Mechelle Turvey, mum of murdered schoolboy Cassius Turvey, awarded OAM in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours
Mechelle Turvey, the mother of murdered Perth student Cassius Turvey, has been honored with this year’s King’s Birthday Ceremonies.
Ms Turvey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to Indigenous communities in Western Australia, where she currently works for the police force.
He was appointed by Police Commissioner Col Blanch months after the horrific death of his 15-year-old son Cassius.
While walking with friends after school in east Perth, he was attacked, chased and assaulted by a group of men for events that had nothing to do with them.
Cassius suffered serious head injuries in the attack and died 10 days later.
Two of the men, Jack Brearley, 25, and Brodie Palmer, 31, were convicted of Cassius’ murder.
Mrs Turvey boldly appealed for calm following her son’s shocking death; thousands of people attended nationwide vigils for Cassius.
Months after her son’s death, she began working as a consultant with the Western Australian Police Force to help officers understand the needs of victims.
He has since been promoted to Deputy Director of Aboriginal Affairs and founded the Take 5 program, which trains officers to care, listen and support victims and their families.
A WA Police spokesman said Ms Turvey had become a leading advocate for understanding, compassion and community responsibility.
“His work has supported Aboriginal families through trauma, reinforced culturally safe practices and promoted trust through listening and respectful engagement across the community,” a spokesperson said.
“His continued contribution to safer and more inclusive practice and his service to Western Australia’s Indigenous communities makes him extremely deserving of recognition through the Medal of the Order of Australia.”
Ms Turvey has previously been recognized for her work and was named West Australian of the Year and Swan City Citizen of the Year in 2024.
She was also named Midland NAIDOC’s Female Elder of the Year in 2023.
Ms Turvey has been contacted for further comment.
