The Mid North Coast Police District 2018 Medals and Awards ceremony acknowledged the hard work of officers across the region.

Senior Constable Tim Eggert and Senior Constable Taya Bailey were awarded the highest honours on the day, the Peer Police Officer of the Year and the Community Police Officer of the Year respectively, with both saying they were proud of the recognition.

Snr Cst Taya Bailey works with the domestic violence team and said she loves being able to assist women and children escape the cycle of violence.

“It feels great that I have won the award today,” Snr Cst Bailey said.

“I have been in the police force for the last 16 years and today’s recognition just shows to me that I am doing the right thing and helping my community.

“I am proud that I am able to help women leave domestic violence situations and assist them in getting their lives back on track.”

She said that over her time in the force, policing has changed but the act of helping people has remained the same.

“Victim care is something that I am passionate about and unfortunately domestic violence is a massive issue in our community,” she said.

“Over the years the demands and expectations on police officers have increased but the work we do is similar and helping in the community is what I love most about my job.”

Snr Cst Tim Eggert leads the Mid North Coast Support Unit and is based at Kempsey, and he said receiving his award was an unexpected delight.

“I love working on the Mid North Coast, I grew up in Wauchope before working in Sydney and in rural NSW, but after returning two years ago it feels like I have come home,” Snr Cst Eggert said.

“I was very surprised when my name was called but I am privileged to work with such experienced and dedicated colleagues.

“I love the variety of my work and the fact that the support group can be proactive about crime and assist general duties officers all over the mid north coast.”

Both officers were described as having an extremely high work ethic and dedication to their communities.

Assistant Commissioner Northern Regions, Max Mitchell, said all award recipients had earned their honours.

“I always find it interesting to come to ceremonies like this to listen to the history of the winners, to see where they came from and the experiences they have had,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Policing is so diverse and the recipients should all be honoured as they have been today, police officers face touch challenges but do a fantastic job.

“In recent times on the Mid North Coast there have been difficult times but I want to thank all the officers for their work and dedication to serving their community.”

Mr Mitchell also said he was proud of all the officers in the Mid North Coast Police District.

“The Mid North Coast is a difficult area to police as it is so diverse, but the work undertaken by all officers right across the region has such a significant impact of the whole community.”

Superintendent Paul Fehon said the awards were well deserved.

“The awards recognise the achievements of the police staff right across the Mid North Coast,” Supt Fehon said.

“The awards show officers’ commitment to making the community a safer place.”

Snr Cst Tracy Watts

Snr Cst Julie Hudson

Snr Cst Timothy Preston

Snr Cst Alexandra Preston

Former Snr Cst Geoff Parker

Snr Cst Tracey Watts

Snr Cst Phillip Coulton

Snr Cst Julie Hudson

Snr Cst Alexandra Preston

Snr Cst Timothy Preston

Snr Cst Wendy Hudson

Snr Cst Grant Ellis, Macksville

Snr Cst Justin Wood

Snr Cst Daniel Layton, South West Rocks

Snr Cst Brian Priest, Kempsey

D/Snr Cst Darren McArdle

Snr Cst Wendy Hudson

Sgt Jason Maxwell

Det Snr Cst David Stuart, Macksville

Snr Cst Alexandra Preston

Snr Cst Timothy Preston

Snr Cst Tracy Watts

Beverly Donovan

Beverly Donovan

Sharon Spooner

Det Snr Cst David Stuart,  in recognition of bravery and dedication responding to a dangerous situation at a remote location near Macksville in November 2014

Det Snr Cst Justin Welsh,  in recognition of bravery and dedication responding to a dangerous situation at a remote location near Macksville in November 2014

Sgt Jason Maxwell,  in recognition of bravery and dedication responding to a dangerous situation at a remote location near Macksville in November 2014

Guy Flaherty

Paul Dilley

Taya Bailey

Tim Eggert, Kempsey