“One of my first sergeants always be told me to "treat your colleagues and people you encounter the same Michael Henderson way you would wish to 1. WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A UNION DIRECTOR? be treated" probably Since joining WA Police I have been an active member of WAPU. I have been the best advice for any President of several Branches both in the city and country. As a Branch Delegate workplace and officer.” I didn't shy away from defending the rights of our Members and in joining the Board of Directors I'm hoping this gives me the opportunity to do this on a greater level.
2. WHAT ARE SOME GOALS YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE BEFORE THE END OF YOUR TERM? With having a short term before the new elections I hope to focus on helping my regional Members. I believe there is still a lot of work to be done with rostering in country stations and I strive to bring a greater work/life balance to country police. I feel Members have lost or are losing interest in the Union and I wish to get Members more active within their Branches.
3. MY MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT WITHIN THE WA POLICE UNION IS…
4. THE BEST ADVICE I WAS EVER GIVEN WAS… One of my first sergeants always be told me to "treat your colleagues and people you encounter the same way you would wish to be treated" probably the best advice for any workplace and officer. I was told by an older colleague once after a critical incident; “It's like walking in from a muddy field, you've got to shake the mud of your boots before you enter your house”. His way of telling me not to let the stresses of our work in my home life.
5. SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME IS… I'm a big animal lover and at one stage I had four dogs, two cats, eight chickens and two ducks... It was an interesting few months while it lasted!
There were a lot of little achievements over the years as a Branch Delegate, the usual battles involved rostering and officer’s claims. I would say getting a place on the Board of Directors is now the highlight. I hope to have greater highlights before this term is over.
19 POLICE NEWS AUGUST 2015