Superintendent Paul Gardiner stepped into the role of divisional commander for central Victoria at the beginning of December.

With 32 years of experience in the police force, including leading the Public Order Response Team and State Liquor Unit over the past four years, Supt Gardiner brings with him a wealth of knowledge.

As divisional commander, Supt Gardiner will oversee the areas of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe and Goldfields.

Supt Gardiner said he was honoured to step into the role.

“I feel very privileged to have been selected for this role,” he said.

“Having been a Bendigo resident myself for more than a decade, it feels like an incredible opportunity to give back to my own community.

“The police in this division do a fantastic job day in day out, and I look forward to supporting them in their roles and backing the work they do.

Supt Gardiner’s career started in the western suburbs of Melbourne in 1993 before working in regional areas including central and north-east Victoria.

As part of his work with PORT, he managed major protests and provided regular road safety, public order and emergency response support to regional areas, while the SLU regulated the liquor industry.

Prior to that, he oversaw the force’s response to four royal commissions, including mental health, aged care, disability and bushfires.

He has also spent time in the state police operations centres during major bushfire emergencies and has a particular interest in reducing road trauma and family violence.

During the first few weeks in the role, he met with local police, stakeholders and community partners to get a better understanding of their challenges and focus areas.

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Monday, 6th July 2026

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