MOREE Police Station officer-in-charge, Inspector Cherie Knox, says she has found her place.

Born and raised in Grafton, with close family ties to Pallamallawa and Gravesend, Insp Knox was transferred to Moree from Canberra earlier this year – at her request.

“I arrived in February, and I absolutely love it,” Insp Knox said.

“The community has been welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of support within the town and across the policing teams.

“I feel very much at home here – I’ve found my place.

“I’ve relocated with my French bulldog and my Anne Street ‘Moree cat’, so we’ve settled in nicely,” she smiled.

Insp Knox said her parents, Lance and Lynette, instilled a strong work ethic, with family members deeply immersed in emergency services and specialised public service.

Her father was a member of Grafton Fire Brigade, and a brother, Ricky, is a paramedic, also based in Grafton.

“My dad has an amazing work ethic and instilled the same in me,” Insp Knox said.

“My grandmothers were incredibly strong and both worked, even though it was not widely accepted in their time, as did my aunty, Beverly Knox.

“My mother is my biggest supporter, and super-loving and kind.

“My dad and his sister, Beverly, were born at Moree Hospital and very influential in my life as I was growing up,” Insp Knox said.

Being raised in the Clarence Valley meant days on the beach at Minnie Waters, and outings at the Eatonsville family farm, but the black-soil plains in and around Moree always beckoned.

“My grandparents were from Pallamallawa and Gravesend, and my dad was born in Moree, so being here feels like coming home,” Insp Knox said.

Insp Knox has served extensively across western and southern New South Wales.

She has far-reaching experience in regional policing, and served as a sergeant with the Murrumbidgee Crime Prevention Team.

She was also a child protection detective in Dubbo and Griffith.

“Policing has taken me across a number of locations – Sydney, including Burwood, Glebe and Balmain, then Wellington, all in general duties policing,” Insp Knox said.

“I went back to uniform in Queanbeyan, and now Moree. Each place has shaped my experience and perspective.”

At Moree, she works alongside Operations Inspector Dwayne De Vries and Professional Standards Inspector Shane Robinson.

“We each have our portfolios, but we support each other and work very well as a team,” Insp Knox said.

“The policing team here is incredible. We’ve got a young crew, but they are motivated, capable and fantastic to work with.”

Insp Knox said transferring to Moree from Canberra was at her request.

“This was a promotion to Inspector and officer-in-charge of the station. It’s been a great opportunity to take on new leadership responsibilities and work with a motivated and dynamic team,” she said.

Insp Knox started her policing career in the 1990s, but it wasn’t her first choice.

The plan was to become a music teacher, but studying at Newcastle Conservatorium wasn’t playing the right tune – it seemed just a little out of key.

In her mid-20s and at a career crossroads, an advertisement in the local newspaper caught her eye.

“I joined the police force at 26 after taking a different path initially,” Insp Knox said.

“I’d been studying music teaching, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. After returning home to Grafton and doing a few short-term jobs, I saw a newspaper ad with a police officer in a leather jacket and the line, ‘would this fit you?’.

“That really stuck with me – and 30 years later, I still have that leather jacket. I’ve never looked back,” she smiled.

“I joined the police force because I wanted a career with purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Insp Knox is now in charge of a big patch across the Moree Plains.

“I’m also responsible for surrounding areas including Mungindi, Boggabilla, Gravesend, Pallamallawa and Boomi,” she said.

“The teams in those villages do an amazing job, balancing their local responsibilities while supporting Moree when needed.”

Insp Knox’s arrival in February coincided with the installation of the PolAir-Remote drone trial, which has become a significant asset to local policing.

The trial, a first in New South Wales, has improved situational awareness for responding officers as well as enhanced safety for police and the community.

“We’re fortunate to be part of the drone program trial, which has been a fantastic asset,” Insp Knox said.

“It’s been great to see firsthand how effective it can be in supporting operations and improving outcomes for police and the community.”

Insp Knox said policing in Moree is challenging.

“Every day brings its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“The support from the community is strong, and the lifestyle here is something we all really appreciate.”