October 25th 2024.
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens is being considered for the prestigious title of Australian of the Year, after being nominated for the state award. His colleagues and supporters have put his name forward, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to the community.
Commissioner Stevens, who has held his position since 2015, reacted to the news with his usual blend of humor and humility. In disbelief, he initially thought it was a prank by one of his colleagues. But upon further investigation, he confirmed that it was a genuine nomination.
His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered widespread praise, but it was his response to a personal tragedy that truly showcased his character. Last year, his youngest son, Charlie, passed away in a car accident during Schoolies week. Despite this devastating loss, Commissioner Stevens and his wife Emma have been bravely advocating for road safety and organ donation.
Speaking about the impact of their advocacy, Commissioner Stevens said, "It's no longer just words on a piece of paper when you stand up and talk about the consequences of people losing their lives on the road. I wish I didn't have that perspective." He also credits his wife for playing a crucial role in spreading their message to a wider audience. "She is the strong one of the two of us. She's the one that's really pushed some of the things we've been trying to achieve in terms of awareness... that's all about Emma, so she deserves as much recognition as me, I think."
Commissioner Stevens is among four finalists for the South Australian Australian of the Year award. If chosen, he will then compete for the national title. However, he remains humble and acknowledges the other nominees, saying, "I've been nominated along with a professor, a rocket scientist, and a doctor who does cancer research. That's fairly high-level company."
The winner of the South Australian Australian of the Year will be announced on November 7th. This article was written with the help of 9ExPress, highlighting the importance of this recognition and the impact of Commissioner Stevens' contributions to the community.
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