Community
24 July, 2025
New Sergeant joins Mortlake police
MORTLAKE has welcomed a new police Sergeant who, as a product of the south west, feels three priority areas of policing can heighten community safety.
“I grew up in south west Victoria where I was born and raised on a dairy farm,” he said.
“I played local footy for years, I’ve been a volunteer and I’ve tried to be as involved as I can.”
He began his career as a police custody officer in Warrnambool before spending around six years in general duty.
A new challenge took Sgt Hunt further afield but a return to the region always remained part of his long-term vision.
“I moved to Camperdown police for around a year before going up to the dry and dusty Mallee for a couple years, operating my own single-member station for a couple of years,” he said.
“I was also an officer in charge for a time at the Hopeton police station up in Mildura.
“Coming back to south west Victoria was always the endgame, I wanted to get back close to home.”
Sgt Hunt said his vision for future policing efforts in Mortlake would centre around three priority areas: community safety, holding offenders to account and road policing.
“A small country town requires community policing to be at its best – listening to people, understanding their wants and needs, and understanding what we can do,” he said.
“Mortlake police will be hosting a number of ‘Coffee with a Cop’ sessions to allow community engagement with community members to address their concerns and break down any barriers they have with new faces.
“My aim is to focus on preventing offences that cause high levels of harm to individuals in the community.
“You’ll see an increase of police presence in Mortlake and surrounds, creating a hostile environment for criminals and trouble-makers because that’s the main point.
“We’re out there in force and making trouble-makers second guess any bad decisions.”
Road policing will be a particular point of emphasis as the number of fatalities on Victorian roads soars.
This year 174 lives have been lost on roads across the state, an increase from 155 at the same time last year.
“Road policing is significant right across Victoria – if you drink drive or drug drive, you will be caught,” Sgt Hunt said.
“It’s a non-negotiable, and alcohol and drug testing can be conducted anywhere at any time.
“You will lose your licence so don’t risk it – licenses out here are the lifeline to everyone because there isn’t much public transport.”
Sgt Hunt said he was looking forward to meeting the residents of Mortlake and surrounds, and invited the community to reach out or introduce themselves if they see him out and about.
“I’m so lucky to be here in Mortlake – it’s a beautiful town with great people so it’s a privilege for me,” he said.
“If you see me around, stop me and say hello.
“I’m approachable and would like to be involved in any community events or functions.
“If you want me to be involved, please feel free to call the station.”
Read More: Mortlake