Lee O'Connor
21 August 2025, 9:20 PM
Three local police families are already settled into their new homes in Mendooran Street Coonamble, part of the NSW Government's four year program to build 271 police houses in regional and remote towns across New South Wales.
Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley, and Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander, were in town last Friday 15 August to officially announce the completion of the project.
Minister Catley said 178 of the new homes were already constructed with the remainder to be finished by the end of this year or early in 2027.
Several other communities in the western plains can expect similar builds.
“You can’t keep a community safe without police, and you can’t keep police without housing," Minister Catley said.
"Along with the new Special Remote designation for Coonamble and Gulargambone, these new homes are a game-changer for recruiting and keeping the officers we need.
“Three new homes and three police families already in place – that’s how quickly the right investment delivers results for communities."
The $2.6 million project was completed by a Dubbo-based company.
All three homes have 4-bedroom and include a rumpus, private backyard, double garage and fitted with solar panels.
Acting Inspector Russell McArthur, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, and Police Minister Yasmin Catley answer questions in Coonamble last week.
"The homes are really well equipped and purpose built for the area with both heating and cooling which is really important," said Russell McARthur, Acting Officer in Charge of the Northern Sector of Orana Mid Western Police District.
"They're very nice homes and very safe and secure and in a good part of town so they're great for local police."
Homes crucial for keeping police
“These new homes are vital in encouraging police officers and their families to move to this area and build a connection to the community," Mr Holland said.
“We know that some of the biggest barriers in maintaining police numbers in regional parts of NSW is a lack of suitable housing, and these new homes mean we can attract police to regional communities, where they’re most needed.”
Minister Catley clarified that the housing was for existing staff and did not mean additional positions but should help fill vacant positions.
"Of course police move around. They get promoted and go to other areas.
"This is an opportunity for them to come out here, have a home which is provided by police, be part of the community and really enjoy life out here in regional NSW."
"We just heard from one of the officers it's his second return and they love it out here, they're here to stay.
"It's often what happens. People settle and stay in regional areas."
She said she expects the current vacancies in Coonamble, Baradine and Gulargambone to be filled.
"My understanding is that those positions are advertised as we speak.
"The police feel very confident they will fill them so that's good news for the community.
"This is a very large workforce, 22000 people work in the NSW police force.
"So we expect movement as we would in any public service right throughout the state and that's what's happened.
"They're advertised, and they're very confident they'll be successful in finding some applicants to move out to the region very soon."