Orbost has a new station commander in Senior Sergeant Wayne Rothwell (pictured).
While he may be new to the top job in Orbost, the veteran police officer has been actively involved in policing in East Gippsland since 2003.
He was previously based in Bairnsdale as a sergeant and originally came to the area to take up a position at Lakes Entrance, so has a vast local knowledge.
Snr Sgt Rothwell will share the police station with a sergeant and nine other police officers.
The Orbost highway patrol team, consisting of a sergeant and five officers, are also based there.
Snr Sgt Rothwell moves into the attached police residence with his wife, Denise, who works in community services. As station commander, Snr Sgt Rothwell has responsibility for the management of Mallacoota, Cann River and Bendoc police stations.
He said the new job will involve an emergency management role, in that Snr Sgt Rothwell will be commander in the event of bushfires, floods or major weather events.
Snr Sgt Rothwell said the dry conditions in East Gippsland “provide a challenge for us all”.
He expects to be working closely with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Country Fire Authority this fire season to manage any outbreaks of bushfires that will inevitably occur.
Snr Sgt Rothwell said another challenge he’s keen to tackle is alcohol fuelled crime.
“There’s a known link between alcohol consumption and offending,” he said.
Holding patrons accountable for their behaviour at licensed venues and excluding them from other establishments where liquor is served will form part of the armoury to tackle this issue.
Snr Sgt Rothwell said East Gippsland is “not worse or better than anywhere else” when it comes to drugs.
However, he said drug use and dealing “is a focus for us.”
“We’re proactive with search warrants and more than happy for the community to contact us with any information they may have,” Snr Sgt Rothwell said.
“Any information is treated confidentially.”
Snr Sgt Rothwell said alcohol and drug use also play a factor in another issue he is keen to get on top of – family violence.
“We now have more powers in relation to intervention orders and safety notices and we’ll be working more closely with other agencies that can assist,” he said.
“Making sure we intervene in the right way and provide support is paramount.”
Snr Sgt Rothwell said anyone experiencing family violence or feels threatened shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with police.
When he’s not policing, Snr Sgt Rothwell relaxes with offshore fishing and plays hockey.
He has previously played for Swan Reach in the East Gippsland Hockey Association competition, but now has to make a decision whether to continue that collaboration or switch his allegiance to Orbost.
Tough decisions have to be made by the new station commander.
