Meet Senior Constable Sarah Noonan

At 21, Senior Constable Sarah Noonan made the decision to join Victoria Police, having been inspired by her mother and policing family. Today, she takes inspiration from the women she works alongside with and those she meets along the way who keep her motivated to continue giving voice to those who don’t have one.??

We caught up with Sarah in the lead up to International Women’s Day to chat women in policing, who inspires her, and what advice she has for other women considering the job.?

VicPol: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Sarah. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself. ?

Sarah: My name is Sarah Noonan and I am a Senior Constable at Donald Police Station. Throughout my career, I've worked across several regional locations including Shepparton, Traralgon and Mildura. I then decided to take leave and work as a case manager at the Mallee Domestic Violence Service, where I worked for 11 months. I then came back to Victoria Police and performed various roles in prosecutions and as a detective, before landing here, at Donald!??

VicPol: What’s it like working as a woman in a male-dominated industry??

Sarah: I have been very fortunate in my career to work with some amazing men who have always supported, mentored, encouraged and cheered for me throughout my different roles.?

I know that not everyone has had the same experience and that is something that needs to be worked on and changed for the better.?

A lot of progress for woman has been made overtime though. My mum had to make the difficult decision to resign from Victoria Police when I was born, as there wasn’t much of an opportunity or an understanding of part time work for mothers. The level of acceptance, support and guidance for police officers who are also mothers has changed a lot since that time, and even more so in the time since I joined at 21.?

For me personally, being valued by my peers comes down to how I approach certain situations; with a positive outlook, a sense of humour and a strong opinion.? ?

VicPol: Any women within Victoria Police who inspire you??

Sarah: I have a list of women that come to mind, and they rank from Constable to Assistant Commissioner. I really admire how they interact with other women in the organisation, how they support, cheer for and guide them.?

I've also been fortunate to have family members, friends and women in the community who motivate me to keep persevering, keep being an advocate for those who have lost their voice or need help finding it, and keep the passion for a job I have always and probably will always love. ?

VicPol: What advice can you give other women thinking about joining??

Sarah: Back yourself. Trust that you have the ability, the knowledge and the strength to do wonderful things at Victoria Police.?

There are so many wonderful women within Victoria Police who can help guide, support and mentor you. ?

Also, that no two careers look the same. ?

You don’t have to have your career figured out before you go into the academy. There is a huge, diverse workforce who are all driven by something different, and you are no exception so find a passion and follow it. ?

Forge your own path and make this career whatever you want it to be. I was told many times along the way that I should be going down a certain pathway with my career. But I have always trusted my gut, backed myself and cleared my own path for me to walk.?