DUNKELD residents can rest easy knowing they have a police officer in town, with leading senior constable, Roger McClure recently appointed to take on the full-time job of manning the Dunkeld Police Station.

After two years without a police presence in Dunkeld, divisional commander superintendent, Martin Hardy said it was amazing to have Ldg Sen Const McClure take on the role.

“It’s fabulous to have Roger’s experience coming into the town and his knowledge,” he said.

“His door is not always open because it’s not a 24/7 station, but it is seriously great to have that connection here, and that person people can come to.”

With over 20 years’ experience at the Hamilton Police Station and working as a detective for the last nine years, Ldg Sen Const McClure was a perfect fit for the vacant position.

While he has lived in Coleraine his whole life, Ldg Sen Const McClure said he was excited to be moving to Dunkeld and was looking forward to getting to know the local residents and area.

“I’m very happy to be here,” he said.

“It’s my pleasure to be here and be part of it, I know Dunkeld is a great community and my wife and I will like it nicely here.”

Since taking on his new role, Ldg Sen Const McClure has wasted no time in introducing himself to the locals and has received a warm welcome from everyone he has met so far.

“I’ve already met a few members of the community, I’ve been at the school, and had a few people stop by to say hi,” he said.

“I also went to the local footy (last) Saturday and met some of the locals there.

“And I haven’t had to talk harshly to any locals at this time.”

With Victoria Police releasing the new Neighbourhood Policing Framework which sees officers increase their focus on issues that matter most to locals, Supt Hardy said it was “the right time” to bring a new police member to the Dunkeld station.

“It’s an ideal time to have Roger bring his expertise to the town,” he said.

“It’s amazing having someone living here and working in the town again.”

With Ldg Sen Const McClure now filling the position at the Dunkeld Police Station, Supt Hardy said there was now a police presence at every single-member police station in the south-west, helping to tackle issues and engage with communities at a grassroots level.