Crime fighter set to address Sydney graduation
Published on 08 May, 2013
Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace will be guest speaker for next Tuesday's (May 14) graduation ceremony hosted by CQUniversity in Sydney.
As a junior constable in 1986, Deborah was chosen to play the part of murdered Sydney nurse Anita Cobby in a police re-enactment of the crime that shocked a nation. The re-enactment promoted opportunities that eventually led to convicting the perpetrators of the crime.
The ceremony from 2pm at the Sydney Town Hall will cater for 156 graduates including Doctor of Professional Studies graduate Panutporn Ruangchoengchum who researched the impact of Thai culture, Thai university culture and rote learning on applied research at Khon Kaen University.
Superintendent Deborah Wallace will be guest speaker for the ceremony
Master of Professional Accounting graduate Tran Thi Tuyet and Master of Information Systems graduate Syed Ahsen Ali will be recognised as recipients of the Campus Director's Awards for Leadership. Mr Ali will also deliver a response address on behalf of all graduates.
The guest speaker has been a police officer for nearly 30 years. Superintendent Wallace led the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad investigation which dismantled an organised crime syndicate involved in drug distribution, firearms, extortion and violent offences.
Superintendent Wallace has been much involved in Rotary youth programs and in 2003 received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for commitment to the enrichment of youth. She is Chairperson of the Father Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets organisation and serves on the management committee for St Jude's Refuge for Homeless Men in Bankstown.
The senior leader, mentor and professional police officer has extended a helping hand to the women following behind her. In 2010 she was awarded the Australasian Council of Women and Policing's most prestigious honour, the Bev Lawson Memorial Award, which recognises the most outstanding woman in any policing or law enforcement activity.
Superintendent Wallace was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List 2011 for diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances in direct protection of life and property, and in that same year was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.