Gold Coast police boosted by eight new first year constables, including a former zookeeper

They’re a diverse bunch all with their own backstories and former careers, but these eight new Gold Coast first year constables are united by one thing: a desire to serve. Here’s your opportunity to meet some of them.

First Year Constables at Mudgeeraba Police Station on July 28, 2025, celebrating their graduation and imminent deployment. Picture: Alex Treacy

What do a zookeeper, a receptionist and a veterinary nurse have in common?

They are some of the former careers of the latest crop of first year constables who have recently graduated from the Queensland Police Academy and are set for deployment at stations across the Gold Coast.

First Year Constable Nathan Harmer, who is being deployed to Palm Beach, boasted one of the most divergent career changes: previously, he was a five-year veteran of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

“I did animal training and presenting, [I was] part of the bird show,” he said.

“We were working with eagles and dingoes and all sorts of fun stuff.

First Year Constable Nathan Harmer at Mudgeeraba Police Station on July 28, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

“So, a bit of a change of pace there, but maybe the animal training background will help me in this role.

“It’s a bit different going into working a more of a community, human-based job than coming from working with animals.”

His colleague Annie Reddington, who is being deployed to Runaway Bay and has a background in paramedicine and child safety, said she was proud to have made the career switch at the age of 54.

First Year Constable Annie Reddington at Mudgeeraba Police Station on July 28, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

“I think it’s a big achievement to be this age and be successful,” she said.

“I think my varied career puts me in good stead.

“Age hasn’t been a barrier.”

First Year Constable Andrew Winkler, who is also headed to Runaway Bay station, was a 16-year veteran of Ambulance Victoria and said he had always been “intrigued” by the work police do.

“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of challenges but I look forward to those,” he said.

“I’m keen to get started.”

First Year Constable Andrew Winkler at Mudgeeraba Police Station on July 28, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

Constable Winkler said he hoped to one day be a detective.

Other former careers represented by the latest crop of eight recruits headed to the Gold Coast include receptionist, vet nurse, supermarket worker and fast-food employee.

Aside from Palm Beach and Runaway Bay, the stations set to receive reinforcements are Coolangatta, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.

Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles (left) speaking to First Year Constables at Mudgeeraba Police Station on July 28, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles said he was looking forward to seeing the careers of the eight new constables blossom.