Sergeant Anthony Smith has migrated to the coast from Walcha, where the then Senior Constable stepped into his new promotion in 2013.

Sgt Smith was born in Walgett, and spent the early years of his life in Walcha, before moving to Tenterfield.

His older brother's experience in the force was a direct influence on his decision to apply, and he promptly signed up in 1987.

"I joined at 19, fresh out of school," he said. "I was really drawn to what a policeman does."

He served in Sydney before heading out to Buladelah in the 90s. And he learned the art of multi-tasking in a stint of country policing at Warren.

"Country policing is different to anything you'll do, you develop very good skills," he said.

He's also worked in lock-up policing in Karuah, before heading on to Raymond Terrace.

But his time in Bulahdelah has probably had the most lasting impact on him - it was the black spot for road accidents along the Pacific Highway at the time - the sheer amount of road trauma eventually led to the Bulahdelah Bypass.

He applied for the new sergeant's role here in Nambucca Heads because he was ready for the volume of policing and challenges of the area ... and to finally live on the coast.

"I wanted a new challenge and I saw this as a good place to come," he said.

"I'd also heard good things about the staff here, and so far they haven't been wrong. I'm looking forward to working alongside them and to playing a positive role in impacting on crime in the Valley."

And his family has moved here too. The older two of his three daughters are currently attending university, but his youngest has just started at Nambucca High this week.

"We're going to embrace the whole thing, make Nambucca our home, and give it a good crack."

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