By Michael Doran
Warburton’s new police station was opened on 29 October by Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp and Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Rick Nugent.
Mark Gepp said, “This new station is long overdue, particularly as we approach another busy summer season and the extra demand that places on the local police officers.”
“The State Government has shown a strong commitment to Victoria Police and has committed more than $3 billion in the term of this parliament.”
“We have added more than 3,100 new members and new and upgraded stations like this one, for which we committed $2.3 million. It’s important that police have the resources they need to carry out the very important work they do for the community.”
Assistant Commissioner Nugent was actually a local resident before joining the police force and he expressed extra pleasure in returning to Warburton for the opening.
“To have this contemporary and state of the art facility will serve our members and the community well for many years to come,” he said.
“We often need to deal with difficult and sensitive situations so to have people come here and feel safe is a big plus. Also the multi-purpose facility will allow other agencies to work from here when there is a major emergency situation in the Yarra Valley.”
Officer-in-charge, Sergeant Tom Wilkinson said the new police station was a vast improvement on the old building. “The old police station has served local police and the community well for a number of years,” he said.
“This new, modern building has updated facilities to support local police officers in their duties and also provides an improved space for the local community to interact with officers.”
The opening commenced with a traditional welcome to country and the presentation of Australian, Victorian and Aboriginal flags, later unfurled at the front of the station.
The local police have worked out of the Yarra Junction station during the 12 month construction period but have now moved in and the station is fully operational.
The station’s number has remained the same on 5966 2006 but if police assistance is required then triple zero is the best number to call.
