LEGACY MEDAL HONOURS NYAMAL POLICE AIDE

A Nyamal Police Aide has been honoured for his special service to the WA Police Force.

Les Ball, now deceased, joined the WA Police Force in 1977 and served for 8 years, rising to the rank of Senior Aboriginal Police Aide. His service was recognised in a ceremony on Friday.

His sister, Mavis Westerman, accepted the Legacy Medal on his behalf and said he was well-regarded in his community.

Les Ball’s daughter, Mavis Westerman and Les’s grandchildren

“He was a gentle big boy from the bush and very kind. He cared about a lot of people. He always wanted to be a policeman to help his people. He loved his job and made a lot of friends. White and black.

She said Mr Ball faced challenges in his career, including having to negotiate the Noonkanbah land rights dispute.  

“He happened to be new there at that time. It was really tough for a young fella. He didn’t know what side he was from because his white policemen mates were on one side and black fellas on the other side.”