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.
The full list of award winners and highly commended recipients are:
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.
