,” she said. “I’m here, don’t be afraid, come and sit and have a yarn. I’ll come to you if you don’t feel comfortable coming into a police station.” Ms Clark will be working under Sen. Sgt Russell Hurst, who said the police station was lucky to have her after her positive engagement in the Carnarvon community. Sen. Sgt Hurst said the new role was an important step in strengthening relationships between Aboriginal people and local police. “If there’s something that potentially Aboriginal people don’t think we’re addressing culturally appropriately, it’s really good that Nat is there to be able to help us with that and direct us in the right direction,” he said. “There’s some significant areas of family violence that Nat will be able to help with, especially in making sure that those victims don’t become repeat victims. We want those victims to feel empowered, and to feel confident, and to have the resilience to work with the family violence unit.” To arrange to speak with Ms Clark, contact the Geraldton police station on 9923 4555. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)