Source : Perth Now news
Mechelle Turvey, the mother of murdered Perth schoolboy Cassius Turvey, has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Ms Turvey was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to Indigenous communities in Western Australia, where she currently works for the police force.
She was appointed by Police Commissioner Col Blanch months after the horrific death of her son Cassius, 15.
He was walking with friends after school in Perth’s east when they were set upon by a group of men, chased down and attacked over incidents that had nothing to do with them.
Cassius suffered critical head injuries in the attack and died 10 days later.
Two of the men Jack Brearley, 25, and Brodie Palmer, 31, were both convicted of Cassius’ murder.
Ms Turvey bravely called for calm after her son’s shocking death as thousands of people attended vigils nationwide for Cassius.
She started work with the Western Australia Police Force months after her son’s death as an adviser to help officers understand the needs of victims.
She has since been promoted to Aboriginal Affairs Assistant Director and founded the Take 5 program, which trains officers to engage, listen and support victims and their families.
A WA Police spokesman said Ms Turvey has become a prominent advocate for understanding, compassion and community responsibility.
“Her work has supported Aboriginal families through trauma, strengthened culturally safe practice, and promoted trust through listening and respectful engagement across the community,” a spokesman said.
“Her sustained contribution to safer and more inclusive practice, and her service to the Indigenous communities of Western Australia, make her highly deserving of recognition through the Order of Australia Medal.”
Ms Turvey has previously been recognised for her work and was named Western Australian of the Year and City of Swan Citizen of the Year in 2024.
She was also named Midland NAIDOC’s Female Elder of the Year in 2023.
Ms Turvey has been contacted for further comment.
