The Hunter River Times

By Di Sneddon

Former Singleton police officer Superintendent Joanne Schultz was one of 10 NSW Police Force employees recognised for their outstanding service as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Speaking to The Hunter River Times on Wednesday, Superintendent Schultz said the award was an incredible honour.

“You never do a job like this for any recognition but it was very special to receive,” she said.

NSW Police Force Commissioner, Karen Webb, and Minister for Police and Counterterrorism, Yasmin Catley MP, have congratulated the group of senior NSW Police Force officers who have been awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM).

The award was established in 1986 and is now announced twice a year, on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday celebrations in June.

Superintendent Schultz was Inspector based at Singleton Police Station during one of its most challenging times compounded by bushfires, floods and covid.

She was the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) for Singleton and the award recognises her exceptional leadership in times of emergency or disaster.

Her reputation with other emergency services, local members of parliament and councillors is of the highest regard and her leadership was evident during the 2022 Singleton floods and the decisions based around the community.

Superintendent Schultz commenced with the New South Wales Police Force in 1988 and rose through the ranks and in 2013 she was promoted to inspector at Botany Bay Local Area Command as a duty officer.

Soon after she transferred to Hunter Valley Police District as a duty officer, specialising in human resources before becoming officer in charge of Singleton.

Mid last year she was promoted to superintendent in 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.