Sergeant Anne Loe, Obaida Mahrous and Mirrabooka Police officer-in-charge Graeme Macey.
Camera IconSergeant Anne Loe, Obaida Mahrous and Mirrabooka Police officer-in-charge Graeme Macey. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Nollamara teen tests dream job as police officer

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

A NOLLAMARA resident has been given a shot at his dream job as a police officer, just two years after he fled war in Syria.

Obaida Mahrous (17) and his family escaped from his home country to Jordan before moving to Australia with the help of UNICEF.

Since arriving in Perth, he has learnt English, transitioned into mainstream schooling, gained employment and obtained his driver’s licence.

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With the help of the Mirrabooka-based Edmund Rice Centre WA’s developing community leaders initiative, he was accepted into Mirrabooka Police Station’s work experience program.

He said he knew being a police officer would not be easy.

“I know that I need to work hard, and I’ll do that because I came from a country where I learned that no matter how bad the situation is, I must take that first step towards every opportunity and never look backwards,” he said.

“I want to make everyone proud and the opportunities gained through this program will help me to give back to the community.”

Officer-in-charge Graeme Macey said the station looked forward to being the first port of call for Obaida’s pursuit of becoming a police officer.

Edmund Rice development leader Joe Moniodis said Obaida was a real leader with good character.

“The positive choices he is making will inspire others around him to achieve to their full potential,” he said.

“He is a great role model and his personal qualities would be an asset to the WA Police Force.”