2 minute read
CHRIS ON HOME BEAT
“My maternal grandfather, Merv Clanfield , was also born in Mount Morgan and my paternal grandmother was from Wowan. Also, it was an opportunity for my career development that I couldn’t turn down,” he said.
Chris’s grandfather Merv Clanfield completed his boiler maker apprenticeship in the gold mine during the 40’s and 50’s. His great-grandfather was also a dairy farmer in the region, and started a transport and logistics company ‘Clanfield Bros’ out of Rockhampton.
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“I was born in Rockhampton myself, and I grew up in the Central Highlands and Coalfields.”
“My last visit to Mount Morgan was in the mid 90’s for a school tour of the mine. I vividly remember walking on the Tipperary Road suspension bridge, and also a funny story about a toilet on the mine site,” he said.
“Mount Morgan is a wonderful town with a heap of potential. I am enjoying meeting everyone and hearing everyone’s stories.
For Police Officer, Christopher Cronin, applying for and accepting the position of Officer in Charge (OIC) of Mount Morgan Police Station was like a homecoming for Chris who has family connections to Mount Morgan’s Clanfield and Teeney families.
Chris joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in 2010 after he found he had a connection helping vulnerable people through volunteering at the Police Citizen’s Youth Club (PCYC) and the rest is history.
Chris has taken over from former OIC, Sgt Matt Harling who has transferred to Kuranda.
“Previous to the police I was studying engineering at University and playing Rugby League in the Brisbane competition. I had lost interest in engineering and was injury prone during football seasons.
“However, I found more enjoyment with community work,” Chris said.
Chris started in Mount Morgan just before Christmas in December 2022.
“It has been quite a busy start to my time here, and our team has done some incredible work helping others already,” he said.
This is Chris’s first posting as a substantive Officer in Charge. He has previously relieved as an Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale, and spent a number of years working across remote North West Queensland including Mount Isa, Doomadgee, Normanton.
“My first posting was in Brisbane CBD, so I have had a large variety of work, and prefer working in rural remote settings over urban postings,” he said.
Chris, after spending a number of years in remote Queensland and was looking to get back closer to family and friends.
I have had a few great laughs at the pubs and have enjoyed being greeted by many friendly faces in town. I am looking forward to the opportunities that come with the mine re-opening,” he said.
Policing has changed dramatically since Chris first joined the police service as have the community expectations.
“We need to continue improving our connection with community and forging a path forward together.”
Chris is concerned at the high rate of domestic violence generally, and in Mount Morgan in particular.
“Unfortunately, we do have a high rate of domestic violence matters throughout Mount Morgan, when compared to the population size.
“I am however grateful that people are willing to reach out for help, and we will always be there to give it.
“The police cannot truly deal with these matters without the help and support of the community.
A lot of matters have similar stories of alcohol or drug use and financial pressure.
If anyone needs help they can find it online, via DV Connect, Lifeline, or by getting in contact with Police,” he said
Chris’s family has also made the move with him and are also enjoying the town, fishing at the dam and exploring the national parks.
Chris has no plans to move for awhile.
“At the moment I don’t have an end-date in mind, I guess as long as people still enjoy having me around, I will stay.
“My current tenure is three years, but I would be looking to go beyond that at the moment.”