Myanmar refugee's journey to community leader

As a refugee from Myanmar, Senior Police Liaison Officer Tial Hlawnching knows the value of building positive relationships with Logan’s multicultural communities.

When he arrived in Australia 14 years ago, Tial himself did not trust the police.

Now, after dedicating years to study, policing and working with Logan’s migrant refugee and youth communities, Tial is helping others breakdown their own fears.

‘Police liaison officers are so important because we help bridge the gap between the community and police,’ Tial says.

‘When people see someone who understands their language, culture and experience, it breaks down fear and replaces it with trust.’

Tial, 30, is a Hakha speaking Chin man who was born in the Chin state of Myanmar. He moved to Queensland with his family in 2011 as a refugee seeking safety and a new beginning.

Growing up in Myanmar, Tial says he was aware of the negative interactions many in his community faced with law enforcement.

These experiences left lasting impacts not only on individuals, but across generations, shaping the way many people from this community viewed authority.

Within his own family, this contributed to a deep mistrust of police and uncertainty about their role in the community. Like many refugees, this fear and mistrust followed them to Australia.

But over time, Tial says he came to understand the values and responsibilities of police in Australia. It was his new perspective that sparked a desire to be part of the solution.

He studied a degree in Human Services and for the past 8 years has been working with non-profit organisations throughout Logan supporting migrant refugee and youth communities.

‘Representation matters to the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community, it shows that we belong, we are heard, and we are part of a system that advocates for our wellbeing,’ he says.

Tial uses his lived experience and empathy to build understanding, foster trust and help people from refugee and migratory backgrounds feel safe, supported, informed and heard.

As a youth mentor and advocate for change, Tial is also the driving force behind initiatives such as the Logan Youth Engagement Program and Rekon Youth Jamming Sessions.

Both programs aim to bring together young people aged 12 to 20 of all cultures through music, sport and conversation.

Tial, who is part of the Logan Cross Cultural Liaison Unit, says he often shares his experiences with young people to inspire resilience, leadership and cultural pride.

‘Police liaison officers bring understanding to conversation, making sure people from all cultures are treated with dignity and respect,’ says the dedicated community leader.

Through his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, Tial continues to be a powerful force for change, proving that lived experience can be a bridge to understanding, and that every story has the power to inspire.