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New recruit's headpiece sets her apart
MAHA Sukkar stood tall despite being the shortest recruit on parade at her police graduation ceremony yesterday -- and the only officer wearing a hijab. Constable Sukkar is Australia's first Muslim police officer to wear the traditional headpiece as part of the official uniform. And it was only when the 30-year-old applied to become a member of VicPol that a suitable hijab was designed. "I know Victoria has a diverse background and they will accept anybody," Constable Sukkar said yesterday. "This is a very proud day for me and my family." The navy blue headpiece has been designed for Constable Sukkar to meet occupational health standards, and has been fitted with a velcro release to conform to police safety regulations. Constable Sukkar migrated to Australia from Beirut four years ago, leaving behind her family and a career in graphic design to pursue a better quality of life. But her proud parents Hassan and Lamia Sukkar flew from Beirut last Saturday to be at yesterday's graduation ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley. "We were very surprised at the beginning -- we are not accustomed to joining the police force in Lebanon," Mr Sukkar said. "It's something new for us, especially for a lady." Constable Sukkar conceded some members of the community might be surprised by her hijab, but she did not expect it to cause controversy. She said her interest in the police force was sparked after her arrival in Australia, and she saw it as an opportunity to serve the community. "I can help them and help protect them," she said. Constable Sukkar completed the Victoria Police Recruit Bridging Course at Adult Multicultural Services, a course designed to encourage people from varied ethnic backgrounds to join the police force. "I've had 20 weeks of training and I've given 20 weeks of 100 per cent," she said. "Now I reap the benefits." Constable Sukkar will take up a role with the transit police in February.
Posted by: tipper 2004-11-29 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=49978 |