IT’S an anniversary of a different kind and Oxley police are going to celebrate it in style, taking over Tamworth today with a relay, travelling road show and gala ball.
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Dozens of officers, both women and men, will descend on Bicentennial Park today to showcase 100 years of Women in Policing, welcoming a state-wide baton relay which will arrive at noon.
The relay, being run from the Ibis Hotel at 11am, along Goonoo Goonoo, Scott Rd and into the park, will highlight how far women have come in the force over the past century.
“It’s our turn to showcase the achievements of women in policing, in particular in our area and the Oxley Area Command,” Inspector Kylie Endemi said.
“In Tamworth, actually, we’re really proud in our command, to have higher than the state average of women in policing. The state average sits about 27 per cent across the force and we’re up around the 30 per cent.
“We’ve got wonderful women here, sworn and unsworn, who work with us in policing and we’re really proud of that.”
The public is being urged to get behind the relay and the showcase in the park with the formalities kicking off at noon.
There will be a jumping castle, face painting, balloons, historical displays and a barbecue, but also a chance to look at what has change since 1915 when females were allowed into the force.
“A really important part of this is recognising the females who paved the way for people like us to be able to enjoy such a wonderful career, so it’s about acknowledging them, acknowledging our serving staff at the moment and it’s all about looking to future,” Inspector Endemi said.
“We’ve come an enormous way and we will continue to progress in this fantastic organisation.”
Officers have been in training for today’s events, but the true significance of the day will be marked for many years to come.
“NSW police is really the benchmark setter in the state in terms of how we encourage women to develop and promote themselves in the workforce,” Inspector Jeff Budd said.
“There are over 600 disciplines in police regardless of your gender to be involved in, so whatever you want to do in the police, it’s there to be had.”
The relay will move from Tamworth to the Barwon and New England Commands next week, with a gala ball being held in Tamworth tonight to continue the centenary celebrations.
