Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

This second graduating course includes officers from a range of policing backgrounds across the UK and Australia, bringing skills in areas including counter-terrorism, armed policing, serious sexual offences, public order, investigations, and general duties.

Among the cohort, two officers are heading to Port Augusta, with the remainder joining teams across metropolitan areas.

STP Course 2 graduate Ella Mestroni, who previously served five years with Victoria Police within metropolitan and regional areas, said the transition back to her home state has been seamless.

“My husband and I were always going to return to South Australia to raise our daughter close to family, and SAPOL made that move incredibly smooth,” she said.

“Being able to retain my rank and transfer entitlements like long service leave has made a big difference, and the level of support during the recruitment process – from flexible testing options to genuine communication, has been outstanding.”

Jamie Earl, who graduated from STP Course 1 in March, said the past two months have confirmed he made the right decision.

“Policing here is fast-paced, efficient, and outcomes-focused,” Jamie said.

“In just a short time I’ve achieved more positive outcomes for victims than I would in six months back in the UK, and that’s incredibly rewarding. Of course, it’s been a steep learning curve and some days have been challenging, but I’ve been backed by an amazing team and a really supportive work culture.”

This latest graduation comes as SAPOL continues a multi-pronged domestic and international recruitment drive.

A refreshed ‘You Belong in Blue’ television campaign has recently launched across South Australia, showcasing the stories of three serving SAPOL officers from regional and metropolitan areas. The campaign highlights the diversity of policing roles on offer and the dynamic and rewarding nature of the job.

The domestic push complements strong momentum internationally, with a SAPOL delegation recently completing a second UK recruitment drive. More than 1,100 officers registered to attend SAPOL’s seminars across London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

This initiative is expected to drive a significant increase in applications, replicating the success of the 2024 in-country recruitment activity.

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said today’s graduation highlights the progress SAPOL is making through a range of targeted recruitment efforts.

“Our domestic and international recruitment strategies are delivering results—from the interest generated by our recent seminars in the UK to the continued success of our ‘You Belong in Blue’ campaign here at home,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

“These efforts are helping us attract the right people—officers with real-world experience, a strong sense of purpose, and the skills we need to strengthen our frontline and provide safer communities across South Australia.”

Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan said the State Government has made police recruitment a priority, to increase the number of sworn officers in SA.

“The skills, knowledge and understanding these experienced graduates bring with them will be of great benefit to SA Police and help bolster the frontline resources.

“The State Government has invested record amounts into SA Police which has allowed them to go on a bold local, interstate and overseas recruitment campaign and we look forward to welcoming even more officers to South Australia into the future.”

SAPOLs domestic, international and interstate recruitment drive is in full swing. Those looking for a rewarding career with a range of attractive benefits can apply here https://sapol.info/SAPOLcareers

The one-of-a-kind playground includes five themed play areas with equipment that caters to users with diverse physical, sensory and cognitive needs.

The fully enclosed playground also has a secure play area for enhanced safety and quiet zones for rest and relief.

It also features the City’s first communication board, created in collaboration with All Abilities Australia to support non-verbal users.

Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said it was fantastic to deliver an accessible and inclusive play space for visitors from our community and beyond to enjoy.

“This facility is more than a play space; it is a place where children can feel a sense of belonging and safety,” he said.

“We are grateful to have received a funding contribution of $2.6 million from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

“This shared investment reflects our joint commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community and ensuring everyone can enjoy the City of Wanneroo.”

Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said supporting projects like this demonstrated the WA Government’s dedication to creating more purpose-built, inclusive places and spaces that children and families can access to stay active and healthy.

“Using feedback from the local community, the result is an asset accessible to all children, including those with mobility issues and those with cognitive, sensory or social-emotional challenges,” she said.

“Exploring and enjoying interesting outdoor spaces is an important part of childhood and I congratulate the City of Wanneroo for their commitment to this project.”

Construction of a Universal Access Toilet was finished this month, marking completion of this important project.

Gathering at the fire station today (9 May), Woodend Brigade Captain Steve Ritchie, who has been involved with the brigade for 31 years, said the brigade feels proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.  

The medium tanker is a state-of-the-art firefighting vehicle, equipped with a 2,650 litre water capacity that allows for rapid and controlled suppression of fires directly from the vehicle.       

“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Steve said.  

“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel drive and had our crews squished in together or travelling on the back of the truck,” Steve said.  

The new rehab unit will replace their existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fire ground.  

“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Steve said.  

“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits” 

“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents 

“Responding to more than 230 call outs over the past two years, the streamlined configuration of both vehicles will significantly help with our crew’s communication and teamwork when responding to incidents.” 

CFA District 2 Commander Hugh Kelly congratulated the brigade on their new additions.  

“These vehicles are a testament to the dedication of the Woodend Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Hugh said.  

“Both additions will be valuable assets to help keep the local community safe, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of brigade members. 

” The new medium tanker and rehab unit were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant brigade contributions from community and business donations.