Opening a newly renovated $2 million Police station at Blayney in the central west today (Thursday 31 July) NSW Police and Counter Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley told the Western Plains App the government was looking to fill positions across the west.

Minister Catley is aware that representations have been made around vacancies at stations including Gulargambone, Baradine, Coolah and Warren.

Barwon MP Roy Butler has backed community lobbying efforts.

‘’Police numbers are short across NSW in every command but 380 new graduates will join the force at Goulburn Academy on Friday," Minister Catley said.

"The largest number in 12 years those young officers will be dispersed out into the region, the focus of NSW Police is to get those numbers out there.''

She said a new influx of police cadets will help our region.

"There has been a 70% uptick in new officers joining the force and many of these of these want to work out west.

"We will ensure we get those numbers up and some of our new recruits are aged between 25 and 54 so they will bring life experience," Minister Catley said.

When pressed on funding for our region she said ‘’We'll keep you posted on more funding for smaller towns for community policing."

Police Minister Yasmin Catley at Blayney today.

Western Region Police Commander Andrew Holland said the Blayney station was equipped to assist with rural crime prevention, in particular agricultural theft.

A Rural Crime Prevention team has been focusing on the Western Plains and further west and have been armed with improved technology to catch offenders.

The minister inspected the facility and talked with local detectives.

The police minister praised detectives on Operation Soteria who she says are having big success on arresting young offenders.

"Don’t just ask me. Ask communities. There are over 100 police working on this program and they are among the best detectives in the world."

She pushed back on NSW opposition claims funding was being cut on bush policing and stations.

‘’This is best station upgrade I’ve seen as Police minister, we are funding police better than any government .’’

On LGA's wanting 24 hour police stations the minister said ‘’Every command has a 24 hour response people should know that and police in the communities out here know officers are responding fast.''

She said new strict bail laws brought in March 2025 have been working where young offenders between 14 to 18 accused of repeat car theft and break and enter may not get bail if there is a likelihood they will re-offend.

‘’We make no apologies for our rigid laws especially ondomestic violent offenders but this a new law so let’s see how it works.’’