Paul has been a fighter all his life...

From a childhood destroyed by the most severe domestic violence, to growing up in poverty, as his mother struggled to raise four kids on her own, Paul Litherland started life in the harshest of environments.

Joining the workforce at 16, to help support his family, Paul struggled to gain financial security. But he would go on to beat the odds and, at 24, achieve his dream of becoming a WA police officer. By 31, with a wife and young son of his own to love and support, Paul was finally able to break free from the shackles of his past.

But his idyllic family life would be cruelly turned upside down again, when, in 2004, he was hit by a car while attending an incident on the side of a Perth freeway. Although he survived the impact of the accident, Paul suffered horrific injuries that would lead to what would be the greatest battle of his life. Six years on, enduring painful rehabilitation and battling severe depression and attempts at suicide, Paul was able to drag himself out of the darkest of places and shift his motivation to fight for others.

In 2009, as a permanently injured officer, Paul was offered a non-operational position within the Technology Crime Investigation Unit of the WA Police. This is where his passion to educate kids about the risks of the online world was born. That journey continues today, with Paul now considered one of Australia's leading educators in Cyber Safety, with a reputation unmatched across the nation.

"A life's journey that is truly inspirational!"

After facing the hardest of challenges life has to offer, Paul has continued to brush himself off and start again. This life-long determination being recognised by receiving a Pride of Australia Medal in 2007, a National Service Medal in 2016 and a Police Star Medal in 2017. His achievements and determination, together with his unwavering service to the Australian community, culminated in Paul being named the 2022 WA Australian of the Year.

Ambassador: Zonta House Refuge Association
Ambassador: Auspire Australia Day Council
In-House Mentor | Advisor: Emmanuel Catholic College (WA)
2022: Australian of the Year (WA)
2021: Australian Small Business Champion Award
2017: National Police Star Medal
2016: National Service Medal
2007: Pride of Australia Medal