The state government is backing police members in country Victoria and helping Victoria Police recruit new members with a brand-new police station for Benalla. Minister for Police Anthony Carbines joined Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn 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. The state 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 is now too small for the staff numbers needed for the region. “I am extremely proud to tick this project off the list - with upgraded facilities and advanced technology, this station strengthens police operations across Benalla and the wider region,” said Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes. The new station has a Police Operations Centre for major incident coordination, 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 and 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 police memorial garden for Victoria Police members who have lost their lives while serving the Benalla community – providing a solemn space to honour their sacrifice. 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 brand new stations being delivered by the state government in the next two years, alongside South Melbourne, Point Cook, Clyde North and Narre Warren. The Labor 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 record $4.5 billion investment to recruit more than 3,600 new sworn police officers and invest in cutting-edge intelligence systems and modern infrastructure.
