Naracoorte's Senior Constable Chris Mailley has been named the 2024 South Australia Police Officer of the Year for his dedication to the local community and work in assisting domestic and family violence victims.
The annual award is presented by the Rotary Club of Unley in partnership with South Australia Police (SAPOL) and acknowledges police officers who have demonstrated exemplary qualities and devotion to duty.
Senior Constable Mailley's work in SAPOL's Family Violence Investigation Section inspired the development of the 'Upper South East Domestic Abuse Program' (USEDAP), which raises funds to help people in life-threatening domestic situations.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens congratulated the regional police officer on his award and recognised his commitment to assisting vulnerable Upper South East community members.
"Senior Constable Mailley exhibits outstanding character traits that make him an exceptional police officer and community leader, including enthusiasm and compassion," Commissioner Stevens said.
"Through and outside of his police work, he has engaged with vulnerable victims and ensured many have a safe passage to escape their domestic situations."
Originally from the United Kingdom near Birmingham, Senior Constable Mailley became a police officer almost 30 years ago and enjoyed a thrilling career overseas working in the riot squad, tactical teams, drug disruption, firearms unit, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the covert arena.
But the appeal of an Australian lifestyle saw Senior Constable Mailley and his family – wife Amanda and son Jake – journey 'down under' in 2009 and land in the country town of Naracoorte.
Here, Senior Constable Mailley has dedicated time on and off-duty to set up initiatives for vulnerable young people, including the construction of a BMX track, and running of numerous drug awareness community forums for young adults.
Not in it for the glory, the passionate officer felt grateful to belong to a supportive, tight-knit regional community.
"I feel very humbled to be receiving this award. It's nice to be awarded later in my career as it shows, like so many police officers, we don't lose our passion for what we do," Senior Constable Mailley said.
"I don't see the award as mine though. This belongs to the community: businesses, service groups, individuals, colleagues, and management team – there's just too many involved and that shows how much support there's been for the DV program and other initiatives we've set up.
"It also shows we are always trying new ideas to resolve problems here in the Limestone Coast."
The USEDAP is a subcommittee of the Naracoorte Lucindale Community Care Network – an incorporated body with charity status – and is independent of any Government support agency.
"The program does not receive government funding but raises its money from within the community through donations and fundraising events," Senior Constable Mailley explained.
He worked closely with Care Network chairperson Erica Vickery to develop the concept in 2022. Connecting with the right people has allowed the program to go from strength to strength and be supported by so many areas of the community, including local businesses.
Reflecting on his family's move to Australia for a better lifestyle, Senior Constable Mailley claimed South Australia "did not disappoint".
SAPOL is currently recruiting from the United Kingdom, and he's spoken to a few successful applicants.
"I've explained that we, my family, have no regrets and found the move to be such an exciting new chapter in our lives," Senior Constable Mailley said.
"I recall we all had a cheeky smile at each other as we flew in and saw Glenelg beach and from there on, our new life commenced."
His wife, Amanda, is a midwife and nurse at the hospital and Naracoorte General Practice, and similarly volunteers across the community, while Jake has followed in his father's footsteps and works as a police officer in Port Augusta.
Senior Constable Mailley continues to volunteer his time to support others in need, including through his involvement in the Naracoorte Lions Club, and work with the local high school. He also somehow manages to find time to run his own farm and powder coating business.
When asked about slowing down, the 59-year-old said he's "not done yet".
"I'm hoping to see the Upper South East achieve the best domestic violence support in the state," he added.
The official ceremony was held today at the Royal Adelaide Show where Senior Constable Mailley was presented with the title by the Rotary Club of Unley's President John Peacham and District 9510 Governor Marie-Louise Lees, along with Commissioner Stevens.
"Chris is held in high esteem by his peers, superiors, members of the Family Violence Investigation Section and wider Naracoorte and Limestone Coast communities," Mr Peacham said.
"Rotary is pleased to partner with SAPOL to award a dedicated police officer worthy of such recognition."
