Narrabri’s Nick Murray is the latest academy graduate to join the police force in Moree, which is located within the New England Police District, as a Probationary Constable.

Pro/Const Murray says he’s pleased to have landed his dream job, working in a career he’s “wanted to do ever since he was a little kid”, in a part of NSW that’s close to his heart.

“I’m actually from the coast originally, but my partner and I moved out west a couple of years ago and the Gunnedah/Narrabri/Moree area has really grown on me in that time,” he said.

“I’ve adapted to the regional life and have learnt it’s a great place to be.”

In addition to the geographic appeal of the new job, Pro/Const Murray is glad to be making a difference in the communities that need it most.

“In my first month on the job, I’ve already learnt just how rewarding this work is,” he said.

“Plus, I’ve always wanted to be a police officer, so it’s great to be able to chase that dream.”

Pro/Const Murray graduated in February this year, after online learning and intensive training at the New South Wales Police Academy in Goulburn.

“I was studying via online modules for about four or five months, due to COVID-19, which was challenging at times,” he said.

“But that just made the two months of in-person training even more valuable, I had a great time at the academy.”

Pro/Const Murray explained that he’s thankful for the “awesome” training he received at Goulburn, because it did a great job of preparing him for the real thing.

“The academy gave me a much better understanding of how to deal with real-world situations, which has certainly helped me in the field,” he said.

“In Moree, I’ve been able to put all that learning into practice.”

After finishing their face-to-face training, Pro/Const Murray’s class had an in-person graduation at the facility.

“We were lucky enough to be allowed five guests each at the graduation in Goulburn, and it was great to celebrate the achievement alongside loved ones,” he said.

As he progresses further into his dream job, Pro/Const Murray is excited to see where the career takes him.

“For now, I’m very happy fulfilling the general duties, and wrapping my head around it all,” he said.

“After a few years in the force, I might look at moving up into some kind of supervising role, but for now I’m enjoying just learning the ropes.”

When asked what his favourite part of the job has been so far, Pro/Const Murray couldn’t pick just one highlight.

“It’s hard to say exactly what has been the best part, since I’m still so new to it all, but I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far,” he said.

“It’s all very exciting.”

Inspector Phil Malligan said that Prob/Const Murray has demonstrated that he “is certainly an asset to have, and has fitted into the team here at Moree”.

“Nick has hit the ground running in responding to the recent floods, whereby he has assisted members of the community in evacuating in and around the Moree township,” he added.

Insp Malligan noted that, since graduating from the NSW Police Academy, Prob/Const Murray’s studies have not stopped.

“In order for him to progress and be confirmed as a Constable of Police, he must pass all academic requirements of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice, which is jointly administered and delivered by Charles Sturt University and the New South Wales Police Force,” Insp Malligan said.

“On top of shift work, Nick will have exams and assignments to complete for the next 12 months.”

Pro/Const Murray says he’s up for the challenge, adding that he’s happy to have had such a positive introduction to the force, with thanks to the police at Moree and those across the whole New England Police District.

“The station here is great, my boss is really encouraging, so I’ve started off strong,” he said.

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