Canberra teen's dream changes from being pop star to becoming a policewoman in Wagga

As a three-year-old, Boadicea Cole dreamed of life on stage as a pop star, but she decided to take a more “realistic” path and pursue her other passion – becoming a police officer in her hometown.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to be a police officer because it really annoyed me when people didn’t use their blinkers,” Boadicea said.

However, she kept her aspirations a secret from her family until this year due to the dangers associated with the field, not wanting to worry them.

“Last year, I was hinting at it, but now I’ve made it clear that this is what I want to do,” she said.

“Most of my family is supportive – except for my dad. He’ll always be protective, but all I can do is assure him that I’ll be safe.”

Boadicea recently attended the launch of NSW Police’s You ”Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown” initiative at the PCYC Wagga Wagga and said serving in her community was a dream come true.

“I think it’s amazing because you can stay close to family and the community,” she said.

“As a police officer, knowing the area is important. If someone mentions a street, you should immediately understand the surroundings, like where kids might be hiding or what to expect. Being close to home feels great because working in an unfamiliar place could be uncomfortable.”

At the You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown recruitment roadshow, the high schooler learned that becoming a police officer is achievable.

“Policing involves so much more than just booking people for not using their blinkers,” she said.

”There are water police, air police, bomb disposal teams – it’s an incredible and diverse career. I’d be honoured to be part of it one day.”

Soon, Boadicea will obtain her learner’s permit and is excited to start driving. She hopes to one day become a highway patrol officer.

Born and raised in Canberra, the 16-year-old moved to Wagga with her family in 2024 and attends Wagga Wagga Christian College.

She described the move to the Riverina as “amazing and completely transformative”.

“Wagga is a lovely small community – not too small,” Boadicea said. ”There are still strangers on the street, but you can always say hi and be sure you’ll bump into someone friendly.

“That’s a really nice feeling. The events and community activities have also been great.”

The You Should Be a Cop Youth Program is a work experience initiative designed to encourage school leavers to join the police force. It aims to educate young people and reduce barriers that may delay their entry.

The campaign specifically targets 12 regional areas: Wagga Wagga, Albury, Nowra, Griffith, Bathurst, Coffs-Clarence, Dubbo, the Hunter Valley, the Mid North Coast, Moree, Richmond and Tamworth.

The program places recruits in regional areas of their choosing based on operational needs, giving them the confidence that, once they join the police force, they may be able to work and live in their hometowns.

After successful pilot programs in the Sutherland Shire, Oxley and south-west Sydney areas, the initiative will be expanded statewide this year.

Each ‘’class’’ will include about 20 students, with participants from Years 10 to 12 identified by their school careers adviser.

Students will better understand policing by participating in a four-day program. This includes a variety of specialist commands and potentially a visit to the police academy in Goulburn.

NSW Police Minister and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley highlighted the essential role of police officers in regional communities.

“Police officers in our regional areas are the backbone of the community – they’re the ones who step up when it matters most, keeping people safe, offering support, and being a constant presence that the community can count on.

“The recruitment roadshow is spreading the message that people of all ages, backgrounds and career goals are encouraged to join the NSW Police Force, with the promise that once you’ve completed your training, you can return home to work.

“We’ve secured a historic wage increase for our officers, are paying recruits to study, and are ensuring people from regional NSW can serve close to home – all proof that there has never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force.”

Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services Dean Smith said the program had been hugely popular.

“We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live,” he said.

”This initiative is designed to build a community of country cops from regional towns.

“This is about boosting our workforce in the regions with locals, making it easier for our police to join the force without the fear they’ll be posted hours away from home.

“It’s a game changer to be paid to train at the police academy in Goulburn and, at the same time, nominate the region you call home so we can do our best to find the closest possible position in that area.

“This will also provide opportunities for people looking to change their career paths and have greater certainty.”