A huge 'CONGRATULATIONS' to two very special members of the Victoria Police Legacy family.
VPL Ambassador Sergeant Sashi Vagadia and Police Legatee Shanleigh Meldrum were honoured to receive an invitation as finalists in the Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community (RESCA) Awards held on Saturday 3rd August.
Shanleigh was awarded with a plaque as a finalist in her category, 'Rotary Victoria Emergency Service Officer of the Year Serving in a Volunteer capacity', and Sashi took away the 'Rotary Victoria Emergency Service Officer of the Year Serving in a Paid capacity' award.
Sashi serves as a Sergeant in the Public Order Response Team within Victoria Police, overseeing operations and supporting team members across the state. Sashi joined Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. He established the 'Baton Challenge' initiative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victoria Police Legacy and enhancing awareness among recruits, and he also supports the VPL Children's Retreat.
Shanleigh volunteers with the Gisborne/Woodend SES, focusing on integrating Auslan training and deaf awareness into emergency services. Additionally, she serves as Senior Officer: Youth at Deaf Hub Bendigo. Shanleigh's advocacy stems from her personal experience as a deaf individual, aiming to improve accessibility and support for the deaf community during emergencies. Shanleigh's dedication has earned her recognition as Deaf Youth Australian of the Year and a place in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2023, acknowledging her significant contributions to inclusivity and support in regional Victoria.
Well done, Sashi and Shanleigh, we're so proud of you both!