Victoria Police Legacy is proud to announce the winners of the 'Police in the Community' Photography Competition.

Published: Monday 25 September 2023

Victoria Police Legacy is proud to announce the winners of the Police in the Community Photography Competition.


Grand Prize - Overall Winner

Jesse Wray-McCann

The December 2019 bushfires that devastated and terrorised Mallacoota left a profound impact on the small community and the town's police officers like Senior Constable Judy Taylor helped lead the way for people to pick up the pieces physically and emotionally. This photo was taken almost a year after the fires down at the Mallacoota wharf. As Judy walked along the wharf during a shift, she noticed a woman she knew. When Judy asked her if she was ok, the woman was in tears and explained she was still suffering emotionally because of the fires. Judy put her arm around the woman to comfort her in one of the most touching examples of community policing I've ever seen.


Category Winner - Relationships

Kureng Dapel

Essence. This captivating photo encapsulates the essence of Victoria Police, highlighting their unwavering commitment to serving the community. The image features the remarkable encounter between Assistant Commissioner Kevin Casey and Stan Dryden (Yarramunua), symbolizing the harmonious connection between law enforcement and citizens. Adding to the intrigue is the stunning display of a vibrant, stain-glass window, which represents the diverse and inclusive nature of Victoria Police. Notably, the imminent retirement of AC Kevin Casey in a few months is a testament to his enduring dedication to humanity — a truly priceless embodiment of service.


Category Winner - Resilience

Jesse Wray-McCann

A weary yet determined Senior Constable Judy Taylor stands on the Mallacoota foreshore in November 2020 in the spot where people had to bury themselves in the sand to escape the December 2019 bushfires.


Category Winner - Remembrance

Chris Allen

Police Legatee Shirley standing outside the Whittlesea Police Station where her late husband Alastair worked for many years. Alistair and Shirley’s service to the community should always be remembered.

Victoria Police Legacy Patron’s (CCP) Award - Relationships

Holly Lembke 

When the Axedale Primary School footy ball rolls into the PBT site. You kick it back.


Victoria Police Legacy Patron’s (CCP) Award - Resilience

John Todor

Depicts the amazing resilience of the Australian bush to regenerate after fire. Taken in East Gippsland, Victoria while the Black Summer bushfires 2019/2020 were still burning in the region.


Victoria Police Legacy Patron’s (CCP) Award - Remembrance

Peter Bellion APM

Early Morning Remembrance at the Shrine of Remembrance. Taken with DJIMiniPro3.


Victoria Police Legacy Chair’s Award 

Chris Allen

Police Legatee Shirley standing outside the Whittlesea Police Station where her late husband Alastair worked for many years. Alistair and Shirley’s service to the community should always be remembered.


Finalist - Relationships

Jesse Wray-McCann

The December 2019 bushfires that devastated and terrorised Mallacoota left a profound impact on the small community and the town's police officers like Senior Constable Judy Taylor helped lead the way for people to pick up the pieces physically and emotionally. This photo was taken almost a year after the fires down at the Mallacoota wharf. As Judy walked along the wharf during a shift, she noticed a woman she knew. When Judy asked her if she was ok, the woman was in tears and explained she was still suffering emotionally because of the fires. Judy put her arm around the woman to comfort her in one of the most touching examples of community policing I've ever seen.

Finalist - Relationships

Kureng Dapel

Essence. This captivating photo encapsulates the essence of Victoria Police, highlighting their unwavering commitment to serving the community. The image features the remarkable encounter between Assistant Commissioner Kevin Casey and Stan Dryden (Yarramunua), symbolizing the harmonious connection between law enforcement and citizens. Adding to the intrigue is the stunning display of a vibrant, stain-glass window, which represents the diverse and inclusive nature of Victoria Police. Notably, the imminent retirement of AC Kevin Casey in a few months is a testament to his enduring dedication to humanity — a truly priceless embodiment of service.

Finalist - Relationships

Holly Lembke

Police from Bendigo and Heathcote during a mine tour at their local Fosterville Gold Mine.


Finalist - Relationships

Glenda Hobden

My grandson on top of the VPC on helipad. What a view!

Finalist - Relationships

James Richardson

Something as simple as a ‘Rock & Roll’ hand gesture and a smile can be enough to know that you are building healthy relationships and doing your part to improve the public perception of police.

Finalist - Resilience

Jesse Wray-McCann

A weary yet determined Senior Constable Judy Taylor stands on the Mallacoota foreshore in November 2020 in the spot where people had to bury themselves in the sand to escape the December 2019 bushfires.


Finalist - Resilience

Sam Solomon

The sports oval at the Academy is not only for recruits to enhance their physical wellbeing, but also a place for colleagues to walk, talk, share and support each other through tough times.


Finalist - Resilience

Margaret Bosidis

"If bravery is a quality which knows not fear then I have never seen a brave man. For the courageous man is the man who, in spite of his fear, forces himself to carry on" Gen. Doug MacArthur.


Finalist - Resilience

John Todor

Depicts the amazing resilience of the Australian bush to regenerate after fire. Taken in East Gippsland, Victoria while the Black Summer bushfires 2019/2020 were still burning in the region.


Finalist - Resilience

Adrian Filzek

For 50 years, these stairs at Victoria Police Academy have had the feet of every member climb them to begin their journey of building resilience.


Finalist - Remembrance

Chris Allen

Police Legatee Shirley standing outside the Whittlesea Police Station where her late husband Alastair worked for many years. Alistair and Shirley’s service to the community should always be remembered.


Finalist - Remembrance

Brendan Lodi

My photo was taken on ANZAC day dawn service at Torquay. I was privileged to provide a Highway Patrol Police presence and paid my respects to the fallen and served returned members.


Finalist - Remembrance

Krisztina Toth

Our eternal flame burns brightly as we remember those who protect us.


Finalist - Remembrance

James Richardson

Reflecting and appreciating the sacrifices made by Australians in times of war, not realising that we were being part of a significant moment in time ourselves. The 2021 Coronavirus protests.


Finalist - Remembrance

Bobbie-Lea Blackmore


Congratulations to all winners and finalists.