The police awards were announced in Sydney on Friday night.

After accepting the award, Inspector Maher thanked Peter McKenna for nominating him and his family for following him to different postings across the state.

Looking at the other finalists for the award, the Inspector said he didn’t think he had a chance to win.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

As the officer in charge of Coonabarabran Police Station, Inspector Maher ensures an excellent response to crime and community calls for service, is heavily involved in emergency management and is the go-to person for all policing matters.

He launched Project Burra Bee Dee’s girls’ rugby program in 2017, which involves 30 girls from local Coonabarabran high schools. Inspector Maher identified the need for a program specifically aimed at Indigenous girls known to police for minor crime, substance and alcohol usage, or issues with behaviour and low school attendance.

The results of the program saw two girls being selected for the NSW Country Rugby Union teams, opening a world of opportunity for them.

The program has particularly had a major impact on one girl, who was previously known to police due to truancy. Thanks to the program, this girl regularly attends school and has become a member of the Coonabarabran High School Indigenous Leadership Team.

She has also been identified as a possible candidate for the NSW Female Junior Rugby 7s development team.