"In 2016, I had the privilege of participating in the peace and conflict resolution program at the Rotary Peace Centre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. As an officer with Victoria Police, my attendance was sponsored by Melbourne District 9800 and supported through decade long relationship between Rotary and Victoria Police.
Charlie Allen was the first of six officers to participate in the program since this relationship was established. His participation awakened a passion for peace building through a number of different activities, one of which was his active collaboration with the Rotary Club of Melbourne in the recruitment and selection of Victoria Police Peace Fellow candidates for the Chulalongkorn program. His passion has more recently been recognised with his appointment as the Director of Partnerships for the Institute for Economics and Peace.
I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with the Rotary Club of Melbourne as I commence my support of Rotary’s D9800 selection of Victoria Police candidates for the Chulalongkorn program. My reconnection not only offered me an opportunity to enjoy the Rotary spirit of community and good will, but reflect on the critical role for police in peace building. I am privileged and proud to be a Rotary Peace Fellow and I look forward to supporting Melbourne District 9800 in its continuing efforts to build an active and passionate Victoria Police Peace Fellow cohort."
Andy was a 2017 Rotary Peace Fellow, undertaking “Peace and Conflict Studies” at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and in a recent presentation at Rotary Central Melbourne, summarised his experience in three succinct points:
An understanding of the broader definition of “conflict” and learning of the importance of the “tools” necessary to resolve conflict.
The role that the police can play in building and sustaining “peace” in the community.
Thank you Andy, and we wish you the best in your valuable support of the Program.
