Victorian Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines, has officially opened the new Benalla Police Station, which will be home to more than 80 full-time staff and will provide 24-hour protection to the growing North East.
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 is now too small for the staff numbers needed for the region.
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.
“Locals called for a new police station and the Allan Labor Government has delivered it – only Labor can be trusted with community safety,” said Minister Carbines.
“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.”
The station also has a dedicated police memorial garden for Victoria Police members who have lost their lives while serving the Benalla community.
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 Labor Government in the next two years, alongside South Melbourne, Point Cook, Clyde North and Narre Warren.
