A policewoman with strong ties to the Hunter has been recognised for her outstanding service as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours.
Superintendent Joanne Schultz was among 10 NSW Police Force employees to earn the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM) on Friday 26 January, alongside Superintendent Gina Bostick, Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey, Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay, Chief Inspector Gregory Mahan, Superintendent Michael Rochester, Chief Inspector Raymond Stynes, Superintendent Sonya Tabor and Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein.
The accolade was established in 1986 and is now announced twice a year, on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday in June.
Superintendent Schultz began with New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1988 at Kempsey, performing general duties.
She later transferred to the NSWPF Education and Training Unit where she specialised in teaching legal and societal issues.
In 1999, she was elevated to Sergeant, field education and School of Operational Policing.
Afterwards, Superintendent Schultz undertook field operations at Newcastle Local Area Command and Central Hunter Local Area Command undertaking the roles of crime coordinator and education and development officer (EDO).
In 2013, she was promoted to Inspector at Botany Bay Local Area Command as a duty officer.
Soon after, she relocated to the Hunter Valley Police District as a duty officer, specialising in human resources before becoming officer in charge of Singleton.
She progressed to Superintendent in 2023 at Coffs/Clarence Police District (PD), following extensive relieving as Commander of Hunter Valley PD, Tuggerah Lakes PD, Barrier PD, Riverstone Police Area Command and Mid North Coast PD.
This included her exceptional performance as local emergency operations controller (LEOCON) during bushfires, floods and through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As LEOCON for Singleton, she was a brilliant leader in times of emergency or disaster.
Her reputation with other emergency services, local members of parliament and councillors is of the highest regard.
Her leadership was evident during the 2022 Singleton floods and the decisions based around the community.
Superintendent Schultz has received numerous awards and praise throughout her career, notably for her response to the Kempsey bus crash in 1989 and the Hunter/Central Coast storm emergency.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb congratulated the recipients.
“They have a combined policing service of 332 years, of which they have displayed not only professionalism and high-quality work, but passion and commitment to the safety of communities across the state,” she said.
“Each year, the awards recognise a handful of employees for their service to the people of NSW, highlighting their exceptional careers and dedication to the NSW Police Force.
“Along with the entire organisation, their families and the community, I am proud to have recommended each of the recipients for the Australian Police Medal.”
Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley MP also acknowledged the officers.
“The awards recognise the dedication they have displayed throughout their careers in serving the community,” the Swansea MP and Minister for the Hunter said.
“These 10 officers are a credit to the NSW Police Force.”
For more community stories:
- Dr Janece McDonald’s top gong a slice of history
- Tireless volunteer named Singleton’s leading citizen
- Port Stephens honours its top citizens
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
