26 September 2023

Sharon takes first Aboriginal Medal

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Assistant Superintendent at Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison, Sharon Higgs has received the State’s first Aboriginal Service Medal.

A proud Noongar woman, Ms Higgs joined the team at Wandoo — the State’s first drug and alcohol treatment prison for women — in 2018.

However, it was her 16 years with the WA Police Force that saw her recently honoured with the new Aboriginal Service Medal, which acknowledges the dedication and service of Aboriginal officers and staff and their strong role in law enforcement and keeping the community safe.

Wandoo Superintendent, Susan Rowley congratulated Ms Higgs (seen here receiving her medal from Police Superintendent Geoff Regan) for her service and achievements in both the WA Police Force and at Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison.

“Sharon is a valued member of the small team at Wandoo,” Ms Rowley said.

“She is dedicated to improving the rehabilitative and re-intergrative outcomes for all people in her care, including our Aboriginal residents.”

Ms Higgs said she was happy to be progressing her career at Wandoo.

“I wanted to work with women and use my experience in trauma-informed care,” Ms Higgs said.

“It’s important to keep the women connected with their families and linked to their community; I’m working to improve our through-care process so the residents have more support in place when they are released.”

She said it was also important to keep Aboriginal women connected to their family, community and culture “and for us to share our culture with the non-Aboriginal women and staff”.

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