Bill Espie

William Leonard Espie (25 June 1935 – 22 September 2011) was the highest ranking Aboriginal person to serve on any Australian police force; he was, at one point the Chief Inspector in the NSW Police Force. He is remembered as a "Centralian hero".

Early life

Espie was born in Alice Springs, one of several children of Edith Espie, an Arrernte woman, and Victor Cook, who soon left to "start a new - white - family down south". His family home is described as a good one and that his mother did their best for them; his mother Edith was always helping other people in the community and often took foster children in to their home.

In his early teens Espie came into contact with Anglican priest, Father Percy Smith, who arranged for him, and a number of other Aboriginal boys to go to St Francis House in Adelaide alongside the now prominent names of Charles Perkins, Gordon Briscoe and Brian Butler. This was supported by his mother, who wanted her children to have a better chance at life.

During this time he received the following awards:

1965, Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct 1965, Commissioner's Commendation 1965, Peter Mitchell Award 1965, George Lewis Trophy 1971, Commissioner's Commendation 1977, Commissioner's Commendation 1980, National Medal 1988, First Class National Medal Australian National Police Service Medal