The initiative was part of National Homelessness Week and Orana LAC Duty Officer Inspector Dan Skelly approached officers about handing over their boots that no longer met the strict requirements of the NSW Police.

“It’s really the least we can do,” he said. “These boots are no longer fit for occupational use but they’re in very good condition to suit people in a normal situation.

“They are high quality to start with and could last someone a long time.”

Police started the initiative last year.

Mission Australia joint support program manager Rob Hayward said the boots would be distributed to those who needed them across the Orana and Far West regions.

“Thanks to the police for getting involved. It worked very well last year and what may seem like a simple gift actually means a lot to people experiencing homelessness in Dubbo,” Mr Hayward said.

Inspector Skelly said officers saw firsthand the impacts homelessness had on people.

“Importantly, the police who work at Dubbo are members of the community and homelessness touches them in some way, whether through occupational work or just walking the streets off-duty,” he said.

“We see people who are in trouble and have no fixed place to call home and homelessness can be one of those hidden conditions.

“You may not see the people on the street but they may be couch-surfing at someone’s house. This is one of the way’s we can help out and highlight the importance of National Homelessness Week.”