Moama marks new police station opening

Special guests included NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley, NSW state Member for Murray Helen Dalton, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Deputy Commissioner for Regional NSW Paul Pisanos and Murray River Commander Superintendent Paul Smith.

The ceremony began with students from Moama Anglican Grammar performing the Australian National Anthem, followed by a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Rick Ronnan.

Guests then heard from several special speakers, who highlighted the significance of the new station for the local community.

Supt Smith said the new station would better support both current and future policing needs in the region.

“It's a station for now and a station for the future and for this community,” he said.

“The old police station, which is the one we've just moved out of after 30 odd years ... wasn't fit for purpose.

“I can certainly see a time in the future… where Moama will probably become the hub of the West, but this facility will certainly take us there.”

The purpose-built station includes a public front counter, custody area with van dock, detectives’ offices, a task force room, command offices, storage areas, staff amenities and a meal room, along with upgraded CCTV and operational infrastructure.

It will serve as a central hub for policing in the area, accommodating general duties officers as well as traffic and highway patrol units.

Commissioner Lanyon said the new station would ensure officers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

“This police station you see behind you is outstanding … the new amenities provided are nothing less than what our officers deserve,” he said.

“Being a police officer is challenging, getting to come to work with the right tools, the right accommodation, the right amenity is really important.”

As a major advocate for the police station, Mrs Dalton’s efforts were acknowledged on the day as a driving force behind the development.

Mrs Dalton said it was a significant day for the community.

“Today is a really significant day... After years of advocacy, we've finally got the Moama police station here,” she said.

“I'd like to thank the community, the police, and also (Murray River) Council for all the work that they've done over the years.”

The new station is expected to play a key role in supporting Moama’s continued growth and strengthening policing services across the wider region.