Orana Local Area Command (LAC) said that trying the initiative for the first time to get recruits to the city was a success all around and would look to continue the process in the future.

Organisers said the visit was very well received and that “they enjoyed their time here”.

The students from the NSW Police College had a long day, leaving Goulburn at 5.30am and returning at 9pm.

Michael Dawn was one of the 11 potential recruits that didn’t mind the long travel.

“It was good for study on the bus - for a little bit anyway,” he said.

Mr Dawn had previously visited Dubbo on two occasions, one of those earlier this year to scope the city out for livability.

“Back around March or April I had a look at Dubbo and some other places where there’s a better quality of life.

“I want a place with affordable housing and where people like each other,” he said.

Originally from western Sydney, Mr Dawn has since been placed at Wellington but appreciated getting to know the Orana LAC headquarters.

“We got a proper tour of the area, which was really good, and the rundown made me feel like I was part of the team already,” he said.

“The council were kind enough to give us the tour, which was really nice, and no other police station took us out.”

The 11 recruits, who undertake their exams next week, saw the Western Plains Cultural Centre and sporting grounds, and had Dubbo’s real estate options laid out for them by Ray White’s Rod Crowfoot.

They also fed giraffes at the zoo and enjoyed lunch at Dubbo Police Station where they got a quick glimpse of how Orana LAC operates.

Mr Dawn is one of two officers assigned to Wellington, while 10 have been placed in Dubbo.

He is intrigued by what Wellington will offer, especially when being told he may need a boat licence for work around Burrendong Dam.