With a love of the country and a penchant for golf, new Murrumbidgee Police District Inspector Adrian Matthews says the promotion to Griffith was the realisation of a long-term goal.
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"I came here by choice, and held off applying for other places because I knew a position was going to be available right here," he explained.
"Two weeks in and I am not disappointed."
Having extended family here, he spent holidays here in his childhood and even then the city made an impression.
"Walking down the main street, you have everything you need - the street is full with no vacant buildings, it is a thriving city with so much going for it."
While based in Griffith, Inspector Matthews is the officer in charge of Coleambally, Darlington Point, Rankins Springs, Hay, Hillston, Ungarie, Tallimba, Barmedman and West Wyalong.
Recognising the good work already being done by officers in these towns, he aims to give them as much support as he can to help them continue to serve their communities.
My emphasis will be on supporting those smaller towns, making sure they are adequately staffed and resourced.
- Inspector Adrian Matthews
"My emphasis will be on supporting those smaller towns, making sure they are adequately staffed and resourced."
Starting his career by studying an agricultural science degree at Hawkesbury college, the end game was always going to be country.
Entering the police force, he had his eyes on ending up working with rural crime yet found himself drawn to the other possibilities and opportunities the force offered.
As a Sergeant, Inspector Mathews worked in Forbes, Peak Hill and Euston areas for around 15 years, after cutting his teeth in Sydney working for a number of different specialist units.
"I hated the city - I grew up in Sydney and knew it wasn't the place I wanted to raise a family," he explained.
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As he continues to settle in, he is looking forward to potentially joining sporting groups, getting into the golf scene, and generally becoming familiar with the community.
His was the first of two new appointments in the district, with Inspector Justin Cornes starting last week to cover Leeton and Narrandera.
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