Talisha Kuras from Coonabarabran and Ricki Johnson from Dubbo in New South Wales are two young Indigenous people with dreams of joining the New South Wales Police Force.

To that end, Talisha and Ricki enrolled in, and recently completed the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) programme held at TAFE Western’s Dubbo College, an important step in qualifying for the Police Academy in Goulburn.

“I did the IPROWD course, as I have always been passionate about Indigenous representation in the NSW Police Force,” Talisha said.

“I want to change the negative perception of police in Indigenous communities and help bridge the gap. I have always had a dream to become the first local Aboriginal police officer to be stationed back in my community of Coonabarabran.”

The 18 week course included subjects such as language and communication, policing and Aboriginal studies, computing, maths, fitness and community service. It is not only designed to prepare Indigenous candidates for the police academy but to prepare them for further education and employment in various vocations.

Ricki said he enrolled in the course to improve his language and writing skills, to increase his chances of joining the NSW Police Force and because “it would expand my knowledge and appreciation of my mob and other Indigenous people.”

Talisha also understands the importance of police officers having a sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and issues.

“As I wait for the academy I am currently undergoing a Diploma in Aboriginal studies at TAFE Western Dubbo College, to further extend my knowledge of my culture and my people, which I find imperative to achieving my dream,” Talisha said.

Both Talisha and Ricki have shown great dedication in preparing to join the police force. Talisha completed the IPROWD Technical and Vocational Education Training course for high school students last year and has maintained her health and fitness levels since.

Ricki’s preparation began 18 months before the course.

“First thing, I had to get fit which was hard as I was overweight. So I lost about 80kg,” Ricki said.

“Then I found that I needed to improve my education skills so I waited for the intake for IPROWD, submitted my application, and the rest is history.”