MILDURA, VIC. — Time is ticking to be among the first recruits at the new regional police academy in Mildura.
Applications for the first intake – to begin training in January next year – close this Friday, July 17.
More than 100 prospective police officers have already applied.
It follows a huge number of expressions of interest, which surpassed 240.
Victoria Police is currently contacting these people as the application deadline looms.
Busy parents who’ve previously been unable to pursue their policing dream due to family commitments are among those who’ve applied to undertake training at Mildura.
More than half of applicants are from the Mildura area, including the city itself and nearby Irymple and Red Cliffs.
Around a fifth are from interstate, mostly NSW border communities.
Victoria Police is urging potential recruits to submit their applications in the coming days to have the best chance of being in the academy’s first squad.
The lead time is needed so applicants can undergo the necessary screening and checks to assess their suitability.
The new regional academy – to open on January 18, 2027 – means that, for the first time, future officers will be able to complete their entire police training without having to travel to Melbourne.
Training will mirror the 25-week program delivered at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley.
Mildura recruits will graduate in a local ceremony and be deployed to positions in the Mallee region.
They get the same conditions as trainees in Melbourne, including an annual starting salary of $84,060 plus allowances for Probationary Constables and nine weeks paid leave a year.
To submit an application, go to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/regional-academy.
