Wagga duty officer Rob Vergano will join a team of 9 officers, stationed at Temora, overseeing day-to-day operations across the Junee, Coolamon and Lockhart shires. 

It comes as part of a major regional police restructure – the largest restructure to date. 

The NSW police commissioner last year announced the roll-out of the controversial re-engineering program, that would see the 34 Local Area Commands replaced with 26 “police districts”.

From February 2018, Cootamundra Local Area Command will merge with Wagga LAC to form the Riverina Police District.

Inspector Vergano is one of four former Wagga duty officers to take on the newly-created role of “officer in charge” within the new structure. 

Wagga’s police superintendent-come-district commander Bob Noble on Friday said officers in charge of Tumut, Cootamundra and Wagga would follow Friday’s announcement. 

Temora mayor Rick Firman said inspector Vergano’s appointment was great news for the area. 

“We have our fair share of crime, but it is minimal when compared to other shires,” Mayor Firman said.

“To have senior leadership role here will make the place even safer.”

While mayor Firman acknowledged the use and sale of illegal drugs was an issue across all regional areas, it was one that he was passionate about addressing in Temora. 

“It sickens me when I see the hurt and the pain it causes individuals and their loved ones,” he said.

"Not to mention the hurt and destruction (drug-affected individuals) can do to people’s property and businesses.” 

Inspector Vergano said he was looking forward to integrating into the community at Temora; learning about and combating issues – like the use and distribution of illegal drugs – that mattered most to the circa 7000 residents under his charge.   

“Drugs in rural communities are an issue state-wide,” Inspector Vergano said.

“But it is something we will be able to tackle from the front-lines in these areas.”

Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke said it was pleasing to see her election promises, of more proactive policing, were coming to fruition. 

“Members of the community shared their concerns … and wanted to see a more visible police presence,” Ms Cooke said. 

“This new policing model will go a long way to addressing those concerns.”