On Friday, Seargent Gina Scott scored an international female policing award. 

Today, Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan has been named a recipient of the Australian Police Medal.

Sen. Sgt Hanrahan graduated from the Queensland Police Academy in 2001, and has served the majority of her career in large regional communities. 

She is recognised for her dedication to general duties policing and her success and effectiveness in working in partnership with community groups to achieve positive outcomes.

"It is really lovely to receive this honour,” Sen. Sgt Hanrahan said. 

“Some of my mentors and role models are that list so it is just surreal to be included.”

Qld police minister Mark Ryan said Sen. Sgt Hanrahan was a capable leader who has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in working with our community.

She serves as the Officer in Charge of Mount Isa station and is known for her dedication to rural policing and community engagement.

 Sen. Sgt Hanrahan became the boss of the Mount Isa police station at the end of 2016. 

“Coming out here ticked a lot of boxes for us. It has been a terrific challenge for me to go from leading a team of 10 to being Senior Sergeant of 60 officers here,”  Sen. Sgt Hanrahan said. 

“My family was really excited to move out here to see what the west had to offer. 

“It is very remote here so as a district we are very self sufficient. It is a great experience and you learn far more than your colleagues in places where there are a lot more resources, you have more responsibility,” she said. 

 Sen. Sgt Hanrahan said she was proud that both herself and Sergeant Gina Scott had received policing awards this week. 

“Women aspire to what they can see, so it is important to have local and accessible role models,”  Sen. Sgt Hanrahan

“It is such an honour to be able to provide that for young women coming through the police service and to challenge the unconscious bias people have about gender norms,” she said. 

Police minister Mark Ryan said Sen. Sgt Hanrahan was an instrumental part of breaking down barriers between police and local Indigenous communities and has made significant improvements to policing strategies.

“I would personally like to congratulate each recipient on their achievements and on behalf of the Queensland community, thank you for your ongoing commitment and service,” Mr Ryan said. 

“The APM is a very important award and is nationally recognised, each recipient should be very proud of their achievements.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart paid tribute to the APM recipients.

“Each of the APM recipients comes from varied careers but each displays the desired and exemplary attributes of a QPS officer,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The recipients reflect dedication and professionalism in all they undertake as an officer of the Queensland Police Service.”