Plaza guard wins top award

Charles Selemon with his national security award at Armada Dandenong Plaza. 205011_03 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A shopping centre security guard has taken out a national award for his work with African youths in Dandenong.

Charles Seleman, hired at Armada Dandenong Plaza, said he was humbled by his Australian Industry Association Limited award.

“It was a real honour,” he said.

His work has been part of the plaza’s Respect Protect Connect public safety campaign launched in July 2019.

The ‘zero tolerance’ campaign has targeted people behaving inappropriately and disrespectfully at the centre.

Plaza centre manager Monica Jenkins said the centre was “very fortunate to have a security guard of Charles’s calibre”.

“Charles Seleman’s work with the local African community has been an inspiration to centre management and everyone that works with him on a day-to-day basis.”

Mr Seleman had been nominated by security contractor Access Group Solutions for the Individual Achievement – General Security award.

He is in training to qualify for Australian Ninja Warrior in 2021.

“I applied for the 2020 season but had to put things on hold due to an injury.

“I am now getting ready for the 2021 season, focusing on body building and overall strength at this stage.”