ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø

You’ve worked for the NSW Police Force for 28 years, what inspired you to join (and stay) with the NSW Police Force?

Policing and law enforcement has always interested me. Although I had the opportunity to follow my parents as a hotelier, in the end I just wanted to lock up crooks and make the community safer. When I reflect on my ‘post school’ years I’ve built my career around the philosophy of service for others.

That service for others, encouraged me to run as a candidate for the Federal seat of Robertson in 2010, and although securing a strong first preference margin I lost by a small number of votes through preferencing. The positive of this was that I was able to move my policing career forward and am now a commissioned officer within the NSW Police Force.

In my current role I’m able to make strategic decisions that really make a difference to community safety, and this is what inspires me day in and day out.
 
What roles have you held over the last 28 years?

• I started as a general duties officer at Pennant Hills, which was also a Police Rescue station, so it was a natural transition to become a Police Rescue Operator. 
• After a few years of this, criminal investigation work was what interested me the most, and where I saw my career heading. I started investigative work with the Northern Suburbs Special Operations Group which later became the Anti-Theft Squad. 
• From there I went to the Child Protection Enforcement Agency (as it was known then). 
• However, serious and organised crime was where I wanted to be, so I moved to the state’s Drug Squad working in their Chemical Operations team busting up illicit drug labs.
• I then moved to the NSW Crime Commission targeting high level organised and transnational crime where I was promoted to Detective Sergeant. 
• I then moved to the Professional Standards Command (Internal Affairs) where I stayed for eight years. 
• I was then promoted to Detective Inspector and we moved from the Central Coast to Coffs Harbour where I took up my current position as the Crime Manager.

What are the skills that have been required in your roles?

I’m required to be a proactive problem solver, with a resilient and innovative approach to issues, policy development and risk mitigation. I’ve had to have a strong grasp of identifying emerging issues, and the ability to use personal drive to resolve issues through collaboration. Networking and knowing the importance of professional and community networks, as well as the ability to engage with stakeholders is critical. Overall, as a criminal investigator, you have to be tenacious, leaving no rock unturned, as you strive to determine the truth and uncover evidence.  

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

There have been many personal highs and lows, and many of these are extremely personal as they involve victims of some of the most heinous crimes. To be recognised through national awards, and being bestowed with both the National Medal and National Police Service Medal for recognition of ethical and diligent service to the community was humbling. However, the standout highlights have been whilst in Child Protection, and helping children and teenagers seek justice for themselves, but more importantly, making them safe is something so rewarding that I cannot explain, and if it did, it would bring you to tears.

You’re heavily involved in volunteering, what roles have you held?

I’ve been a long-time community volunteer, volunteering with organisations such as surf life saving (at branch, state and national level) and with businesses such as NSW Business Chamber. I’m the current Vice Chair of Bishop Druitt College (an independent Anglican College) Council, and Chair of their Commercial and Development Committee.

Outside of surf life saving, my other passion in Rugby Union. I played over 100 grade games for the mighty Terrigal Trojans. Since my playing years have finished I became a rugby union referee, and am now a referee coach, as well as a team coach. I currently coach the u12’s Bishop Druitt College team, as well as the u16 Mid North Coast representative team.

For me, volunteering allows me to strive for continuous improvement; personally, and for the organisations and community bodies that I proudly represent.
 
What are you passionate about?

I have been fortunate in being recognised for my life's work through awards and honours, but there is no doubt, that my most appreciative reward is the love of my family, friends and those that enrich my life, making me a better person.

And of course, there is Rugby. RAH RAH. It should be recognised that my passion for rugby started at ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø, and somewhere in the school, on a wall somewhere, hangs a photograph of the ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø 1st 15 team that travelled to the International School Boys Rugby tournament in Dublin, Ireland in 1988.

You were in one of the earliest cohorts to graduate from ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø, completing year 12 in 1988, just three years after the school was established, have you maintained any of your school connections over the last 30 years?

Absolutely, but initially it was just a tight group, as the cohort move in different directions with study and work. But since the ‘Facebook’ era dawned on us, it has allowed us to interact more widely, sharing each others life’s endeavours and families. Then there is of course the reunions. We don’t need to discuss those, other to say, they have been fun nights.

What is one piece of advice you would give to ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø students today?

Be resilient and don’t let your mistakes define who you are. Today, and I see it all the time, there are too many opportunities for us to 'opt out’ when things get tough. We need to stand tall, face the problem front on, admit our mistakes, and take any punishment (if that has to happen). We all make mistakes, some worse than others, but these one-off mistakes shouldn’t define who we are as a person. I suppose I look at the recent example of the Australian cricketers, and although I don’t know the full facts, they did just this. Outside of this, life is a journey, so enjoy it.