Victoria Police is expanding police training opportunities across regional Victoria.
Regional police academies provide eligible applicants with the opportunity to train closer to home while completing the same program as our Victoria Police Academy.
Coming soon: Regional police academy in Gippsland
We're planning to open a second regional police academy in Gippsland.
The proposed one-year pilot will provide more regional applicants with the opportunity to complete recruit training closer to home while staying connected to their local communities.
The Gippsland regional academy is expected to open in late 2027 or early 2028.
The final location is still being confirmed, and is expected to support applicants from:
- Churchill
- Morwell
- Sale
- Traralgon
- Wonthaggi
- Warragul, and
- surrounding areas.
More information about the Gippsland regional academy will be available once planning is complete.
About the regional police academy program
Victoria Police is delivering police training in regional locations to help attract applicants from across Victoria and support local communities.
Regional academy locations are selected based on operational and organisational needs and may change over time.
Benefits of regional police training
When available, regional police training gives eligible applicants the opportunity to:
- train closer to home
- maintain local support networks during training
- develop connections within regional communities
- gain experience in a regional policing environment
- begin their policing career while staying connected to regional Victoria
- receive the same training as recruits at the Victoria Police Academy.
Mildura regional police academy
The Mildura police academy was the first location established as part of Victoria Police’s regional police academy program.
Applications for the current Mildura intake closed at midnight, 17 July 2026.
Training is expected to begin on 18 January 2027, with successful applicants completing recruit training before commencing policing roles in regional Victoria.
Victoria Police may offer future training opportunities in Mildura as part of the regional police academy program in the future.
Career opportunities for regional police officers
Our country and regional officers start their careers as general duties police officers and continue to build their skills through training and on-the-job experience.
There are opportunities to move into specialist roles over time.
Why wait? Become a regional police officer now
Regional police academies are one pathway into a policing career in regional Victoria.
You can apply to become a police officer today and enjoy the lifestyle and benefits of country policing while serving local communities across the state.
Apply to become a police officer
For the best chance of a successful application, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility and suitability.
- Meet our entry requirements.
- Understand our recruitment process.
- Apply online to be a police officer.
Already started your application?
Continue your police officer application by logging in to our careers portal.
Common questions about the regional police academy program
Answers to questions about regional training opportunities.
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