New Foster station
With Police Minister Bob Cameron at the podium, the Foster Police Station was officially opened.
By Matt Dunn
THE new $1.5 million Foster police station was officially opened last Wednesday by Police Minister Bob Cameron.
Foster police Sergeant Neil Coates couldn’t wipe the grin from his face.
The Considine and Johnston-built facility features a public counter, interview room, holding room, office for the sergeant in charge, lock-up garage and a rainwater harvesting facility.
“This is a great working environment for the police working here today. We had fairly sort of draconian digs to work in, but now it’s fantastic, because everyone’s happy,” Sgt Coates told The Star.
“Everything’s new and modern. It’s great.”
He believes Foster is the “jewel in the crown” of police stations in the region.
“I classify this as the Corner Inlet station, because we service all of this region, not just Foster,” he said.
Aside from Mr Cameron, the ceremony was attended by Member for South Gippsland Peter Ryan, and Victoria Police’s Superintendant Neville Taylor and Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans. Police chaplain Martyn Scrimshaw, a captain from the Salvation Army, blessed the station.
But there were many more besides. In fact, dozens of police officers, CFA members and interested Foster residents watched the proceedings.
Mr Cameron praised the local police members.
“Our Government recognises the growing needs of the Foster community and the need for the latest in policing in this area to help Sergeant Neil Coates and Foster’s hard-working police officers in their efforts to keep the local community safe,” he said.
Superintendant Taylor also had some kind words for Sgt Coates and his fellow officers (“The ones with the big smiles on their faces today.”)
Mr Ryan said the station would be “a great addition to Foster and the general
precinct.
“Look next door and there’s the CFA. We all reflect on the fact that 173 people died in the tragedies of this year. And here we are, lining up again to a pretty tough summer by the sound of it,” he said.
“I just take the opportunity to pay the appropriate commendation to all the volunteers involved in that important work, as well as the police officers who work from this station.”
Nodding toward Sgt Coates, Mr Ryan joked: “And of course the proud father of the day. Have a look at him, will you, in his original uniform.”
Mr Ryan presented Sgt Coates with the Victorian flag, which is set to fly at the station, along with the Australian flag presented by Mr Cameron.
Assistant Commissioner Evans said the building was particularly important to a country town, as it showed “commitment to country policing.
“To members who work here, thank-you, you do a great job,” he said.
He said he had dropped into Leongatha on his way through to Foster and spoken to Sergeant Scott Bodycomb and his members.
They’d informed him about a drunken motorcyclist apprehended on the South Gippsland Highway at Lang Lang.
“He was doing 147km/h. He was over .05. It was just suicide. I said congratulations, you’ve probably just saved a life, you know,” he told the gathering.
“If not the guy riding the bike, probably somebody else’s. I guess that sets an example of what police do. It’s a great
example.
“They apprehended that man at 6.30 in the morning. Police have started at 6am and they’re looking for things like this to protect the community. They’re there to protect and look after the community. That’s what the police at Foster do. That’s why they’re here, to look after the community.”
In the blessing of the station, Captain Scrimshaw said: “I bless this station in the name of God and on behalf of all people of faith and goodwill. May those who visit and work here do so under God’s protection and guidance. Amen.”
The suitably blessed Sgt Coates could not wipe the smile from his face.
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