As a "city girl" from Perth, a young Erica Gibson's curiosity drew her to a career in policing, but it was her sense of adventure that drew her to the Northern Territory.
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In the 34 years since, she has served in towns and communities right across the NT in almost every role in the force, with a special focus on family violence.
Now a Sergeant in Katherine, she has served in Darwin, Alice Springs, Groote Eylandt, Nhulunbuy, Wadeye, Tennant Creek, Borroloola and many remote communities.
Her passion for the people of the NT, and the influence she has had on policing, have earned her the title of the NT's Local Hero in the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards.
The Territory is home now, and I feel lucky. I've got the best career. For me, this is a lifelong career
Sergeant Gibson sees the honour as just another positive milestone in a career she loves.
"This is just an amazing job. I love it so much. It's good fun every day," she said.
"I grew up in Perth and thought I wanted to be a dietician, but I saw the opportunity to have a job that helped people.
"I have a naturally enquiring mind. Coming to the Territory offered a level of independence for me. I liked the idea of being out and about and not being constrained to doing the same thing every day."
Sergeant Gibson's early posting in Darwin, where she worked with highly experienced investigators in the field of family violence, inspired a special focus in this area.
"This early exposure gave me insights into personal violence and the importance of engaging with vulnerable victims, to take the time to learn about their family circumstances," she said.
A posting to Groote Eylandt brought its own challenge of extreme isolation for the young police officer.
"I was the only female officer, but the advantage was the level of engagement with female victims.
"Yes, you can find yourself in hard situations, as in any job. Isolation can become challenging.
"At this time of the year when roads can be cut, you live and breathe issues in the community."
From speaking with Sgt Gibson, there's no doubt it's her energy and enthusiasm that help her through those difficult times.
"You sometimes wonder if you've done enough, but then there's always the positive outcomes, the light at the end of the tunnel. Often that can be simply seeing a good result, or a victim recover."
Much of Sgt Gibson's career has been spent advancing community engagement and positive interaction between police and community.
She is also actively involved in recruiting others to the field.
While she said she is "extremely humbled" to have been honoured in the AOTY awards, she is most grateful the honour might help "shine a light on this insidious issue of domestic violence".
"If I can be a voice for that, then I'm very happy.
"The Territory is home now, and I feel lucky. I've got the best career. For me, this is a lifelong career."
The national AOTY Local Hero will be announced in Canberra on January 25.
Read more:
Below: How the Australian of The Year panel described the achievements of Sergeant Erica Gibson, the 2021 NT Local Hero.
Sgt Erica Gibson is an engaging and enthusiastic leader who is creating safer communities for Northern Territory women.
A police officer for more than 30 years, she passionately drives and supports community programs that help to combat family violence. Erica oversaw implementation of the Family Safety Framework program, which provides a network of safe homes in remote communities for people in domestic violence situations.
The 53 year old actively supports the Stars Foundation of East Arnhem region, which helps women and girls choose healthy, active lifestyles and positive relationships. She was also a key organiser in Nhulunbuy's inaugural White Ribbon Day event, which raised approximately $50,000.
In 2016, Erica was appointed a member of the RCAG Regional Community Advisory Group for Top End Health Services. And in 2017, she received a Telstra NT Business Women's Award. A keen mentor of other women in the police force, Erica's integrity and leadership inspire others to make positive change.
National Australia Day Council CEO Karlie Brand congratulated the Northern Territory award recipients.
"The 2021 Northern Territory Australians of the Year are actively making positive impacts for people of the territory and Indigenous Australians in particular," said Ms Brand.
"Their efforts are contributing to a better future for all Territorians and for Australia."
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
