It was unusual in the early-1990s for a female officer to be posted out on her own, but the then-Constable Clarke found it could be an asset when tackling issues including domestic violence.

 “I think women like to speak to other women, particularly in relation to personal issues,” she said. 

The Wollongong-based Inspector Clarke was singled out for three honours at the Commissioner’s recent Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing, including the event’s top honour.

The awards recognise Insp Clark’s passion for gender equality and mentoring efforts.

 “I’ve mentored some women who have now become sergeants, so I’m pretty proud of that,” she said.

Meanwhile police officers gathered at ceremonies across the country on Tuesday to remember colleagues who have been killed on duty.

No officers have died in the line of duty in Australia over the past 12 months, but the focus of this year's Police Remembrance Day is on five officers lost in Papua New Guinea and on past fallen colleagues.

Each year, the 29th September holds a special significance for Police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

It is a day for police to pause to honour officers whose lives have been cut short while performing their duty as a police officer.

The day is also a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.

Illawarra residents joined the men and women in blue for a remembrance service at the All Saints Church in Shellharbour.

The service provided an opportunity for members of the public to pay their respects.

It was also a day when family and friends of police officers who have taken their own lives asked the public to spare for the fallen who are excluded form the national Wall of Remembrance.

The hashtag – one wall for all – has popped up all over social media.

The NSW Government is looking at ways to recognise police officers who have committed suicide but has shied away from supporting calls to have their names included on the national police remembrance wall.