General News
11 November, 2025
Dunolly local becomes town’s new cop
Dunolly Police Station has a new local officer who is championing an open door policy for the small town community.
Senior Constable Nick Derecki will once again be a familiar face about town returning to his small town roots as Dunolly’s new police officer.
Starting last Monday, November 3, he said he wants the community to know he’s there to help.
“I want to be approachable so if people have got issues they can come in and see me,” he said.
“That’s ultimately what the goal is at the end of the day. If I can help someone I’ll give it my best shot.”
It’s a homecoming, rather than a new start, for Sen Con Derecki who grew up in Dunolly and nearby Maryborough.
While his working life started out at the former Dunolly garage, where the pharmacy is now, it soon became a career with Victoria Police.
First as a protective services officer starting in 2011, monitoring and patrolling train services in Melbourne and the regions, to completing a 20-week cross-over course to become a police officer.
It’s a career he said he chose because he wanted a secure job that helped people.
“I believe that’s one of my skills being able to talk to people and help them through their problems if I can,” he said.
After graduating from the academy as a police officer he spent his initial training in Maryborough, before two years in St Arnaud, then back to Maryborough for three years, before spending the last 12 months in Inglewood.
“I’ve been around the area for quite a long time,” he said.
Returning to Dunolly, Sen Con Derecki said he wants to get involved in the community.
From watching local sport on the weekend, the “heartbeat of a small town”, to becoming a familiar face to local community groups, he hopes to support Dunolly wherever he can.
“[I hope to] do the best I can to help the community thrive,” he said.
“Everyone looks after each other ... it’s just a great community.”
Those looking to get in touch are welcome to come by or call the station.
Sen Con Derecki said if his car’s out the front he’ll be inside happy to talk.
“Everyone’s up for a chat and I’m happy to give my time to them,” he said.
Already on his radar is people speeding down Broadway, not stopping at stop signs, and not giving way at the pedestrian crossing — but he’s keen to hear from locals.
“I’d like to hear of any other issues that they have and if we can solve those problems we’ll work on them,” he said.