And, as such, he’s been rewarded with the role permanently.

Overseeing some significant changes, including the district’s merging with Cessnock and introduction of rural crime officers, he’s obtained a good grasp of the region and will now retain his position for the foreseeable future.

Superintendent Gillies, who’s enjoyed his time in the role, said he was thrilled when he found out the job was his in December.

“It was a very good Christmas present,” he admitted.

“It was very rewarding for me personally, but importantly it now gives the Hunter Valley some consistency going forward.

“They now know who their commander is going to be for the next few years.”

Far from believing the role was a formality, he said the plan was always to do the best job he could – and let the results speak for themselves.

“I’ve worked hard since I got here,” Superintendent Gillies said.

“So, for me, it was just about trusting everything I’ve done was going in the right direction.

“And, fortunately, the powers that be saw that as the direction they wanted Hunter Valley to head, too.

“I’m just very thankful I’m selected for the role.”

Another Christmas present for Superintendent Gillies may have been the fact there were no fatalities in the region over the holiday period.

It was a huge win for someone who stated road safety would be a focus upon his arrival.

However, he said there was still work to be done and complacency had no place when it comes to keeping road users safe.

“Sometimes that [no deaths over Christmas] is through more luck than management,” he added.

“I think there’s still a lot of work to do.

“I personally see people driving through the community here, either driving too quickly or with their mobile phones.

“There are a lot of challenges unique to this particular area so for me it’s about not being complacent.”

With Superintendent Gillies now officially in command, the region can enjoy some stability and the following through of ideas that are set to improve the community.