Nine New First-Year Constables Begin Their Careers In The Mackay Whitsunday District

The Mackay Whitsunday policing district has welcomed nine first-year constables, each bringing valuable skills and experiences to the force. As they embark on their careers in law enforcement, Superintendent Dean Cavanagh highlighted the importance of diversity within the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

“We have some constables here from a variety of backgrounds, which is really important because you want to bring in that skill set and knowledge from different employment backgrounds and areas they've lived,” Superintendent Cavanagh said.

“We want to attract a diversity of thought and different backgrounds because it really adds value to what we can offer as a police service in Queensland.

“If you've ever thought about being a police officer, now is the time to really embrace the opportunity and make the application.”

As part of their orientation, the new constables met with Superintendent Cavanagh and other senior officers from the district leadership team.

The Queensland Police Service welcomes the following officers:

• Constable Connor Kaney, a former security manager from Toowoomba, will be stationed in the Mackay police division.
• Constable Mishen Malek, with prior law enforcement experience in South Africa, will also be based in the Mackay police division.
• Constable Hollie McKie, a former medical receptionist from Brisbane, joins the Mackay police division.
• Constable Armos Merlo, a former Defence Forces member from the Sunshine Coast, will serve in the Mackay Northern Beaches division.
• Constable Nathan Wessling, previously with the Australian Border Force and originally from Ipswich, will also serve in the Mackay Northern Beaches division.
• Constable Kevin Pacey, a former legal support officer with the Director of Public Prosecutions in Brisbane, will be posted in Sarina.
• Constable Jaxon Bokan, who previously worked as a food stall attendant in Brisbane, will be based in the Moranbah police division.
• Constable Mitchell Dentler, a former retail manager from Grafton, New South Wales, will serve in the Whitsunday police division.
• Constable Brendan Roughead, a former builder and carpenter from the Gold Coast, will join the Bowen police division.

For Constable McKie, policing runs in the family, and it was always a career she wanted to pursue.

“I have family in the job - my dad, my stepmom - they've always been huge inspirations to me growing up.

“It's always something I wanted to do since I was a little girl, and I've always wanted to do something community-wise, so I thought it was perfect for me.”

Although moving away from home was a challenge, she is ready for this next chapter.

“It's definitely a bittersweet move, moving away from my family, but I'm excited.

“It's going to be very different…but it's a change and I'm going to embrace that.”

For those considering a career in the police force, McKie’s advice is to “Just do it…and go for it, because it's a really rewarding experience and career.”

Constable Pacey shared his excitement about putting his training into practice.

“My favourite part was experiencing the practical skills that we learned, including firearms and driving skills.

“They were really fun.

“Just getting out there and speaking with the community, getting to know any issues that are out there, and just sort of engaging with them and making sure I'm meeting their needs in solving crime.”

Originally from Brisbane, Pacey is enjoying the transition to North Queensland.

“It's a great change of scenery being up here in Mackay.”

A QPS representative welcomed the new recruits, stating, “It's a pleasure to welcome our new First Year Constables to the district, and we wish them the very best in their careers.”

Constable Hollie McKie
Constable Kevin Pacey
Group photo caption: Nine first-year constables have joined the Mackay Whitsunday policing district, bringing diverse skills and experiences as they begin their careers with the Queensland Police Service. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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