Back then, he was aged six and curious about where he was from.

The Campbelltown constable said during his school years he went on Aboriginal camps and became friends with Koori families.

``Growing up during this time was difficult, as initially neither the Koori nor white community viewed me as belonging to them,'' he said.

``When I was 15 I participated in a Koori work experience program with NSW police I loved it but didn't join the police until I was 21.

``No matter your background, age, race, or religion, I urge everyone to at least think about joining the police force.''

Constable Magee started policing in May 2006 at Lake Illawarra but after 13 months he transferred to Campbelltown to be closer to home. He said in that time, he took on many duties.

``From a young age I admired police officers and the job they did,'' he said. ``My parents watched most of the police shows on TV so I guess it was inevitable I'd want to be a police officer. Every day is different, each with its own challenges and the people I work with are fantastic and there is a great satisfaction from knowing that, in one way or another, you may get to enhance or improve someone's life.''

Before joining the force Constable Magee worked as a fitness instructor, a support worker and a youth worker.