The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 130 new police officers following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane.
The officers, aged 19 to 52, bring valued experience from their diverse backgrounds, including skilled trades, telecommunications, health, real estate, hospitality, the aircraft industry, defence force members and chief executive officers.
QPS recruits complete a combination of theory, scenario-based learning, and operational skills and tactics training, along with putting their training into practice on the frontline through station duty placements, across the 36-week Recruit Training Program.
Acting Commissioner Chelepy congratulated the new officers on the commitment they have shown to reach this landmark career milestone and welcomed them to the QPS.
During the graduation ceremony, Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, presented the family of police constable Patrick Moynihan, killed in active service at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, with the posthumous awards of the Queensland Police Service Medal and the Queensland Police Blue Heart Medal, recognising his exceptional service and sacrifice.
“I commend our new officers for their dedication and the strong sense of duty they’ve demonstrated by choosing a career in policing,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
“Each recruit brings fresh energy, a desire to make a meaningful impact, and a diverse range of skills and experiences that will contribute to the continued growth of the QPS and our ongoing commitment to keeping Queensland safe.”
Constable Marina Van Tonder, 43, who served for 21 years in South Africa including as a detective and crime scene investigator, and who will be working at North Brisbane District.
“Since I was four years old, I wanted to be a police officer and that has never changed. And when the opportunity came to continue my police career in a different country, I took it,’’ Constable Van Tonder said.
“Even though it is a new country, the principles remain the same – always treat people with respect and be professional. I have also learnt to trust my gut.’’
UK-born Constable Daryl Gibbs, 52, is thrilled to start his policing journey in South Brisbane, fulfilling a long-held dream of joining the police service and becoming a role model for his children.
“I’ve always told my children that it’s never too late to chase your dreams,’’ Constable Gibbs said.
“I’ve taken this opportunity to prove to my children that you can achieve anything at any age if you genuinely want it, and now I’m fulfilling my childhood dream.’’
Constable Diane Genever, who will be stationed in Mount Isa, is looking forward to joining her husband in the police service after previously working in police administration.
“My husband is also a current serving police officer and because of this I have been fortunate to spend many years raising our children in rural and remote communities across Queensland,’’ Constable Genever said.
“I’ve also learned how to communicate with people from all walks of life and understand the unique challenges regional communities face. I believe this experience will help me build trust and make a difference in the communities I serve within my career.
“I want to be someone that my children can look up to – not just as their parent, but as someone who is out there helping people and making our community a safer place.’’
This intake of FYC’s will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
| Region | District | Station | Total |
| Brisbane (24) | North Brisbane (11) | Boondall | 1 |
| Brisbane City | 3 | ||
| Ferny Grove | 2 | ||
| Fortitude Valley | 2 | ||
| Indooroopilly | 1 | ||
| Sandgate | 1 | ||
| The Gap | 1 | ||
| South Brisbane (13) | Acacia Ridge | 1 | |
| Annerley | 1 | ||
| Capalaba | 1 | ||
| Cleveland | 1 | ||
| Holland Park | 1 | ||
| Inala | 1 | ||
| Morningside | 1 | ||
| Mt Ommaney | 2 | ||
| Upper Mount Gravatt | 2 | ||
| West End | 1 | ||
| Wynnum | 1 | ||
| Central Region (23) | Capricornia (11) | Biloela | 1 |
| Blackwater | 1 | ||
| Emerald | 2 | ||
| North Rockhampton | 3 | ||
| Rockhampton | 4 | ||
| Mackay Whitsunday (12) | Sarina | 1 | |
| Bowen | 1 | ||
| Mackay | 5 | ||
| Mackay Northern Beaches | 1 | ||
| Moranbah | 1 | ||
| Proserpine | 1 | ||
| Whitsunday | 2 | ||
| Far Northern (17) | Far North (17) | Atherton | 4 |
| Edmonton | 2 | ||
| Innisfail | 2 | ||
| Mareeba | 3 | ||
| Smithfield | 4 | ||
| Thursday Island | 1 | ||
| Tully | 1 | ||
| North Coast (16) | Moreton (6) | Bribie Island | 1 |
| Caboolture | 1 | ||
| Petrie | 2 | ||
| Redcliffe | 2 | ||
| Sunshine Coast (4) | Caloundra | 1 | |
| Caloundra South | 1 | ||
| Maroochydore | 1 | ||
| Noosa | 1 | ||
| Wide Bay Burnett (6) | Bundaberg | 2 | |
| Gympie | 2 | ||
| Maryborough | 2 | ||
| Northern (18) | Mt Isa (2) | Mt Isa | 2 |
| Townsville (16) | Ayr | 2 | |
| Charters Towers | 2 | ||
| Deeragan | 1 | ||
| Kirwan | 4 | ||
| Mundingburra | 1 | ||
| Stuart | 1 | ||
| Townsville | 5 | ||
| South Eastern (16) | Gold Coast (9) | Coomera | 1 |
| Mudgeeraba | 1 | ||
| Nerang | 1 | ||
| Pimpama | 1 | ||
| Robina | 2 | ||
| Runaway Bay | 1 | ||
| Southport | 1 | ||
| Surfers Paradise | 1 | ||
| Logan (7) | Beenleigh | 1 | |
| Browns Plains | 1 | ||
| Crestmead | 1 | ||
| Jimboomba | 1 | ||
| Logan Central | 2 | ||
| Springwood | 1 | ||
| Southern (16) | Darling Downs (9) | Kingaroy | 2 |
| Murgon | 1 | ||
| Toowoomba | 5 | ||
| Warwick | 1 | ||
| Ipswich (6) | Karana Downs | 1 | |
| Lowood | 2 | ||
| Rosewood | 1 | ||
| Springfield | 1 | ||
| Yamanto | 1 | ||
| Southwest District (1) | Roma | 1 |
