NSW police state-wide are looking to break down the wall that divides them from the public, and make sure that everyone can see past the light-blue shirts.

Across fifteen cafes in the west, and almost 100 venues around the state, the police were out in force, and Mudgee’s own boys in blue arrived at the Butcher Shop Cafe to share a drink and words with locals.

Chief Inspector Jeff Boon was glad so many people turned out for the first of these events in Mudgee.

“It’s just getting together and having a chat in an informal environment, and we’re not coming to knock on your door,” he said.

“I think the community here knows that police are here, they’re neighbours, friends and friends of friends.

“I think country policing is different to the city, but this concept works well everywhere for different reasons and it’s important for every town.”