Mechelle Turvey recognised for Indigenous advocacy

Western Australian Indigenous advocate and anti-violence campaigner Mechelle Turvey has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Indigenous communities of Western Australia.

The distinction follows sustained advocacy she undertook after the death of her 15-year-old son, Cassius Turvey, in 2022.

Key Points

The honour acknowledges years of public engagement, outreach and dialogue that Ms Turvey pursued in the wake of profound personal loss. Her efforts have centred on building safer, more understanding communities by prioritising listening, culturally safe practice and consistent support for families. The recognition marks her work in schools, community groups and organisations across Western Australia, where she has called for compassion and action.

Ms Turvey has consistently emphasised that progress stems from genuine dialogue and respectful listening. She has linked meaningful community change to day-to-day conversations and practical steps that reinforce trust, address harm and recognise the experiences of Aboriginal families.

“Listening matters as much as action … yarning is the best building tool, far more powerful than a hammer,” Ms Turvey told the West Australian.

Mechelle Turvey speaks to media with her family and supporters at the District Court Of Western Australia in Perth in May last year after two men had been found guilty of murdering her son Cassius (AAP Image/Aaron Bunch)

Her approach has highlighted the need to move carefully and deliberately. She has argued that there are no quick solutions to intergenerational challenges or to the trauma caused by violence. Instead, she has focused on trust-building measures, consistent engagement and visible support for those who have experienced harm, underscoring the importance of ensuring Aboriginal families feel seen and heard.

Loss that galvanised a movement

Ms Turvey’s advocacy began after her son, Cassius, was assaulted in October 2022. Cassius was 15 years old when he was attacked with a metal pole ripped from a shopping trolley while walking home from school in Middle Swan. He died 10 days later. The incident shocked communities across the country and sparked discussions about youth violence, racism and the shared responsibilities required to protect young people.

In the period following Cassius’s death, Ms Turvey emerged as a leading voice for positive change in Western Australia. Her work and public engagement sought to turn grief into collective action, with an emphasis on unity. She has continually underscored the significance of building understanding between communities and promoting practical steps that reduce harm and create safer environments for young people.

The recognition of an OAM reflects this sustained commitment. It acknowledges her efforts to convene constructive conversations and advocate for solutions that focus on both prevention and healing. Drawing strength from her memories of Cassius and from the resilience demonstrated by her community, she has framed her advocacy as a long-term effort rather than a short-term response.

Her public comments and community work have pointed to the need for spaces in which families can share their experiences, be treated with dignity and feel supported through trauma. By encouraging dialogue in community settings, schools and organisations, she has worked to build bridges and foster shared understanding about the impacts of violence and the importance of community responsibility.

Police engagement and training focus

In her professional capacity, Ms Turvey is the assistant director of Aboriginal Affairs at WA Police. In that role, she has prioritised initiatives that reinforce culturally safe practices, increase understanding and improve engagement with Aboriginal communities. Her focus has been on practical measures that help officials and the public sector respond more effectively to those who have experienced harm.

She is also the founder of the Take 5 training program, a victim engagement training program for police recruits that aims to provide a better insight into the needs of victims of crimes. The program’s emphasis on victim engagement reflects her broader view that listening, understanding and careful, culturally informed practice are vital to building trust and improving outcomes for families and communities.

For Ms Turvey, the honour reinforces a commitment to sustained engagement. The principles she has articulated—listening closely, prioritising culturally safe practice and working with families through trauma—remain at the centre of her message. Her advocacy continues to highlight the responsibilities shared by communities, institutions and individuals to create safer, more inclusive environments and to stand with those who have experienced harm.