Behind the badge

Editorial: Cassandra Stanghi

Photography: Brendan McCarthy

Rebecca Carmichael

Rank: Senior Constable

Graduated: 2016

Station: Maryborough Police Station

Why did you join Victoria Police?

It had been a dream of mine for a long time. My uncle was a police officer and, when I was younger, I wanted to be a mounted police officer because I loved horses. I ended up joining later in life after working in hospitality, running my own café and waiting for my children to leave home, but looking back, I wish I’d joined much sooner. I’ve been in the job for eight years now and I’m absolutely loving it.

Can you tell us about your career history?

I was very lucky to graduate from the Academy and land a spot right back in Bendigo, where I’ve grown up all of my life. I really wanted to experience more country towns, so a few years later, I got a position at Maryborough, which is only a 40-minute drive from where I live. Over the journey, I’ve been lucky to act as a sergeant, and in the next few months, I’m planning to get some experience working at one member stations in the area.

What’s it like to be a general duties police officer in Maryborough?

Maryborough is a small rural community, but it’s very hands on. We do a lot of patrolling around town, a lot of road policing and other jobs like family violence that general duties members across the state deal with. We’re lucky over here that we can really focus on both the jobs we get called out to but also on the community. We have a big farming community and a lot of elderly people, too. Being a small town, everyone comes up to you for a chat when you’re out and about, which is great.

What is your favourite thing about working at Maryborough Police Station?

We have a small station but we’re a very closeknit workplace. Even though it’s a small team, we don’t work with the same person every day and we get to do stints with our local highway patrol and crime investigation unit, so the variety of experience we can get is fantastic.

What is a career highlight that stands out for you?

At the end of last year in the peak of the floods happening across the state, I was called to Swan Hill to work for a week. As I was driving to Maryborough to collect my gear, I got flooded in myself. I had to stay in Maryborough for the night and we ended up evacuating Carisbrook, which is a small local township. The next day, I drove out to Swan Hill and worked the floods, supporting all the senior sergeants and inspectors. It sure was an experience that I’ll never forget.

What’s your advice for anyone thinking about a career in policing?

I would say to anyone thinking about joining later in life like I did, it’s never too late to join. I’m nearly 50 years old now and I can honestly say there’s no reason not to join. This job has so many opportunities, places to go and things to do. Every day is different, and you have the flexibility to focus on wherever your interests lie. My daughter is looking at joining now, so this is the advice I’m giving to her at the moment. I still pinch myself, I’m so happy being here.