Coffee with a Cop in Yea

A NEW initiative for Murrindindi Shire, Coffee with a Cop, commenced in Yea on Thursday, November 3, with Sergeant Nicole Wilson and other police from the Yea station inviting the community to sit down, have a coffee and share their thoughts or discuss issues with the local officers.

This initiative is run in other areas, but this was the first time Coffee with a Cop has taken place locally.

“I’m really impressed with all the shops in Yea that sell coffee who were a part of this, and of course council for funding the coffee” Sergeant Wilson said.

Some of the topics discussed included illegal firearm rules, progress reports on ongoing issues, children on bikes, and even the state of the roads.

Sergeant Wilson said it has also been very rewarding, with people coming in from previous jobs the police have attended, to say thank you and to give an update.

Sergeant Wilson and the other officers also make themselves available to the community at the Yea Market, and recently the officers held an information night for businesses in Yea. It was a great turnout with around 35 attendees.

The information night provided the business community with the opportunity to raise issues and concerns around owning a business in the area. Among the topics were security, CCTV footage, working together as a community on surveillance, and how to report a theft.

A useful piece of advice Sergeant Wilson added was, “If there is an emergency call 000 so the closest units can attend and don’t call the stations directly. If you have been robbed and its not an immediate emergency call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and then the police will get the report and do the follow up.”

Police are still working on the continuing flood crisis. This has involved working closely with impacted caravan parks and and individuals.

Sergeant Wilson said, “It’s been a trying time for all. A credit to SES and CFA who have done amazing work and have worked non stop.

“The community came together and did a great job. It just shows that community spirit. We have been working alongside the council who have helped with people that have been disadvantaged and displaced and to make sure they get the support they need.”