International Women’s Day honours for police and emergency services

The outstanding efforts of women in policing and emergency services were recognised at the Queensland Police Service (QPS) International Women’s Day (IWD) event at Victoria Park today.

Awards were presented to 36 remarkable women representing QPS, State Emergency Service (SES), and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) across 19 categories.

Celebrated annually on 8 March, this year’s IWD theme ‘Balance the Scales’ highlights the importance of creating fairness, equality, and opportunity for all women and girls.

Among the award recipients was Chief Inspector Kim Kellaway, who was presented the Most Outstanding Female Leader Award for her commitment to advancing women’s equity and opportunity through her voluntary role as Chair of the Leading Women’s Network.

Under Chief Inspector Kellaway’s direction, the statewide network amplifies local voices, strengthens representation, and drives consistent initiatives across Queensland to deliver meaningful and measurable improvements for women in policing.

Chief Inspector Kellaway said one of the network’s greatest strengths is its structure, with coordinators providing a voice and support to women in every district, division, and command.

“Today is about celebrating our progress, recognising the contribution of women, and acknowledging what women have overcome,” Chief Inspector Kellaway said.

“It’s also about valuing what women continue to bring, including their strength, insight, capability, courage, and a steady determination to leave our workplaces and our communities better than we found them.

“This award is such a beautiful gesture.”

MRQ Jacobs Well senior coxswain Samara Ey Escobar was presented the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to volunteering and helping others.

At just 25 years old, Ms Ey Escobar is the youngest female member appointed to the inaugural MRQ Advisory Board, where she will represent the new generation of volunteers with a fresh perspective.

The Moreton Bay City SES Unit was recognised with the Champion of Change Award for its outstanding commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting the inclusion of women.

With women now holding more than half of senior leadership positions, the Unit exemplifies how innovative recruitment strategies, transparent processes, and a focus on equity can drive change and inspire progress across the SES.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Brett Pointing APM attended today’s event and acknowledged the significant leadership and impact of women across the state.

“International Women’s Day is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable women in policing and emergency services who support their communities and their colleagues,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

“Each nominee exemplifies the qualities and values that are essential in serving the people of Queensland with integrity, respect, and courage.

“This celebration not only highlights the achievements of these dedicated women also inspires future generations to pursue leadership roles and drive positive change within Queensland’s police and emergency services.”

Attendees of today’s event heard from keynote speaker Samantha Freebairn, former Royal Australian Air Force military pilot and advocate for women in male-dominated industries, who shared her experience and perspective of breaking barriers, leadership, resilience, and opportunity.

Ms Freebairn later joined a panel discussion about further gender equality with Magistrate Belinda Merrin, Detective Superintendent Colin Briggs, and health clinician Jill Clarke.

See the full list of award winners and highly commended recipients below.

2026 Queensland Women in Policing Awards

Trailblazer Award

Winner – Sergeant Samantha James, Far North District Domestic Family Violence & Vulnerable Persons Unit

Winner – Serena Sichter, Senior Watchhouse Officer, Maroochydore Watchhouse

Highly Commended – Louisa Barrow, Mental Health Social Worker, Logan District

Mentor of the Year

Winner – Acting Sergeant Amanda Bourne, Moreton District

Winner – Kellie Dale, Logan District

Integrity and Courage Award

Winner – Detective Sergeant Sally Greenwood, Homicide Investigations Unit

Most Outstanding Female Leader Award

Winner – Chief Inspector Kim Kellaway, Screening and Vetting Unit

Highly Commended – Detective Sergeant Kristen Thomas, Child Trauma Unit

Most Outstanding Female Investigator

Winner – Detective Senior Constable Prue Donald, Taskforce Maxima, South Eastern Region

Highly Commended – Plain Clothes Senior Constable Aimie Gunter, Charleville Criminal Investigation Bureau

Most Outstanding Female Practitioner

Winner – Detective Senior Constable Natalie O’Toole, Sexual Crimes Unit

Highly Commended – Acting Senior Sergeant Donna Kay, Prosecutions

Most Outstanding Female Administrator

Winner – Carmen Cheng, Communications Culture and Engagement Group

Highly Commended – Amy Bellert, Roma Station

Highly Commended – Emma Bisgrove, South-West District

Most Outstanding Female Intelligence Practitioner

Winner – Senior Constable Caroline Hustler, Major and Organised Crime Squad

Excellence in Law Enforcement for Women Initiative Award

Winner – Acting Detective Inspector Karen McAteer, Sexual Violence Response Team

Highly Commended – Heidi Miskovsky, Townsville Vulnerable Persons Unit

2026 State Emergency Service Awards

Outstanding Leader Award

Winner – Gabrielle Groves, Deputy Group Leader, Inglewood SES Group

Outstanding Mentor Award

Winner – Eleanor Rosam, Area Controller, Far Northern Region

Trailblazer Award

Winner – Janine Hegarty, Group Leader, Warwick SES Group

Champion of Change Award

Winner – Moreton Bay City SES Unit, Brisbane Region

Values Icon Award

Winner – Alison MacLean, Leading Field Operations Member, Townsville SES Group

Outstanding Ambassador Award

Winner – Helen Randall, Senior Field Operations Member, Tannum Sands/Boyne Island SES Group

Highly Commended – Selina Alexander, Executive Manager Volunteer Services

2026 Marine Rescue Queensland Awards

Outstanding Leader Award

Winner – Kelly Langworthy, MRQ Bribie Island

Winner – Jen Parry, Manager Engagement & Partnerships

Outstanding Mentor Award

Winner – Marilyn Harford, MRQ Victoria Point

Highly Commended – Samara Ey Escobar, MRQ Jacobs Well

Highly Commended – Liz Radajewski, MRQ Bribie Island

Highly Commended – Alex Talbot, MRQ Currumbin

Trailblazer Award

Winner – Samara Ey Escobar, MRQ Jacobs Well

Highly Commended – Mary Brown, MRQ Bribie Island

Champion of Change Award

Winner – Kelly Langworthy, MRQ Bribie Island

Winner – Corrin Laurie, MRQ Round Hill

A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.

From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you’ll serve.

Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.