Wurundjeri people, Bria Joyce acknowledged at Reservoir Police Station official opening

With the tragic death of a police officer in Mildura at the front of everyone’s minds, the opening of a police station in Reservoir was a chance to thank those in uniform.

They may have been celebrating a $15 million building, but the opening of the Reservoir police station on Wednesday was very much about the people — from both sides of the thin blue line.

The recent death of 25-year-old Mildura Senior Constable Bria Joyce was at the front of everyone’s minds as uniform officers and guests including Police Minister Lisa Neville and Chief Commissioner Shane Patton gathered to officially open the state-of-the-art facility, observing a minute’s silence in honour of their fallen colleague.

Mr Patton and Ms Neville acknowledged the “inherent risks in policing” and “the dangers police put themselves in every day”.

Ms Neville highlighted the outpouring of support for Ms Joyce’s Mildura colleagues to illustrate the high level of respect and appreciation for the role police play in community life.

“As good as your facilities are, what’s most important is the team,” Ms Neville said.

“It is the team that works together and makes such a difference keeping the community safe.”

The City of Darebin — including Reservoir, Preston, Northcote, Thornbury and Bundoora — has a higher than average criminal incident rate, with 5800.0 incidents per 100,000 population in 2021, compared with the Victorian rate of 5232.4.

The crime rate decreased by 20.5 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

The new Reservoir station, on Mahoneys Rd, replaces a 60-year-old building on Edwardes St, and is about four times the size of the older building, comfortably accommodating 60 uniform officers, plus a Family Violence Investigation Unit and the Darebin Tasking Team.

Strengthening the relationship between police and the community was integral to the design, with features including a large-scale artwork by Wurundjeri-willam artist Mandy Nicholson aimed at creating a sense of welcome.

Explaining the inspiration behind her piece — the Manna Gum tree — Ms Nicholson emphasised the importance of collaboration at all levels of community, from children to emerging leaders to elders.

“We all have a role to play,” she said.

“Make it [the artwork] a symbol of creating those partnerships and relationships with the community because that’s the only way we’ll move ahead and break down barriers.”

Mandy Nicholson's artwork covers the front of the new station. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Wurundjeri Elder and Ms Nicholson’s cousin Norman Terrick said it was wonderful to see increasing acknowledgment of First Nations people in public institutions such as the police service and the education system.

“These things happening right around Victoria and interstate,” Mr Terrick said.

“People are finally accepting us.”

The new Reservoir Police Station at 67-73 Mahoneys Rd officially opened April 13, 2022. Picture: Blue Tree Studios Photography

Picture: Blue Tree Studios Photography

Reservoir police Senior Sergeant Mark Van Rooyen said he had already noticed positive changes since the station became operational in June 2020.

“It’s been an absolutely positive vibe and great energy and enthusiasm from our members,” Mr Van Rooyen said.

“A modern day facility means we can house more police, and our response can be greater and stronger.

“We’re able to meet with more stakeholders, and provide better service delivery to the community.”

The opening ceremony was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.