Among 88 new police officers who recently graduated in Brisbane, four have recently started their police career in the greater Mackay District. Last week, the new First Year Constables embarked on their new careers to serve and protect the region. State Member for Mackay, Mrs Julieanne Gilbert greeted these officers at the Mackay District Office.
Mackay Police Station welcomes two new faces, one in which is a former Victorian, Constable Keegan Jackman, who impressively served in the army.
Ben Hopkins, who will also be joining Mackay Police Station, relocated to Mackay for a life change as he recently worked for the Australian Federal Police in Northern Territory. Mr Hopkins was keen on a coastal change and is familiar with a previous work colleague who is already working at the Mackay Police Station.
Moranbah Police Station is where you’ll find Constable Emillee Hinson. Originally from Cedarvale, she previously worked in a warehouse and has future plans of working in the Dog Squad.
Initially from Brisbane, Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen is heading to Cannonvale Police Station, where he previously worked in banking and helped many scam victims through their problems. Zac is stoked about the move and thinks he has won the jackpot after being allocated to the Whitsundays.
Mackay and District’s newest police officers undertook a 36-week training program at the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley, becoming the first cohort of 2024 to graduate in Brisbane, with an additional 592 recruits in training across Queensland. Over the next 12 months, the FYCs will undertake further station-based training where they will undergo mentorship, development and assessment on the job, putting their 36-weeks of training, in which they learn to examine problems taken from everyday policing situations, into practice as they are deployed from Mudgeeraba to Mareeba and beyond.
Minister for Police and Community Safety, Honourable Mark Ryan, said “it is a privilege to support these dedicated officers as they embark on their journey, and I commend them for their commitment to the communities in Queensland.
“I wish you all the best in your fulfilling and rewarding policing journey,” Minister Ryan says.
Joining a career within the Queensland Police Service brings a vast variety of roles. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning, it makes both a challenging and rewarding career with endless possibilities.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM added, “we are a service made up of invaluable individuals whose knowledge, culture and experiences make us stronger as a whole.
“Your journey promises a fulfilling and rewarding career where your every effort contributes to the protection and safety of the Queensland community,” claims Commissioner Carroll.
To kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au
Four newest Mackay Regional QPS officers with State Member, Julieanne Gilbert. Photo credit: Mackay Police
