Mentor- Don McKay: Rewriting Health, Culture & Leadership in Policing

In this conversation, Chief Inspector Don McKay, a 39‑yearpolicing veteran whose journey spans general duties, SERT, and forensic services. Don reflects on joining QPS at just 17, spending nearly two decades on call, and the moment he realised the story he’d been telling himself about work and wellbeing needed to change.He speaks openly about the psychological toll of high‑exposure roles, the importance of understanding our internal narratives, and the responsibility leaders carry to show up as the healthiest version of themselves for their families, their teams, and their communities. Don also shares how supportive leadership within forensic services empowered him to drive meaningful wellbeing initiatives in an area deeply impacted by psychological injuries.This episode is a powerful reminder that optimal health isn’t a luxury in policing it’s a duty, a mindset, and a lifelong practice.If listeners want to learn more about the health‑optimisation project discussed in this episode, they can visit myglucosecoach.com.au.