Rutherglen’s longest serving officer, Sergeant Brian Curran and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton officially open the new Rutherglen Police Station.
The new Rutherglen Police Station has been officially opened three years after the building was complete in January 2019.
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The delay in an official opening was attributed to the pandemic and as well as the Black Summer bushfires.
A special ceremony took place last Thursday with around 60 guests and a number of dignitaries in attendance including Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton, Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt, Wodonga Local Area Commander Inspector Paul Hargreaves, Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney, and Member for Benambra Bill Tilley.
Darren “Dozer” Atkinson delivered the Welcome to Country which included a beautiful didgeridoo performance.
Darren “Dozer” Atkinson presenting the Welcome to Country.
Inspector Hargreaves spoke about the history of policing in Rutherglen with the first station opening in 1861. Senior Constable Mortimer Kelly was the first officer in charge from October 1861 until March 1876.
The original station was made of wattle and daub timber structure with a stringybark roof and a small verandah out the front.
A weatherboard station also served the police for several years before a new brick veneer station was built in 1967. The building was decommissioned in 2018 and subsequently demolished for the new building.
“It is interesting to see how the expectations of policing are changing and they are reflected in our new stations,” Inspector Hargreaves said.
“There are now facilities to engage with the public, to interview offenders, and to prosecute offenders. It is also very open and welcoming.”
Inspector Hargreaves also made a special mention to Rutherglen’s longest serving police officer Sergeant Brian Curran.
“He has been the station Commander since October 2000 and has improved community involvement with Neighbourhood Watch, Apex Rutherglen, Rutherglen Football and Netball Club, the golf club and the Winery Walkabout,” he said.
Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney presents Sergeant Brian Curran with the Australian Flag.
“Over the past 10 years, Brian and his team have delivered the Cool Heads program which is delivered to high school students from Corowa and into Victoria. Having witnessed the program myself, it is a fantastic initiative to reduce road trauma.
“Today is a well-earned celebration to Brian.”
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton officially opened the station congratulating Sergeant Brian and the Rutherglen team.
“Having grown up in the country, I know first-hand the unique role police stations and local officers play in serving and working with their communities,” he said.
Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt presents Sergeant Curran with the Victorian State flag .
“The deep connections between police and the community are exemplified by Brian Curran being the longest serving Station Commander for 22 years, the engagement he has had with the community is unparallel.
“Today is a very proud and symbolic day for the community.”
Sergeant Brian Curran said the new station would provide a more modern, welcoming environment for the community and local police officers.
Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton.
“It is fantastic to finally have the station officially opened. It’s a great asset for the community of Rutherglen and Wahgunyah,” he said.
“The new building is a state-of-the-art facility and is bigger, brighter and will support local police officers in their duties.
“It’s a safe environment for everyone and people are welcome to call in at any time.”
Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney said he was pleased to see the state government investing in the future of Rutherglen and Wahgunyah with $1.5 million spent on the Rutherglen Police Station and a further $57 million announced in 2021 to replace the aged care facility run by Indigo North Health
“These are important areas of growth within our shire and the infrastructure is vital to the community,” he said.
Police Chaplain Reverend Peter Dart blessing the police station.
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