Regina Veivers Makes History As Ingham’s First Female Officer In Charge

Regina Veivers has been appointed the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station following a 26-year career serving regional Queensland communities. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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After more than two decades serving regional Queensland communities, becoming the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is a milestone Regina Veivers says reflects both personal achievement and the evolving face of policing leadership.

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“Being appointed as the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is something I feel incredibly proud and humbled by,” she said.

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“Whilst it is a significant milestone personally, I also see it as a reflection of the positive evolution of policing and leadership within the Queensland Police Service and the broader community.”

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Regina said the appointment marked the culmination of 26 years of hard work, growth and experience across a wide range of policing roles. Over the years, her career with the Queensland Police Service has seen her serve several communities across the Townsville and Mount Isa Districts in operational and supervisory positions including prosecutions, domestic and family violence response, quality assurance and frontline policing.

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Regina strongly believes each of those experiences has helped shape her leadership style and in turn, reinforced the importance of empathy, accountability and strong relationships between police and the community.

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“My policing career began with a genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in the community,” she reflected.

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“Policing is not just about enforcement, it’s about supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, building partnerships and creating safer communities.”

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Regina said she hoped her appointment would encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities within policing and beyond.

“I hope it demonstrates to other women within policing and the community that leadership roles are achievable and that diverse leadership perspectives strengthen organisations,” she said.  

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“Leadership opportunities are available to anyone willing to put themselves forward, work hard and remain committed to their values,” she said.

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Over the course of her career, Regina said she had witnessed significant positive change in the opportunities available to women in policing.

“There are now far greater opportunities for women to step into operational and leadership positions, and there is stronger recognition of the value that diversity brings to decision making, culture and community engagement,” she said.

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“Importantly, I have also seen increasing support for flexible leadership styles, collaboration and wellbeing-focused approaches which benefit policing as a whole.”

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Having lived in the Hinchinbrook region for more than two decades, Regina believes her connection to the community has continued to grow through years of working alongside local officers, community members, support services and partner agencies.

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“Ingham is a unique community with a strong sense of resilience, pride and connection. It’s a region where relationships matter and policing is most effective when trust and communication sit at the centre of everything we do.”

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Regina said policing in regional communities came with unique challenges, particularly during natural disasters and times of increased social pressure but also offered some of the most rewarding experiences.

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“In regional policing you work closely with the same community members over many years, which allows you to build genuine relationships and see the direct impact of your work,” she said.

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“I have seen firsthand the willingness of people to come together and support one another during difficult times. Being able to contribute positively during those times is something I value deeply.”

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Regina strongly encourages young women considering a career in policing or leadership to back themselves and embrace new challenges.

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“My advice would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.

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“Leadership is about being authentic, treating people with respect, remaining resilient and being willing to be a lifelong learner. There will always be challenges, but there are also enormous opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in your community. Every interaction is an opportunity.”

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