The end of November saw Acting Inspector Andrew Markakis receive the Police Multicultural Media Award 2017 in a ceremony at Government House Melbourne.

Markakis, who is also the president of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association, was recognised for his work connecting Victoria Police with the Greek community and other multicultural communities.

The Greek Australian officer is stationed at Victoria Police Headquarters and is part of the Transit and Public Safety Command. His current role involves strategic co-ordination and business support to specialist police units such as the Dog Squad, Bomb Squad, Public Order and Transit Safety Police to name a few.

The award, one of two granted in this category, was presented by Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Andrew Crisp and states “In acknowledgement of his outstanding contribution towards enhancing understanding between Victoria Police and the Multicultural Community of Victoria”.

“[Acting] Inspector Andrew Markakis is an excellent example of productive diversity, using his own Greek Australian bilingual and cultural skills to liaise with the Greek community through 3XY Radio Hellas and various Greek newspapers. Such media relationships have allowed him to keep his community informed on important and relevant topics. He is a great example of what community policing is all about,” the citation stated.

Apart from his regular duties, Markakis has taken the initiative to promote Vic Police’s work to mainstream and ethnic media by organising radio interviews and informative shows with SBS Greek radio program, Rythmos as well as provide mainstream publications and Greek newspapers like Neos Kosmos with timely news stories and important updates.

Markakis hosted the 2017 Victorian Greek Orthodox Church: Celebrating Women in Policing event at St Efstathios Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne gaining internal publicity through corporate news.

“I am passionate about promoting the profile of Victoria Police to culturally diverse communities through active engagement and participation with a variety of media,” he told Neos Kosmos.

“I find this to be a rewarding path where I am able to use my position as a police officer to strengthen community ties and build confidence in police by driving community engagement; we aim to increase community participation and collaboration and over time, further increase confidence to report victimisation, crime and incidents to police.”