Eight new First Year Constables headed for Central Qld after biggest graduation in 33 years

Eight new First Year Constables are headed to Central Queensland, with one from the fitness industry revealing what prompted him to want to help those in need.

Rockhampton’s police force is set to become stronger with the addition of seven new First Year Constables after their milestone graduation this week. Photo Steve Pohlner

Rockhampton’s police force is set to become stronger with the addition of seven new First Year Constables after their milestone graduation this week.

It will be the biggest in 33 years, with 155 recruits graduating.

Among those headed to the Beef Capital First Year Constable Mitchell St George who previously worked in sales management in the fitness industry before making the switch.

“I’ve got an uncle who was in the job,” he said.

“When asked about it he always said it was the best job he ever had.”

First Year Constable Mitchell St George is among seven First Year Constables headed to Central Queensland after his March 2025 graduation.

The catalyst for First Year Constable St George joining the Queensland Police came during what was supposed to be a relaxing time.

“I was overseas with my partner and we witnessed a critical incident over there that really made me see the people that need help that aren’t able to get it in most situations,” he said.

“As soon as we got back to Australia I applied.”

First Year Constable St George spent eight months at the Queensland Police Service Academy in Oxley, of which he said one of the best parts was making new friends.

Rockhampton’s new officer said he is eager to start his first posting.

“I’m excited to get amongst it and do what we can for the community up there,” First Year Constable St George said.

“Helping people who aren’t able to help themselves and doing something positive for them and making positive out of the situation.”

First Year Constable Mitchell St George will join the ranks of the Rockhampton police.

Despite not having even arrived at his first posting, First Year Constable St George has already made good on his desire to help those in need.

Along with fellow recruits, First Year Constable St George found himself assisting in evacuations and door knocking operations during Cyclone Alfred.

As for anyone thinking about joining Queensland Police, the new cop said people shouldn’t hesitate to apply.

“Just do it,” he said.

“You can spend a lot of time ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ whether it is something you want to do but if you take the leap you’re going to find what you’re looking for.”

Along with the new officers in Rockhampton, a further new recruit will be posted in Gladstone.

The graduates to be deployed statewide include previous law students, business owners and security officers, as well as former police officers from New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa.

They have already started serving the community, door-knocking hundreds of residents and assisting with evacuations due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Police Minister Dan Purdie met the recruits during their work following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. - Photo Steve Pohlner

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie met the recruits during last week’s deployment to thank them for their efforts.

“They have already demonstrated they have what it takes to wear the uniform and are ready to serve and protect Queenslanders,” Mr Purdie said.

“It’s incredible to see so many new recruits willing to step up. It will help to bolster the frontline and keep communities safe.”

Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy expressed his pride in the new officers and the number of community members who have chosen to dedicate themselves to a policing career.

“This is a milestone achievement for not only the QPS in welcoming our largest recruit intake in 33 years, but for each and every one of our graduating officers today,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy has praised the new QPS graduates. - Photo Steve Pohlner

“Even before graduation, these officers demonstrated their dedication to communities across South East Queensland, stepping up to assist people to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“Their efforts in the past week have been invaluable, showing exactly the kind of commitment and community spirit that define the Queensland Police Service.”

More than 750 recruits currently training at Queensland Police academies and more than 2,100 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.

Originally published as Eight new First Year Constables headed for Central Qld after biggest graduation in 33 years