Behind the badge

Editorial: Nadine Lyford

Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

Wayne Spence

Rank: Senior Sergeant

Graduated: 20 January 1978

Station: Diamond Creek

Why did you join Victoria Police?

I was working at the Melbourne Harbour Trust in demolition. While the work was enjoyable, I was looking for a career with a variety of opportunities, which is what Victoria Police can provide.

Tell us a bit about your career history.

After the Academy, I went to Russell Street, which was a rite of passage for graduates back then. I wasn’t there for long before moving to City Traffic, in the days of white gloves and pith helmets. I worked at Preston, Eltham, a short stint at D24 where I was promoted to sergeant, then Heidelberg. I moved to Greensborough as a senior sergeant in 2002 and then in 2004 I was sent to Diamond Creek to set up the new complex. I've been frontline uniform for 46 years, which is good fun and always interesting.

What's your favourite thing about working at Diamond Creek?

Diamond Creek is a smaller station with a strong focus on community, which makes it feel like country policing. Working with and mentoring new members and those seeking promotion has always been enjoyable and, as an officer in charge (OIC), it’s pleasing to see them progressing through the ranks. Diamond Creek also houses the local headquarters, which includes the Local Area Commander for Nillumbik, who coordinates the police response to emergencies. As the uniform OIC, I have taken on a support role for the Divisional Emergency Management, which has enabled me to develop skills in this field.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had during your career?

I was here on Black Saturday when the fires came through Strathewan. The first fires in our area started around 4pm. As the afternoon moved on, there was a quick succession of other fires and we realised they were spot fires started by the smoke plume drifting above us. The fire came and went in an hour and a half, but in that time, 34 members of our community were killed. My concern was for our small crew and what they were exposed to – in the days that followed we searched for victims and survivors and identified locations where victims had died. Even though it was 15 years ago, we still talk about it when we meet with the other emergency services and the lessons that were learnt. Working side-by-side with the community to rebuild and come together after that terrible event was very rewarding.

What do you do in your free time?

I dabble in carpentry. You’ve got to do something other than always thinking about policing. I have also been involved for the past 20 years with the Diamond Creek Blue Light Disco, which has been running for 31 years. It was closed for three years due to COVID, and in that time, our money had run right down because we still had to pay public liability insurance. But in November 2022, we decided to give it one last go, and 330 kids turned up. We’ve had a similar number at subsequent events. We’re back in the black and hopefully next year we'll be able to give grants to local sporting groups, schools and not-for-profits, adding to the almost $300,000 we've given away in the past.

What advice do you give constables starting their career?

You'll hear senior members talk about how things used to be done and that may sound better or worse than it is today, but it’s really just the back-of-house business that changes. The front of house – here on the street – never changes. At the end of the day, it’s working with the community, helping those who need assistance and dealing with offenders.