Community
13 May, 2026
Farewell Scott
PORT Campbell Police Station has farewelled long-term police officer Scott Thompson after 28 years serving the Port Campbell community.
Mr Thompson was a member of the force for 36 years and has made the decision to step back and retire in Warrnambool, where he has lived most of his life.
“I started out in Portland in 1989 and did two years there,” he said.
“I went back to Warrnambool and did four years there.
“Then I went down to Apollo Bay and did two years then I came to Port Campbell and stayed for 28 years.
“Port Campbell was closer to Warrnambool – I’m originally from Warrnambool and leaving Apollo Bay to go back was the plan, and when I heard a vacancy was going to start up in Port Campbell from two-man to three-man, I transferred with the intention to just do tenure then move on.
“I decided to stay because it’s a great little town, the community and the beach is great.”
Mr Thompson said he became a police officer on a whim when at a nightclub in Warrnambool one night.
“I saw a couple of coppers walk through and my mate had recently joined and I thought I could probably handle doing that,” he said.
“Come Monday I went down to the station and applied.
“It was just a spur of the moment thing and went from there.
“I enjoyed that it was a varying job, you didn’t know what you’re going to get from day to day.
“You could have a quiet day then the next 10 hours you’re off your head busy.”
Mr Thompson said he loved the Port Campbell community, which definitely wouldn’t see the last of him yet.
“I used to call the beach and the foreshore my second backyard – I spent more time there than I do at home,” he said.
“Port Campbell is a laid back, little casual town, it’s a good community, everyone I’ve met has been good.
“I’ll get back over to Port Campbell from time to time, I’ve got a few close mates who I’ll catch up with on Friday nights to have beers.
“I’ve got somewhere to stay so I’ll be back over.
“I can’t abandon a town after being in there for 28 years completely.”
Mr Thompson said his retirement plans included renovating a house in Warrnambool then working it out from there.
“I have no vacation plans – retirement is one big vacation,” he said.
Mr Thompson is passing the baton over to Leading Senior Constable Taya McLeish, who has big shoes to fill in her new role at the station.
Port Campbell Police Station Acting Sergeant Troy Beames said Mr Thompson was a valued member of the force who would be sorely missed.
“It is an extremely rare achievement for a police member to have a career as long and distinguished as Scott’s,” he said.
“From competing as a BMX rider at the world police games where he championed the motto “ride hard, but ride safe” to attending countless critical incidents, Scott really has done it all.
“Scott served the Port Campbell community with dedication for 28 years, establishing himself as a valued member of the community who will be sorely missed.”
Act Sgt Beames said the station was looking forward to taking Ld Snr Const McLeish on board.
“Whilst we are sad to be saying goodbye to Scott, we are extremely fortunate to be welcoming Taya to Port Campbell,” he said.
“Taya often refers to herself as a “super-cop” with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained across a varied career in Victoria Police.
“Taya is an active member of local sporting clubs and volunteer agencies, and these relationships will be of great value moving forward.
“I encourage any members of the local community to say hi to the “super-cop” when they see her around town.”
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