General News
23 March, 2024
Superintendent celebrates first year in the Wimmera
Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said her first year in the Wimmera is evidence of a "good move", and she has no plans to leave until she retires.
Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said her first year in the Wimmera is evidence of a "good move", and she has no plans to leave until she retires.
Supt McCrory took on the position in January last year, and said it was a tough job but there were always positives when it came to working with the community and her colleagues.
Community members approach Supt McCrory when she's out getting her morning coffee and she said it's lovely.
"The informal interaction I have with the community can still have an impact on them,” she said.
"I'm always happy to talk to the community, and they are more than welcome to approach me for a chat."
Supt McCrory said she highly encourages those entering the police force to take the leap into regional policing.
"It's a different experience and skills,” she said.
“You'll learn to be self-sufficient and more creative.
"There's a deep community connection, and you can proactively engage with them."
During the recent fires Supt McCrory said she admired how the affected communities came together and supported each other.
"They are so strong and connected, and they came together," she said.
"The communities are very resilient and self-reliant.
"We still hold community meetings with those affected to make sure they know they're safe and supported."
She describes herself as an advocate for road safety, and said she is glad the community has started to listen to the recommendations for safety.
"It's a senseless issue, and 99 per cent of the time it is avoidable," she said.
"Spreading the message, getting through to them, reducing road trauma - it’s one of the big ticket items and is a priority."
Supt McCrory said the hardest part of her job was when a colleague struggled in the aftermath of an event.
"When you go home you still think about it," she said.
“It will always stay with you, and it is very difficult to watch that happen.”
Supt McCrory's husband Rod beat her to retirement from the force.
He is now enjoying life in the garden, making chutney, relish and jams.
When she's not in uniform, Supt McCrory enjoys travelling, walking, and spending time with their german shepherd Dusty and golden retriever Scout.
"I will stay here until I retire," she said.
"2026 is my expiration date."
Read More: Horsham