King’s Birthday Honours: Mechelle Turvey recognised with OAM in King’s birthday honour

To Western Australian Indigenous advocate and anti-violence campaigner Mechelle Turvey, the simple art of listening is more powerful for building community than any other tool.

Ms Turvey has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Indigenous communities of Western Australia.

The honour acknowledges years of advocacy that followed the tragic loss of her son, Cassius Turvey, whose death shocked the nation and sparked important conversations about youth violence, racism and community responsibility.

Cassius was just 15 years old in October 2022 when he was brutally assaulted with a metal pole ripped from a shopping trolley while walking home from school in Middle Swan. He died 10 days later.

Since that devastating period, Ms Turvey has emerged as one of Western Australia’s most prominent voices for positive change - dedicating herself to encouraging understanding, compassion and action, working with community groups, schools and organisations across the State.

“Listening matters as much as action ... yarning is the best building tool, far more powerful than a hammer,” she said.

“It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about trust, repairing harm, and ensuring Aboriginal families feel seen and heard.”

Ms Turvey is the assistant director of Aboriginal Affairs at WA Police and founder of the Take 5 training program - a victim engagement training program for police recruits which aims at providing a better insight into the needs of victims of crimes.

Her efforts have focused on creating safer environments for young people while promoting unity among diverse communities.

She says she draws her strength from her thoughts of Cassius as well as the resilience of her community.

“(I want to keep) supporting Aboriginal families through trauma and strengthen culturally safe practices,” Ms Turvey said.