By Mike CrooksFriday 22 Nov 2024Social JusticeReading Time: 4 minutes
A “tireless” Sydney woman who for decades has helped victims of domestic violence, has won the top gong at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards.
Key points
- Bev Lazarou, a senior project officer at Legal Aid NSW, won the NSW Public Servant of the Year award.
- Ms Lazarou spearheaded the “co-location pilot program”, which ensures women and children experiencing domestic violence receive “coordinated and timely support”.
- In another award, Samantha Walters from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), won the Anthea Kerr Award.
At the ceremony on Monday night, Bev Lazarou, a senior project officer at Legal Aid NSW, won the NSW Public Servant of the Year.
The award recognises exceptional public service.
Ms Lazarou has been an advocate for domestic violence victims for more than 30 years.
“It’s safe to say her work has touched thousands of lives over the years,” Legal Aid’s Michelle Jones has previously said of Ms Lazarou’s work.
Protecting women and children
In a statement, the NSW Government said that Ms Lazarou is a highly respected leader in the domestic violence sector, “having devoted herself to supporting women affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.”
Ms Lazarou spearheaded the “co-location pilot program”, which ensures women and children experiencing domestic violence receive “coordinated and timely support”.
Bev Lazarou, a senior project officer at Legal Aid NSW, won the NSW Public Servant of the Year award.
The program, which started in 2022, “aims to improve the experience of victim-survivors who attend police stations, increase the number of victim-survivors who report to police, and streamline their access to safety and support,” read a statement.
Seek legal advice
Ms Lazarou told Hope 103.2 that when a person is fleeing domestic violence, legal advice is crucial.
“It’s important to obtain legal advice early, even before the person decides to leave the relationship if possible, so they are clear about their options, and have an understanding of all the issues that may impact on them and their children,” Ms Lazarou said.
But safety is the topmost priority.
“Safety is the most important consideration when someone is getting help and looking to escape domestic violence,” Ms Lazarou said.
“If the situation is urgent, or there has been an incident of violence or the victim fears for their life, I would suggest calling police as they will respond and intervene immediately.
“Police can take out an urgent Apprehended Domestic Violence Order for the person in need of protection and investigate to see if criminal charges can be laid.”
Get help
No matter what path is taken, Ms Lazarou said that women who are experiencing domestic and family violence can get help from the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), which is funded by Legal Aid NSW.
Ms Lazarou spearheaded the “co-location pilot program”, which ensures women and children experiencing domestic violence receive “coordinated and timely support”.
“This service covers all of NSW, every courthouse, and has specialist workers available to speak with victims about any issue that might arise as a result of domestic and family violence,” she told Hope 103.2.
Future leaders
In another award, Samantha Walters from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), won the Anthea Kerr Award.
The award is for a public sector worker who demonstrates that they are a future leader.
Ms Walters works as a caseworker supporting children in out-of-home care.
“She has a track record of passionate advocacy for young people with disabilities, and adolescents facing significant hardships and challenges,” read a statement.
In an Instagram post, the DCJ said that Ms Walters “gives a voice to those who need it the most”.
Recognising public service
Premier Chris Minns said that the Premier’s Awards recognise the dedication of those who work in the public sector.
“All our nominees contribute to building an exemplary public service and delivering essential services that people rely on,” he said.
In another award, Samantha Walters from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), won the Anthea Kerr Award.
The awards not only recognise the outstanding and dedicated work of individuals and departments, but draw attention to the entire public service workforce, who is “helping our Government to build a better NSW as we work relentlessly on behalf of the people of our state,” Mr Minns said.
Simon Draper, the Premier’s Department Secretary, said that the leadership and commitment of all finalists “is a testament to the work that our public service delivers week in week out, as they serve the people of NSW.”
Winners’ List
Here are all the winners of the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards:
NSW Public Servant of the Year: Bev Lazarou, Legal Aid NSW.
Anthea Kerr Award: Samantha Walters, Department of Communities and Justice NSW.
Building a resilient economy: Uptown District Acceleration Program, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Connecting communities: Digitisation: Records of Stolen Generations, Museums of History NSW.
Driving public sector diversity: Early Birds & Night Owls, Australian Museum.
Excellence in service delivery: Howlong Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), NSW Ambulance.
Highest quality healthcare: RPA Virtual Wound Care Command Centre, Sydney Local Health District.
World class education and training: Birrany and Mulungan Program, Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water.
Domestic violence services
Legal Aid NSW: 1300 888 529 or visit the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.
White Ribbon: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Feature image: photo by CanvaPro