New faces at Hay Police Station: meet Mauricio, Luke and Nick

New officers at Hay Police Station (from left) Sargeant Nick Moulds, and constables Luke James and Mauricio Guimares. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Kimberly Grabham.

By Kimberly Grabham.

Introducing three new Hay Police officers. Constable Mauricio Guimares, Constable Luke James and Sargeant Nick Moulds are the friendly new faces we can turn to when we need the help of the police.

Mauricio, 37, is originally from Brazil, and came to Australia in 2019.

“My sister has spent time in Australia on a student exchange, and I had always heard wonderful things about Australia,” Mauricio said.

“It was a difficult choice to make the move, but it was very worth it, I love life in Australia.”

Originally a production manager, Mauricio wanted to become a police officer to do something more meaningful than working for companies.

Having been in Hay for two months, Mauricio loves the people, their welcoming nature, and country life.

Cutters Rugby Union supporters will have seen Mauricio running on the field, and he will be with the team when they battle it out in their 2024 grand final.

Luke, 27, is the new Highway Patrol officer.

Although he has been working in Hay for one week, Magpies Rugby League fans would have seen Luke running on the field, a new recruit to the team. Originally from Ku-ring-gai, Luke became a police officer to make more of an impact in any way he could.

“If I could change one person’s day each day, I would be happy,” he said.

From there, he joined the Highway Patrol to become proactive at stopping, targeting and disrupting crime.

He wanted to come to a rural area such as Hay for the lifestyle change.

“I was commuting a significant distance for work, leaving me with not a lot of time to spend with my family,” Luke said.

“I also wanted to work in a close-knit community.”

In the short time he has been here, Luke is already relishing the quiet laid back lifestyle, noting he can hear himself think.

Sargeant Nick Moulds, 34, has also been in Hay for two months, and refers to himself as a career country police officer.

Originally from Forster Tuncurry, he has been a police officer for 10 years, and has worked around the district, including Menindee, Griffith, and West Wyalong.

“I like the way being a police officer means you are not stuck in an office all day; every day is different; no two days are the same,” Nick said.

While not involved in any sports yet, Nick may consider sport next season.

If you see Mauricio, Luke and Nick around town, make sure to say hello and make them feel welcome.