Reprinted from "Blueprint" with permission

Rotary Club of Unley Police Officer of the Year recipient Sergeant Graham Brett with wife Elizabeth

A sun-drenched Rundle Mall and the Band of the South Australian Police provided the perfect setting for the announcement of the Rotary Club of Unley 2005 Police Officer of the Year Award.

Ms Kaylene Kranz, President of the Rotary Club of Unley, took to the stage and enthusiastically announced that the honour was being awarded to Sergeant Graham Brett, "for the tremendous support and encouragement that he has given to youth through his work as coordinator of Blue Light SA".

Ms Kranz described Sergeant Brett "as having a strong sense of personal commitment, dedication and persistence in making Blue Light the most effective youth development and support organisation in the State".

"In addition, the leadership and enthusiasm he has generated for Blue Light throughout the State, has contributed to the success of a wide range of event-based programs for young people."

Sergeant Brett is the 28th Police Officer of the Year and was nominated by representatives from nine separate organisations including Variety SA, State and Commonwealth government agencies, youth and community groups, sporting clubs and interstate and overseas Blue Light programs. He has tirelessly performed the role providing ongoing opportunities for young people throughout South Australia.

The Rotary Club of Unley's award selection panel considered Sergeant Brett the best candidate for this award, and Commissioner Hyde formally endorsed the selection.

Since 1994, Sergeant Brett has been State Coordinator for Blue Light, which is best known for its popular discos and camps.

"The most rewarding part of my job has been to see the development of kids who have used the program. It is also reassuring for parents to know their children are at events where there will be no drugs and no violence because they are staffed by police."

It was while he was visiting his daughter in Perth that Sergeant Brett learnt of his nomination. His boss, Chief Inspector Bill Prior phoned to tell him the good news. "At first I thought we had won a grant for the program. I was bewildered as to why I had been nominated for just doing my job."

Before taking up his current position, Sergeant Brett was a member of the original Iron Knob Blue Light committee during which time he established the Kimba Blue Light region. On transferring to Elizabeth he became involved in the committee for Blue Light discos and in 1992 was awarded the Pride of Workmanship Award by the Munno Para Rotary Club.

In his current role, Sergeant Brett has been instrumental in the development and success of SAPOL's two Blue Light camps, Errappa at Iron Knob and Noorla Yo-Long in the South East. Sergeant Brett's eyes light up when he mentions that last year 5,000 youths went through the two camps - his passion matched by his remarkable contribution to the camps' development.

In 2004 Sergeant Brett was awarded life membership of Blue Light. Sergeant Brett, who retired in July, says it was sad to leave a job he's always loved. However, he will be too busy to reflect too much. "I plan to caravan around Australia with my wife Elizabeth. When we return, I'll be getting involved with a group called 'Sailability'. Run through the Port Adelaide Sailing Club, they are a group that sails with kids who have disabilities."

Deputy Commissioner John White summed it up perfectly at the award ceremony when he proudly announced to
the crowd that Sergeant Brett was "a worthy recipient who has given his own time and effort to support youth in our community".
In his acceptance speech, Sergeant Brett thanked "all police officers involved in Blue Light along with the service clubs who donated money to the program, with special thanks to Variety SA. The civilians who assisted police have also helped make Blue Light what it is today. Lastly I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Unley."

The Rotary Club of Unley Police Officer of the Year Award, has been presented annually to a member of SAPOL since 1979. The award seeks to promote police and increase awareness of their role in the community. It acknowledges outstanding courtesy, kindness, understanding, compassion, courage and devotion to duty.

With this set of the criteria it is clear why Sergeant Brett has been given the distinguished honour of being the 2005 Police Officer of the Year.

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