Deirdre 'Dash' McKinley

Deirdre McKinley
Blue Heelers
Portrayed by Tasma Walton
Duration 130 episodes, she appeared in season 2 as a high school girl
First appearance The Kremin Factor
Ep. 107, 18 June 1996
Last appearance The Full Circle
Ep. 236, 28/7/1999
Profile
Nickname(s) Dash
Occupation Constable

Dash McKinley was a fictional character from Blue Heelers. She entered the series in 1996 and left in 1999, as she resigned from the police force. One of her major storylines occurred during the 1998 season, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Dash was the youngest of nine children. She had a kind personality, unfortunately matched with a big mouth. She and her family always seemed to be the first to know the town's gossip and everyone's business. She is the 11th longest serving character behind Tom, Chris, P.J, Maggie, Ben, Nick, Jo, Jones, Adam, and Tess.

Contents

Storylines

Season 3

Dash first appeared in the season three episode "The Kremin Factor". She refused to call Tom Croydon 'boss', instead calling her superior by his first name. She and Tom got off to a dreadful start; while talking to the others about Tom, Dash stated that he was fat and old, not knowing he was behind her. Dash also couldn't drive, losing her police licence back at Fitzroy.

Season 5

The beginning of Season 5 the episodes "Secrets, part 1 and 2" marked Dash's 21st birthday. At the same time her Constable accreditation had come through (ending her probation) and the Heelers decided to use the two occasions to have a surprise celebration to mark the events. Unfortunately before the upcoming celebration, Dash is taken hostage, along with a school class in an awkward custody case.

Later on in the season, in the episode "Deed not the Breed" she discovers she has cancer; she then undergoes heavy chemotherapy, and eventually recovers. She also has a brief relationship with Adam Cooper

Season 6

In the official sixth season of Blue Heelers, Dash quickly found herself pursuing relationships with the new members, eventually falling to her knees over the idea of fulfilling the future needs as a hopeful co-detective alongside the upper-ranked PJ. This idea was first prompted upon the orders of Inspector Monica Draper, who at the time appeared to have a serious personality clash with rising rank ' Taylor '. This would soon give McKinley her very first chance, submitting herself towards the idolised career choice. Unfortunately in doing this, McKinley's hopeful career would somewhat fall short and ironically come to a sudden end following the shocking death of her very close Mother. Dash will be remembered as one of the series "most colourful" cast members.