For the past five months, the town of Apsley has been without a police officer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is about to change, with Leading Senior Constable Phill Shiells set to take over on Tuesday April 2.
Leading Senior Constable Shiells' partner, Leading Senior Constable Kary Hateley, is a police officer stationed at Nhill.
Related: The key to policing solo
"I'm accustomed to policing in small rural towns and Apsley is a beautiful part of Victoria," he said.
"The people I've met are friendly, kind and genuine. As Kary is a police officer, she will be able to assist the community as well. Between us both, we hope to serve the community well."
Acting Sergeant Julie Bruce ended her tenure as the town's solitary police officer in October, to take a job in Horsham.
Leading Senior Constable Shiells's appointment follows Edenhope police receiving a new Sergeant, Andrew North, and a new officer, Rebecca Nathan, in the last two months.
Wimmera police superintendent Paul Margetts said he was pleased to have Leading Senior Constable Shiells in the position, given his experience working in the West Wimmera.
"He has demonstrated ability to work in single person role at Kaniva over the past 12 years, and he has also held position at Stawell and Horsham Highway Patrol," Superintendent Margetts said.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
