Although they are an imperative service, one-person police stations across Victoria are under threat, with a new proposal seeing one-person police stations being phased out much to the detriment of smaller regional towns.
In the Ovens Valley alone, six stations are under threat, with Tungamah, Katamatite, Glenrowan, Moyhu, Whitfield, and Dederang all facing the chop.
Former Tungamah Primary School Principal, member of Lions Club of Tungamah and District and unofficial mayor of Tungamah, Les Harrison said that since moving to Tungamah 33 years ago, the town has had a staffed police station with these officers being more than just a law enforcement officer, but valuable members of the communities.
“Most have become involved with service clubs, sporting clubs, schools and education programs being a hands-on resource for the school in my time in educating children about the police force, Bike Ed and support of teachers in these days of increasing violence,” Mr Harrison said.
“Our current police officer, Jane Richards, attends all events, such as family days, fishing competitions, school events, Australia Day, opening of facilities such as the fountain in the creek. “She is so approachable and ready to help allay concerns among residents plus deal with them.
“Our previous police officer did a great job to include indigenous culture in the town with the flying of the Koori flag on the flagpole and their presence during Covid was just so comforting to us all as they helped us through the pandemic.
“In times of the floods, our police officer of the time acquired a pushbike to get around the town and become very hands on and we have a magnificent gym set up by local police. This is so good to the health and fitness of local people.
“The many events our Lions Club has run, such as the Ten Thousand were only possible because of our police presence. They thoroughly immerse themselves in our Leos and projects such as Youth of the Year and Junior Public Speaking.”
Mr Harrison said that it will be a sad day if Tungamah was not to have a Police officer as they have been the steady hand in times of crisis and are an easing presence for many around town.
“The presence of police in our areas has proven to be a deterrent of drug users and dealers as in times between police being stationed here, we have witnessed hoon driving, open drug taking and deals and more violence and verbal threats,” Mr Harrison said.
“Our community has many elderly residents who sleep much better at night knowing someone is looking over them.
“They are there in times of crisis, and I have witnessed firsthand where they have averted suicidal residents.
“Removal of police from our communities is another body blow to follow the lessening of facilities such as banks, etc.
“It will be a very sad day for Tungamah should we not have a police officer.”
In light of this issue and to show that country police officers are just as needed and valuable as larger towns and cities, State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has started a petition to stop the closure of one-officer police stations in the North East and is encouraging locals to sign it.
“We must ensure that we protect our smaller local communities and the police officers that live in them,” Mr McCurdy said.
“That is why I am urging locals to sign my petition and make it clear to the decision makers in Melbourne that regional community’s matter and that we are sick of being treated otherwise.
Victoria Police has sought to reassure local communities that any changes made will be to ensure better community safety.
“When a police station counter is closed, police are still available and on patrol 24 hours a day to respond to incidents and deter crime,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Mr McCurdy is accepting signatures until October 13 with the petition able to be signed at the Tungamah General Store, Mr McCurdy’s office in Wangaratta or Triple Bean Café Katamatite to name a few.
