The official opening of Benalla’s new police station on the morning of Friday, April 11.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
The Victorian Government says it is backing police members in rural areas and helping Victoria Police recruit new members by opening a new police station for Benalla.
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On Friday, April 11 at 11am, Police Minister Anthony Carbines joined Member for Northern Victoria Jacyln Symes and Victoria Police to officially open the station, which will be home to more than 80 full-time staff and will provide 24-hour protection to the growing north-east population.
“The bigger and better Benalla Police Station not only gives police the facilities they need but helps Victoria Police to recruit new members and encourage them to serve in country Victoria,” Mr Carbines said.
The government delivered almost $29 million for the station’s construction, which was completed last month — replacing the old station, which was built in the 1960s and was now too small for the staff numbers needed for the region.
The new station includes:
A police operations centre for major incident co-ordination
A custody control centre with improved security
A separate private entrance for victims of family violence and sexual offences
Safer prisoner processing facilities
Interview rooms
Crime Scene Unit laboratories
Designed to support the wellbeing and needs of officers and staff, the new facility also includes a gym, a quiet or prayer room and a parent’s room — providing a flexible and welcoming workspace for all members.
The station also has a dedicated memorial garden for Victoria Police members who have lost their lives while serving the Benalla community, providing a solemn space to honour their sacrifice.
Acting Chief Commissioner of Police Nick Nugent, Member for Northern Victoria Jacyln Symes and Police Minister Anthony Carbines.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
Benalla has a rich policing history tracing back to the mid-1840s when the Broken River Border Police was established, evolving into a central hub for the search for the Kelly Gang.
Benalla Police Station is one of five new stations being delivered by the government in the next two years, alongside South Melbourne, Point Cook, Clyde North and Narre Warren.
The government has invested more than $423 million to construct 19 new police stations and upgrade 15 more.
This project is part of the government’s $4.5 billion investment to recruit more than 3600 new sworn police officers and invest in intelligence systems and modern infrastructure.
“I am extremely proud to tick this project off the list,” Ms Symes said.
“With upgraded facilities and advanced technology, this station strengthens police operations across Benalla and the wider region.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was at the opening, and said the new police station had been highly anticipated by local police and residents for years, with the Nationals’ advocating for the project as far back as 2016.
Ms Cleeland said it was pleasing to see a positive outcome come from that advocacy, despite being several years overdue.
“Benalla has needed a new police station for well over a decade now, with the former site being nowhere close to being fit-for-purpose for an area so large,” Ms Cleeland said.
“First built in 1956, the former facility wasn’t even meant to be a police station, and until recently had mould, asbestos, cracked walls and no female change rooms.
“Our police do an incredible job, and it is great to see them rewarded with a new station that will be a wonderful place to work.”
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