Copping it sweet

By Tania Martin
ELEVEN years of fighting for a new police station in Olinda is now over, with the station open for business.
The station opened for the first time yesterday (Monday) bringing an end to an epic campaign to bring a police presence back to town.
The old police station closed more than 11 years ago and residents have been fighting for a new one to be built ever since.
But police are now back on the beat in Olinda and are excited about servicing people in the Dandenong Ranges.
The new police station was funded in the 2005-06 State Budget.
Officer-in-charge, Sergeant Tony Haining, said the whole team at the station was glad to finally call Olinda home.
“It’s good to be home at last,” he said.
Sgt Haining said it was also fantastic to finally live up to his title as officer-in-charge of Olinda Police Station.
For the past 11-years he has been in charge of Olinda but has had no station to call his own because his unit was based at Belgrave.
“It is great to finally get the opportunity to do what I am employed to do – to be the officer in charge,” he said.
Sgt Haining said the station will be open most days and that police will patrol the area on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
He said the station would also be open on Mondays and Tuesdays when it is possible.
“We are here to serve the public as much as we can,” Sgt Haining said.
Not only do Olinda Police have a new home but also they have a new and increased area to cover, which includes Kalorama, Sassafras, Mt Dandenong, Olinda, Ferny Creek and Tremont.
“We have a diverse area to police and I believe we have the team to do it,” Sgt Haining said.
The new police station, on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, features a sergeant’s office, muster and interview rooms, kitchen and holding cell.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said it was fantastic to see the police station project get to the stage where it’s up and running.
Mr Merlino said the opening of the new police station was a testament to the local community who didn’t give up until they got what they wanted – the promise of a new station.
“The old station was closed down in the Kennett Government’s era and the community didn’t accept that decision and pushed for a new station,” he said.
“I congratulate the local community leaders who continued to push this project over many years.”
Yarra Ranges councillor Noel Cliff said it is fantastic to finally see the station open to the public.
Cr Cliff said the Olinda community have been battling for so long for the police station and now it is finally here.
He said the opening of the police station proved what can be achieved if people persevere until they get what they want.
Neil Grenfell of Olinda said the opening of the station has been a long time coming.
An official opening ceremony will be held at the station on Wednesday, 4 July at 9.30am.