Senior Constable Dragoljub (Draz) Brkljac OAM

2020 UNE Alumni Community Award Winner

During 20 years in the police force as a plain clothes and uniformed officer, Senior Constable Draz Brkljac has seen the very worst of humanity. Investigating the most violent of crimes and witnessing their horrific fallout could easily have left him bereft of hope. Instead, it has inspired Draz to work to bring out the very best in future generations.

As the Police Youth Case Manager with the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) in Parramatta, Sydney, he has become a powerful role model in his community and pioneered a range of positive programs for the previously disengaged and disenchanted.

"I was seeing a large increase in health, behavioural and emotional problems among young people, crime and drug abuse, and suicide rates had dramatically increased," Draz says. "One young life lost to suicide is one too many. Life is too short, and we need to make the most of it by showing kindness, forgiveness and love towards one another. Life then becomes meaningful and joyous, and we find good in everyone."

That desire to help others has seen Draz go well beyond the call of duty, and to complete both his Bachelor and Masters of Administrative Leadership at UNE. While engaging young people in educational, cultural and sporting activities is part of his official PCYC role, his dedication goes much deeper. Last Christmas/New Year, he had 30 young people on suicide watch.

"Draz is an exceptional police officer, mentor and confidant but also an outstanding community leader; his leadership and passion is unwavering," says Parramatta PCYC club manager Carina Marks."He never complains of a lack of sleep or resources; he just gets the job done. Draz inspires staff, volunteers and members to continue to improve and become better citizens."

Driven by the desire to build positive relationships with young people, Draz prides himself on demonstrating the values he espouses."Success comes to those who have the poise to try and, more than that, the confidence to win," he says. "Confidence is something you can grow in your mind and heart, but everyone also needs a good mentor. Our mentors influence how we think and act, and even the life goals we achieve."

In 2014 Draz founded the Stand Tall program, designed to help young people develop basic life skills and make respectful decisions, and the one-on-one mentoring, morning fitness sessions and guest workshops have struck a chord. "The name came from seeing so many young people not reaching their potential or fulfilling their dreams," Draz says. "I believe that once you dream it and believe in yourself, you will succeed in anything you have your heart and mind set on."

Draz's efforts to build a healthy and cohesive community know no geographical or cultural boundaries, as demonstrated by his appointment as Community Police Ambassador for the Australian Chinese Community. He is also a regular volunteer at Westmead Children's Hospital and organised the first Blue Light Disco at nearby Ronald McDonald House. Local churches, the High Street Youth Service and Father Chris Riley’s Youth off The Streets have also been beneficiaries of Draz's generosity.

"I naturally question whether I make a difference," he says. "But then I think of the children from broken homes that I've cared for and the cycles of domestic violence that I've helped to break, by removing offenders from homes. I hope that I inspire positive life changes in the young people I encounter, so they do not become victims. I set out to provide hope for the helpless and a voice for the voiceless."

Measuring the success of the PCYC programs can be difficult, but Draz says he sees it in the numbers of formerly at-risk youth now prepared to participate in ‘normal’ activities and events and to regard police officers in a positive light. There is also evidence that they are more engaged in their community, have enhanced self-esteem and confidence, and are offending less.

But, for Draz, success might equally be defined by the number of young people adopting positive life goals, completing their education and gaining employment."If I manage to change or even save one young person’s life, I thank God," he says. "The true heroes are the young people that I and my colleagues work with every day, who are working towards a better future. I am truly humbled and honoured to work with them. They inspire me to try to make a difference."

If I manage to change or even save one young person’s life, I thank God," he says. "The true heroes are the young people that I and my colleagues work with every day, who are working towards a better future. I am truly humbled and honoured to work with them. They inspire me to try to make a difference.

We salute you, Draz Brkljac, a worthy 2020 winner of the UNE Alumni Community Award.