After 27 years of frontline policing, Cheryl Day knew she needed a change. Here is her story of career burnout, the power of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and finding solace and a new direction on the Kokoda Trail.
From Sydney during the Olympics to remote towns like Walgett, Moree, and Lightning Ridge, Cheryl’s career had taken her across NSW. “I was completely operational the whole time,” she said. “And every couple of years I’d relocate—to keep things fresh, to stop myself from going stale.”
But even constant change couldn’t insulate her from the emotional weight of the job.
“You see the worst of the worst in frontline policing,” Cheryl said. “It’s easy to lose trust in people, in the community—and in yourself.”
Eventually, her cup was completely empty. Burnt out and unsure what was next, Cheryl did what she’d done before when she needed clarity: she went for a walk. But not just any walk—she trekked the Kokoda Trail.
Finding solace and purpose on the Kokoda Trail
It wasn’t her first time. Years earlier, she had joined a Police Legacy trek alongside other police, emergency services, and surviving children of officers who had passed away.
“There was no rank, no titles. It didn’t matter if you were a detective or an assistant commissioner—we were just people walking side by side,” she said. “It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.”
That trek planted a seed.
Over time, Cheryl began organising training hikes for others preparing to walk Kokoda. She led groups through rugged trails in the Sydney basin, and eventually volunteered again as a Kokoda trek supervisor.
Then came COVID. The hikes stopped. The pressure of years in service caught up with her.
Frontline to Forest – A new career chapter
After retiring from NSW Police, she threw herself back into hiking. “I walked the Larapinta Trail—both directions—then Jabula, then the Himalayas. I even trekked above Everest Base Camp,” she said.
“Walking stripped away the noise. Life throws you down five times—but you get up six. That’s what the trail teaches you.”
Cheryl’s new clarity wasn’t just personal—it became professional.
She began building a business leading others through these transformative hiking experiences. “If I can use my own recovery to help others, to walk alongside people who are carrying something heavy, then that’s the kind of work I want to do.”
But with no resume and no civilian qualifications, Cheryl knew she needed something more to support her next chapter.
Recognising 27 years of policing
That realisation—combined with the connection she felt to Amanda’s story of transformation after walking the Camino de Santiago—led her to Churchill Education and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
An Unconventional Career Change Story
“I hadn’t applied for a job in 30 years,” she said. “All my qualifications were internal—police and defence. So to have civilian-recognised qualifications at that level was a real confidence boost.”
Through the RPL process, Cheryl achieved three powerful qualifications:
- BSB80320 Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
- BSB60619 Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety
- PSP60122 Advanced Diploma of Government
“When I got the report back from Amanda, it felt like a relief,” she said.
“It validated the skills I’d built over a lifetime. Now, if I want to pursue leadership roles outside policing, I’ve got something tangible.
If my business shifts direction, I’ve got options.”
For Cheryl, RPL wasn’t just about ticking a box—it was about protecting the value of her career.
“I didn’t want to walk away from 27 years with nothing to show for it,” she said.
“And if I wait too long, I’d lose the recency of experience that RPL relies on. I wanted to capitalise on what I’d done—while it was still current.”
And Cheryl is the first to admit, the process felt daunting at first. “Coming from police and defence, you’re institutionalised. The writing style, the terminology—even the colour of your pen can mean something,” she said, laughing.
“So stepping into the civilian world, it’s scary. But RPL helped bridge that gap.”
Pacific Star Adventures
Now, with qualifications in hand and a clear vision for the future, Cheryl is focused on building her trekking business Pacific Star Adventures.
One of her most memorable groups was an all-women Kokoda trek.
“It was the most loving, raw, supportive group. Everyone was different—shapes, personalities, stories. And at the end, they were walking through the arches holding hands, flowers on their packs, embracing each other. No one left out. It was beautiful.”
Cheryl’s business is open to everyone, but she has a soft spot for helping women push past their fears and discover their strength. “There’s something powerful about women walking together in the forest. We let go of things. We realise what we’re capable of.”
Cheryl’s advice for others thinking about RPL
“You’ve got nothing to lose,” she said. “It’s an investment in yourself. And in a world where careers change every 5–7 years, those qualifications become tools in your toolkit for whatever’s next.”
Whether she’s leading a group through the muddy climbs of Kokoda or coaching someone through life’s messier transitions, Cheryl Day continues to do what she always has: walk beside people—through the hard stuff, toward something better.
If you are at a career crossroads, we invite you to apply for a free RPL appraisal, and discover your eligibility for national qualifications based on what you already know and do.
