A new divisional police commander last week began overseeing the Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe and Goldfields areas.
Superintendent Paul Gardiner – a 32-year police veteran and central Victorian local – has spent the past four years managing the force’s Public Order Response Team and State Liquor Unit.
PORT, while known for managing major protests, provides regular road safety, public order and emergency response support to regional areas, while the SLU regulates the liquor industry.
Prior to that he oversaw the force’s response to four royal commissions including mental health, aged care, disability and bushfires.
He has also spent time in the state police operations centres during major bushfire emergencies.
“I feel very privileged to have been selected for this role,” Superintendent Gardiner said.
“Having been a Bendigo resident myself for more than a decade, it feels like an incredible opportunity to give back to my own community.”
Superintendent Gardiner joined Victoria Police in 1993. He began his career in the western suburbs of Melbourne before working in regional areas including central and north east Victoria.
A Bendigo local of more than 14 years – Superintendent Gardiner is keen to lead and support his own local police across central Victoria in keeping the community safe.
He also has a particular interest in reducing road trauma and family violence.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys the great outdoors and regularly takes his wife and two children on caravan trips across Victoria and interstate.
He will spend the first few weeks in the role meeting local police, stakeholders and community partners.
“The police in this division do a fantastic job day in, day out, and I look forward to supporting them in their roles and backing the work they do,” he said.
“I’ll be doing a number of station visits over the next few weeks to meet more of our local police – the experts in this area – to get a better understanding of their challenges and focus areas.
“I also look forward to meeting our local stakeholders and community partners who too play a role in community safety.
“Having worked in Melbourne the last seven years, I won’t be complaining about the extra four hours I will get back every day!”
