Ten NSW Police Force employees who have been recognised for their outstanding service as part of this year's Australia Day Honours.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Karen Webb, and Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Yasmin Catley MP, have congratulated the group of senior NSW Police Force officers who have been awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM).
The award was established in 1986 and is now announced twice a year, on Australia Day and the King's Birthday celebrations in June.
The NSW Police Force APM recipients include:
- Superintendent Gina Bostick
- Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald
- Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey
- Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay
- Chief Inspector Gregory Mahan
- Superintendent Michael Rochester
- Superintendent Joanne Schultz
- Chief Inspector Raymond Stynes
- Superintendent Sonya Tabor
- Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein
Commissioner Webb said the recipients have a combined policing service of 332 years, of which they have displayed not only professionalism and high-quality work, but passion and commitment to the safety of communities across the state.
"Each year, the awards recognise a handful of employees for their service to the people of NSW, highlighting their exceptional careers and dedication to the NSW Police Force," Commissioner Webb said.
"Along with the entire organisation, their families, and the community, and I am proud to have recommended each of the recipients for the Australian Police Medal."
"I am extremely proud to have such dedicated men and women serving our community and am pleased they are being honoured and recognised for their achievements," Commissioner Webb said.
The Minister for Police and Counter- Terrorism, Yasmin Catley MP, acknowledged the officers who have been recognised for their outstanding service as part of the Australia Day Honours.
"Today's awards acknowledge the dedication they have displayed throughout their careers in serving the community," Minister Catley said.
"These ten police officers are a credit to the NSW Police Force, and I am immensely proud to be able to acknowledge their achievements as Police Minister," Minister Catley said.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick
Superintendent Gina Bostick joined the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1992 and was stationed at City of Sydney, Mascot, Rose Bay and Randwick in general duties and maintains her operational capacity to this day. In 1997 she transferred to the Covert Evidence Officer program in the Special Services Group. This was the first cohort to become skilled operatives and in some cases, experts on the covert evidence capabilities of the NSWPF.
In 2002 she moved to the State Technical Investigation Branch (STIB), creating the Intelligence Cell. In 2004 she was promoted to sergeant of the STIB Intelligence Cell. In 2005 she transferred to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2007 Police Security Command in the planning of Operation CONTEGO, the NSWPF's response to the security and logistics needs of the 2007 meeting. She displayed leadership, commitment, professionalism and devotion to duty and was highly commended for her service.
In 2008 she transferred to the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command (CTST) as a sergeant where she established the Business Contact Unit. In 2009 she was promoted to inspector, Knowledge Management Controller of STIB and sought engagement with other government departments, corporations and private businesses that STIB relied on for operational support.
In 2019 Superintendent Bostick was transferred to the Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and led the Digital Evidence First Responder (2.0) project. This expertise using a third-party tool was developed in-house, including a bespoke training package for frontline police to enable forensic examination of phones and computers. In 2021 she was promoted to superintendent commander High Tech Crime Branch.
In recognition of her achievements ensuring equality, fairness and changing the culture of a work environment to one that promoted trust, recognition and support for female police, was awarded the Dynamic Leader Award and the overall Gold Award at the Commissioner's Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.
Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald
Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald commenced with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1988 at Maroubra performing general duties. In 1996 she transferred to the newly formed Child Protection Enforcement Agency where she developed a profound dedication to safeguarding children and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In 1998 she was promoted to detective sergeant at the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), and in 2002 to detective senior sergeant. In 2011 she was promoted to detective inspector at Professional Standards Command, then onto crime manger at Redfern, where she managed victim-centric investigations and forged meaningful connections with the Indigenous community. Her involvement in the Tribal Warrior Program and support for local schools and Indigenous activities contributed significantly to crime prevention and empowerment of young Indigenous women. In 2020 she was promoted to superintendent at Police Transport and Public Safety Command – North West Sector.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Detective Superintendent Fitzgerald played a vital role by collaborating with local community businesses and South Sydney Police Area Command youth officers to collect and distribute care and food packages to disadvantaged Indigenous families in Redfern and Waterloo. She also implemented youth violence strategies on rail networks and remains dedicated to supporting youth and youth strategies.
In 2022, Detective Superintendent Fitzgerald was appointed as the commander of Inner West Police Area Command, where she continues to focus on building relationships with the community, notably supporting the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, which provides food relief to vulnerable communities. Additionally, she remains actively involved in youth programs, including the Rise Up Program at Marrickville Police Citizens Youth Club.
Detective Superintendent Fitzgerald firmly believes in community engagement, maintaining positive relationships, and ensuring that the NSWPF effectively support the public. Her longstanding involvement with the communities of Redfern, the Greek community, and various community programs exemplifies her dedication.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Robert Grey
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey commenced within the New South Wales Police Force in 1986 at Albury performing general duties. In 1994 he transferred to Criminal Investigations where he achieved his designation as a detective in 1996. He conducted extensive criminal investigations on many high-profile cases, as well as involvement in numerous strike forces and received citations during his time as an investigator.
In 2002 he was promoted to detective sergeant where he performed duties at the Anti-Theft Unit and Target Action Group. In 2008 he was promoted to inspector (duty officer) at the Monaro Local Area Command. Over this time, he was very active in building strong and effective working relationships and strategies with police operating within the Australian Capital Territory, which proved significantly effective in tackling volume and organised cross border crimes. The legacy of his actions is reflected in the results achieved by the Monaro Police District and in 2019 he was promoted to detective chief inspector crime manager.
As the most senior and experienced detective within the Police District, he led Critical Incident Investigations teams and performed the role of reviewing officer for other Critical Incident Investigations. He led a team of 17 personnel and was responsible for the leadership and management of all serious and volume crime for the district.
It was during this time he performed the role of Alternate Local Emergency Operations Controller during the 2019-20 catastrophic bushfires. He led the response to the tragic Hercules C130 aircraft crash, which killed three American occupants (23 January 2020). The plane was responding to fire suppression in the area. Over several weeks he provided strong leadership and mentorship to the investigation team managing the coronial investigation.
Chief Superintendent Toby Christopher Lindsay
Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay joined the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1994 at Kogarah performing general duties and later transferred to Wollongong Police Station. In 2000 he served as part of the 5th Australian Police Contingent, seconded to the United Nations in East Timor, tasked with helping East Timor with policing, investigations and ultimately building its own police force. Whilst on deployment he performed duties as a crash investigator and border patrol officer with refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), working alongside other United Nations agencies, the Australian Defence Force and non-government organisations.
He was acknowledged with the Police Overseas Service Medal and United Nations Medal for his contribution to peacekeeping in East Timor, in 2001. In 2003 he was promoted to sergeant at the Shoalhaven Local Area Command, in 2010 to inspector /duty officer at the Far South Coast Command, in 2013 as program director, Operational Policing Program, implementing the NSW Community Portal. He was promoted superintendent in 2018, as commander of the Richmond Police District based in Lismore.
During this time, he was acknowledged for his commitment to community, professionalism and leadership in emergency management. He played a significant role, as emergency operations controller (LEOCON), during the North Coast Fires in 2018, 2019, again in 2020 and during COVID-19. His leadership across various positions in police recruit education has resulted in many thousands of recruits commencing service in NSW, including during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Superintendent Lindsay continues to motivate and encourage student police officers to serve their community.
As commander of Organisational Development Command, People and Capability, he is responsible for education, training and development across the police force and as chief executive officer of the NSWPF's Registered Training Organisation. Chief Superintendent Lindsay is a Police Legatee and was appointed to the Board of NSW Police Legacy in 2022.
Chief Inspector Gregory David Mahon
Chief Inspector Gregory Mahon commenced with the New South Wales Police Force in 1989 at Sutherland performing general duties. In 1999 he was promoted to sergeant at Nowra in the Shoalhaven Local Area Command in the role of intelligence sergeant and was a trailblazer when Crime Management Units commenced in 1999. In 2006 he transferred to Lake Illawarra as the crime coordinator, where he was at the forefront of the new Crime Management Unit, ensuring the community had a voice and input into their local police force.
In 2012 he was promoted to operations coordinator and implemented the geographical controlled operation Strike Force Delicate, receiving an award for the innovative approach and professionalism. In 2014 he was promoted to inspector at Southern Region as the operations manager and was responsible for the coordination of all high-risk incidents, including emergency management responses to the 2019 bushfires in the South Coast area, the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods in the Southern Region.
During the 2019 bushfires he was able to collect the data on firearms located in houses that were damaged by fire and tasked police to retrieve those firearms. He ensured the safe stay of the Ruby Princess cruise ship when in the port of Port Kembla. During the COVID-19 pandemic he liaised with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to ensure tasking of combined Police and ADF teams to manage at risk people with COVID.
The Deni Ute Muster, music festivals, 'Snowsafe' and 'Summersafe' have also come under his oversight for the last 10 years.
Superintendent Michael John Rochester
Superintendent Michael Rochester joined NSW Police Force (NSWPF) in 1987 and was stationed at Dee Why performing general duties and later transferred to Manly and Albury Police Stations. In 2000 Superintendent Rochester was promoted to sergeant at Regional Intelligence Coordination and in 2001 he was promoted to inspector, Duty Officer at Wagga Wagga.
In 2002 he moved to the Southern Rivers Target Action Group, then to the Liverpool and Region Enforcement Squad, Bass Hill as commander where he developed the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad from proactive to a special tactic resource unit. He performed the role of region coordinator for Operation TALON which was established in response to public place shootings within the South West Metropolitan Region (SWMR). He was also the public order commander during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) World Youth Day, G20, New Years Eve, Mardi Gras, Australia Day and ANZAC Day.
During Operation Corona Virus 2020, he significantly contributed to the operational planning of the NSWPF in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 1500 officers deployed to the Victorian border in less than 48 hours. In 2019 Superintendent Rochester was promoted to superintendent, Commander Public Transport Command, South West. In 2021 he moved to commander of the Dog and Mounted Unit, then in 2022 to the commander of the Tactical Operations Group. In 2019 he led a music festival project team to develop an overarching 'framework' for planning and delivery of the operational response to music festivals.
Superintendent Rochester attended courses overseas where he gained knowledge in crowd psychology and public order management and was fortunate to be selected for the Silver Commander public order course delivered by the College of Policing in the United Kingdom. He took a lead role in the development and implementation of the Specialist Commanders course, which is the only one of its type in Australia and is written and delivered by Superintendent Rochester to further enhance the capability of police commanders in public order and major events.
Superintendent Joanne Schultz
Superintendent Joanne Schultz commenced with New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1988 at Kempsey performing general duties. Later transferring to the NSWPF Education and Training Unit where she specialised in teaching legal and societal issues. She has received numerous awards and praise throughout her career, notably for her response to the Kempsey bus crash in 1989 and the Hunter/Central Coast storm emergency.
In 1999 she was promoted to sergeant, field education and School of Operational Policing. Later transferring to field operations Newcastle Local Area Command and Central Hunter Local Area Command undertaking the roles of crime coordinator and education and development officer (EDO). In 2013 she was promoted to inspector at Botany Bay Local Area Command as a duty officer. Later transferring to the Hunter Valley Police District as a duty officer, specialising in human resources before becoming officer in charge of Singleton.
She was promoted to superintendent in 2023 at Coffs/Clarence Police District (PD), following extensive relieving as commander of Hunter Valley PD, Tuggerah Lakes PD, Barrier PD, Riverstone Police Area Command and Mid North Coast PD. This included her outstanding performance as local emergency operations controller (LEOCON) during bushfires, floods and through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As LEOCON for Singleton, she is an exceptional leader in times of emergency or disaster. Her reputation with other emergency services, local members of parliament and councillors is of the highest regard. Her leadership was evident during the 2022 Singleton floods and the decisions based around the community.
Chief Inspector Raymond Peter Stynes
Chief Inspector Raymond Stynes joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1992 and was stationed at Wetherill Park and Penrith. His ability to handle difficult situations and problem solve became evident in August 1995 when he was directly involved with the capture of two escaped lions, where he was awarded the Commissioner of Police Commendation for Courage.
He broadened his experience in general duties, anti-theft and investigation working in the Shoalhaven region. In 2006 he was promoted to sergeant at Mt Druitt before returning to the Shoalhaven later in 2006, to serve a further seven distinguished years. In 2014 he was promoted to inspector where he took up a tenure at Quakers Hill, before returning to Shoalhaven in 2017. Under the formation of the new South Coast Police District in 2018, he won the position as the officer in charge of the Nowra sector.
He is highly regarded by his peers, his staff, and community - Indigenous and non-Indigenous. His ability to engage people from all walks of life, and his leadership qualities have directly attributed to bridging social and economic issues within the Shoalhaven, reducing crime and investing in youth. More recently he was recognised for his commitment, leadership, and professionalism during the 2019-200 South Coast fires as the local emergency operations controller.
Chief Inspector Stynes facilitated the police response to the Currowan and Comberton fires, resulting in effective multi-agency responses to the management and evacuation of town residents, coordination of road closures, and dealing with public unrest, whilst proactively addressing emerging crime.
Chief Inspector Stynes is highly respected by his peers and the community with over 30 years' experience in frontline, proactive and strategic community policing. He is recognised for his commitment and dedication to the NSW Police Force and to the people of the communities he serves.
Superintendent Sonya Tabor
Superintendent Sonya Tabor graduated from the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) Academy on in 1997 and was stationed at Quakers Hill in general duties. In 1999 she commenced a career in the legal side of policing, becoming a Prosecutor for four years and seven years in legal consulting after being promoted to sergeant.
In 2011 she was promoted to inspector and returned to general duties at several stations for a period of 11 years, including time at the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Throughout this period, she created and implemented state-wide Rapid Antigen Testing procedures that assisted the NSWPF in maintaining operational capacity during the COVID-19 Omicron variant. She was a COVID-19 Hotel Operations Committee member, an Optional Disengagement Scheme Steering Committee member, lead for the Workforce Safety transformation project and the subsequent restructure/reform project.
In 2022 she was promoted to superintendent in her current role as commander, Workforce Safety within the People and Capability Command. She has performed many significant roles including design of the NSWPF Winter Strategy which was implemented as the NSWPF planned to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic resurgence and the creation of the Northern Region Wellbeing Concept of Operations to ensure staff affected by the devastating floods would be provided additional welfare support.
In November 2022, the NSWPF Commissioner announced the single most significant investment in the health, safety and wellbeing of the NSWPF workforce with the commencement of the PULSE project. Superintendent Tabor's organisational advocacy for enabling and enhancing the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees across the organisation has ensured that under her leadership, the PULSE program delivered on its commitment to establish a dedicated Career Transition Unit and has commenced Early Access Treatment Initiatives, an eWellcheck pilot and the rollout of field based mental health clinicians.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein commenced with New South Wales Police Force in 1995 at Fairfield in general duties and in 2000 began his criminal investigations career at Cabramatta, before moving to the South-East Asian Crime Squad. In 2004 Detective Chief Superintendent Weinstein was promoted to the rank of sergeant, performing general duties, before transferring to Darling River. In 2007 Detective Chief Superintendent Weinstein was promoted to inspector at Darling River Police District.
In 2013 he commenced work as a criminal investigation coordinator at State Crime, Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad and gained the trust and support of community leaders within the Middle Eastern community through his ongoing interaction and attendance at community and business-related events. In 2018 he was promoted to detective superintendent at South West Metropolitan Region as operations manager. He later became chief of staff to Commissioner Fuller and supported the commissioner's vision of preventing, disrupting, and responding to crime and community concerns.
In 2019, whilst commander of Fairfield, he was commended by community leaders for his leadership and positive community engagement in relationship building and breaking down of barriers between police and the community. In 2021 he returned to State Crime Command where he led and rebuilt the Raptor Squad and Strike Force Hawk which was a collaboration between Metropolitan Field Operations and the Department of Communities and Justice. He developed a new model that significantly contributed to the reduction in public place shootings, resulting in a 50% reduction of conflict-based shooting in New South Wales.
Detective Chief Superintendent Weinstein enhanced Raptor Squads ability to disrupt and combat both organised crime networks and outlaw motorcycle gangs across the entire state. He progressed the use of Serious Crime Prevention Orders, developed future criminal investigations through his knowledge of crime networks and criminal investigative techniques, and targeted criminals who attempted to harm the NSW community through firearms violence, drug supply or organised criminal networks.
In 2022 Detective Chief Superintendent Weinstein commenced in role as director of Crime Operations, State Crime Command. This promotion saw him oversight the most serious and heinous crimes investigated in New South Wales. During this period he has forged strong partnerships across National and International law enforcement agencies. He has also driven and developed enhanced investigator methods and deployment models that are having significant results in major crime investigations which is yielding improved arrest rates in shorter time frames. These strategies are making New South Wales a safer environment its citizens.
