Michael Tabart has been part of the Interview Friends program since it began in 1996. Initially launched by the Attorney General’s office, the program—now run by Anglicare—provides on-call volunteers to support young people during police interviews.
For nearly 30 years, Michael has been answering those calls, often in the wee hours. “The calls generally come in at three, four, five in the morning”, said Michael. “They don’t come in at seven p.m., so you have to be ready for sleepless nights. You have to have your phone by you and be able to get presentable quickly.”
Michael emphasises the need for empathy in this type of role. “These kids have had really tough lives. They may not be supported by their families. That’s why I am there, their parents can’t be or don’t want to be. Many have dropped out of school. They’ve experienced family separation, financial loss. You think ‘there but for the grace of God go I— or your children or grandchildren.’”
Careful not to do this work for personal gratification, Michael still hopes his presence makes a difference. “I like that I am helping someone and possibly making a difference in their life. I take it as an opportunity to talk with the young person, help them to understand the seriousness of what is happening. I ask about what else they want to do with their lives, and I hope the message gets through—that what is happening now could impact that future.”
Michael’s commitment was initially one night every two months, which increased to two nights a month, and, unfortunately due to a loss of volunteers, can sometimes be as much as six nights a month.
“While it is not a long commitment in relation to hours, it is taxing and if you’re not prepared it can throw you off balance. Police stations can be scary for the uninitiated”, he said.
By the time Michael arrives, the young person is usually beginning to grasp the seriousness of the situation. “Often they are close to tears. They’re generally appreciative of having someone there to support them. They can turn to me if they need a break, if they don’t understand a question. They thank me for coming—and often so do the police.”
Over the years, Michael has had several memorable moments as an Interview Friends volunteer. There was the time he was woken from a dead sleep, and disoriented, mixed-up police stations. “I arrived in Tuggeranong, and no one knew what I was there for. We made a few phone calls and eventually I realised I was meant to be in Woden!”
He also recalls a time when three service stations had been robbed in one night. Police had rounded up a number of young people, all of whom relied on Michael for support. He was at the station from 3 am until 10 am. “That was a long night”, he said.
In addition to volunteering with Anglicare, Michael also volunteers with the Salvation Army, works with Mental Health Foundation ACT providing mental health assessments in hospitals, chairs Canberra Interactive Care Inc.—a not for profit that trains people to work with community members experiencing mental health episodes—and even founded a group called CRIMS (Christian Retiring Interesting Men).
Michael’s unwavering dedication is a testament to the power of showing up. We’re incredibly grateful for his service and the difference he continues to make in the lives of Canberra’s youth.
View our volunteers page to learn more about our Interview Friends program or to read about more volunteering opportunities at Anglicare.
