Lake Illawarra Welcomes New Police District Commander
Superintendent Darren Brand has officially taken the helm as the commander of the Lake Illawarra Police District, marking a significant milestone in his nearly 29-year career with the New South Wales Police Force. His appointment, effective from February 1, 2026, sees him leading a district that spans from Cordeaux Heights to Gerroa, bringing a wealth of experience from various regional postings.
A Career Built on Passion and Service
Interestingly, Superintendent Brand did not initially aspire to join the police force during his youth. However, he "fell into" policing and discovered his true calling in 1997 while serving as an officer in Blacktown. Reflecting on his early days, he expressed a deep-seated love for the role, stating, "I think I just fell in love with the idea of keeping the community safe, and the excitement of going and getting people who'd done the wrong thing." This passion has driven him through diverse roles, including uniformed officer, prosecutor, and commander of the Barrier Police District in Broken Hill.
He emphasised the profound impact of police work, noting, "When you see the difference it makes to people's lives, and the ability you've got to influence positively someone's life, by being a police officer, it's really compelling." Superintendent Brand believes that his extensive background will serve him well in supporting the dedicated officers of Lake Illawarra, who share his commitment to public safety.
Addressing Key Challenges in the District
While the Lake Illawarra district is geographically smaller than his previous command on the South Coast, which extends from the Shoalhaven to the NSW-Victoria border, Superintendent Brand identifies a common priority across all NSW police districts: combating domestic violence. He described it as a "scourge right across the state" and expressed a strong personal dedication to making improvements in this area.
"I'm really passionate about trying to make sure that we get a handle on domestic violence as best we can," he said, acknowledging it as a significant challenge. He plans to foster collaboration not only within his police team but also with the broader community, believing that effective solutions require joint efforts.
A Personal and Professional Homecoming
Superintendent Brand's transfer to Lake Illawarra from the South Coast Police District—where his predecessor, Superintendent Craig Ireland, is now taking over—offers both professional growth and personal convenience. He now resides within the command area, which he praises as a "beautiful part of the state." "Why wouldn't you want to work and live here - it's fantastic," he remarked, highlighting the benefits of commanders moving between districts to gain fresh perspectives.
Looking ahead, Superintendent Brand is enthusiastic about his new role and encourages others to consider a career in policing, which he labels a "great job" filled with challenges and excitement. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the police and still do, still passionate about it," he said, adding that working with the Lake Illawarra team is an exciting opportunity for him.
His journey from an unexpected start to becoming a top police leader underscores a lifelong dedication to service and community safety, setting a positive tone for his leadership in the Lake Illawarra region.
