The 22 graduates included those who had completed the 18-month vocational course at school and those who had completed the 18-week course at Dubbo and Broken Hill.

The IPROWD partnership was a specialist training program involving TAFE, the federal government, NSW Police and Charles Sturt University to help Aboriginal people gain entry to the NSW Police Academy at Goulburn.

It included training in communication, information technology, presentation skills, workplace responsibilities, ethics, fitness and first aid.

One IPROWD graduate was 43-year-old mother and grandmother Kylie Moore.

The former truck driver and machine operator, who was born at Cobar and lived at Tomingley, said she hoped to make her family proud.

"As someone whose life had been affected by domestic violence, I would like to help others, including children, who have been in that situation," she said.

"One of the things I would really like to do is work as a police officer in Cobar."

Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie told the graduates Aboriginal recruits performed an important role in helping establish relationships with their communities.

"This program has achieved so much for so many," he said.

"Policing is not easy, but I implore you to stick with it and remain committed and focused. This is the greatest occupation anyone can undertake and I urge you to come back out west and serve your communities."

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello was impressed with what he saw at yesterday's ceremony.

"It was inspiring, these graduates have taken a first step on a difficult journey to change not just their own lives but those of their communities," he said.

Dubbo MP Troy Grant, himself a former policeman, had a message to graduates as they strived for a place in the NSW Police Academy.

"Persevere, trust your role models and if you ever need a reminder why you are doing what you do, look at that badge on your sleeve and remember you are serving and helping others."

Dubbo IPROWD co-ordinator Peter Gibbs described the program as a "serious pathway to a career in the NSW Police Force".

"This is a great opportunity - join us, NSW Police needs you," he said.