A NSW Police officer with earlier service at Dee Why has received an Australian Police Medal as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
Dee Why Service Listed In Career Record
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew James Kehoe joined the NSW Police Force on 18 September 1987 and served at Dee Why, Manly and Frenchs Forest police stations. In 1995, he commenced criminal investigation duties at Manly Police Station and was designated as a detective in 1997.
Work Across Northern New South Wales
His career later included a transfer to the Corrective Services Investigation Unit within State Crime Command, before promotion to sergeant at Lismore in 2005. He also performed duties across northern New South Wales, including a period as general manager of Industry Regulations at the NSW Firearms Registry.
Tweed/Byron Role And Current Posting
In 2018, he transferred to the Tweed/Byron Police District as a duty officer and was promoted to detective chief inspector in 2019. At the time of the award, he was the officer in charge of the Byron Bay Police Station, performing the role of an operations district inspector.
Operational Policing And Community Engagement
His award documentation notes sustained engagement with locals, community groups, and business owners within the tourism industry, contributing to public confidence and collaboration. It also records his support for the family of a missing Belgian backpacker.
The award record further outlines his role in planning, commanding and leading policing operations at Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival in the Byron Shire from 2018 to 2024. It also notes his response during the 2019 bushfires and the 2022 floods, as well as his leadership of public order management at the NSW–Queensland border, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby during COVID-19 restrictions.
Australia Day Recognition
Detective Chief Inspector Kehoe was awarded the Australian Police Medal on 26 January 2026, recognising 38 years of service and contribution to the NSW Police Force.
Published 27-Jan-2026
