KELLY Donaghy fulfilled a lifelong dream when she joined NSW Police in 2000.
She has seen a lot of changes since then, none more than the role of women.
"Having worked with NSW Police for 15 years now I have seen many positive changes to policing, including the enhancement of women joining the police," she said.
"When I started at Miranda there were no females of the rank of sergeant or above and now we have six female sergeants."
Sergeant Donaghy joins her colleagues across NSW this year to celebrate 100 years of women in policing. Miranda police will mark the occasion with a baton relay (see separate story).
Sergeant Donaghy is a passionate advocate of supporting and protecting women and children, having spent most of her professional life investigating child sexual assault, serious physical abuse and neglect.
After joining State Crime Command child abuse squad in 2005 she became a detective. She received a police officer of the year award for uncovering a child sex offender online network and went to Ireland to arrange the first extradition of a child sex offender from there to Australia.
She said joining the police was a lifelong dream and she encouraged anyone to do the same.
Female roles honoured
BATON RELAY: Miranda police will celebrate 100 years of women in policing with a baton relay on Wednesday.
The two-kilometre relay begins at Greenhills Beach at 9am and finishes at Dunningham Park, Cronulla. There will also be a morning tea so people can meet local police.
Miranda Superintendent Michael O’Toole said the area’s celebrations would showcase the history and past and present achievements of women in the police force. ‘‘We now have hundreds of committed and successful women working in diverse roles, such as the dog unit, rescue squad, mounted unit and detectives,’’ he said.
‘‘Today the NSW Police Force offers women extensive opportunities, interesting experiences and interaction with people from all walks of life, while the organisation is rewarded with the important skills and experience they bring to the job.
“I am honoured to be part of the statewide celebrations and encourage all members of the local community to come and help us mark this special moment in Australian history.’’
