Bendigo police's Aboriginal liaison officer Darcy McGauley-Bartlett ready to move to a new role in Melbourne

Darcy McGauley-Bartlett started in the role about two years ago and will finish up on October 6.

He will be moving to a role in Melbourne as the Aboriginal governance officer for the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

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In the past couple of years, Mr McGauley-Bartlett has worked with young people who have just entered into the justice system to ensure they don't stay there.

He said the work with Victoria Police had made a difference.

"There are always success stories," Mr McGauley-Bartlett said. "There was one person who I was working with who is now doing really well. That young person is now kicking goals.

"That's the most rewarding part of the role - being able to guide, educate, and change someone's life who needed the help."

Mr McGauley-Bartlett grew up in Bendigo on Dja Dja Wurrung country but comes from the Gunaikurnai mob. He said his understanding of the region had been beneficial.

"I've had an understanding of some of the issues in the community," he said. "That has been really important so I can work with community and encourage self-determination with programs."

Mr McGauley-Bartlett said he had been able to achieve a number of things in his current job, including implementing the Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program with the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation.

He also enhanced and progressed the Campaspe Aboriginal Family Violence Police Protocols.

"A big focus has been ensuring we have fewer Aboriginal people coming through the system," he said. "We haven't always got it right, but we have been able to mentor and support young people."

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Mr McGauley-Bartlett said his new role in Melbourne would be slightly different.

He said he would be working in prisons and youth justice centres across the state to drive the development of cultural safety standards.

"I have a passion for justice but also health and wellbeing," he said.

"I thought this role plays a crucial role in justice and health to work with community and external sources, and create a cultural safety framework."

Mr McGauley-Bartlett said Bendigo police's next Aboriginal community liaison officer should be willing to connect with the community.

"You'll need to gain a further understanding of the role," he said. "Make it your own and be there for the community as much as you possibly can."

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