By Abbey Cannan
After spending 27 years in Cooroy and just 27 days in their new police station; Officer in Charge (OIC) Sergeant Mal Scott says it was an emotional farewell before heading into retirement.
Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan, joined Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski APM, Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton and Independent Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton to officially open the new Cooroy Police Station and give their thanks to Sergeant Scott on Wednesday 14 August.
“It’s been quite amazing and overwhelming to tell you the truth,” Sergeant Scott said.
“I’m quite emotional to be very honest because I put 27 years of my life into the Cooroy community. I love the community and my parting gift here is a brand new police station so I’m very happy to be a part of it in every sense of the word.”
Sergeant Scott joined the Queensland Police Academy on 17 January, 1983 and has 41 years of service, all of which has been in general duties across areas including Brisbane, Dalby and Longreach.
He began at Cooroy Police Station on 18 November, 1997 before his promotion to Officer in Charge on 6 November, 2000.
“When I first came here with my young family, I still remember it was like tumbleweeds down the main street,” he said.
“It was a very quiet country town but over the last 30 years it has turned into a vibrant busy little CBD in the Cooroy community. This new station is very well overdue but it’s appreciated and it sees us into the future very well.”
The highlight of Sergeant Scott’s career has been his involvement in the community.
“I know most of the community by their first names. They’re my friends on a personal basis whilst also professional,” he said.
Leaving some wisdom for new up and coming police officers, Sergeant Scott said, “Just always stick to your integrity and your principles.”
“Just do your best and treat the community like it’s your own family. I don’t think you can go wrong if you think of policing in that way.”
The original Cooroy Police Station and residence was opened on 2 December, 1911.
In 1994, police relocated to a former Department of Primary Industries building also located on the same land, where they remained until construction of the new Cooroy Police Station was completed.
The new Cooroy Police Station is designed to ensure the delivery of modern, mobile and flexible policing services with allowance for future growth.
The station will be supported by neighboring divisions and other district resources including Highway Patrol, Tactical Crime Squad, Dog Squad, Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection Investigation Branch.
Minister Mark Ryan said, “This new $6 million facility is an investment in community safety and the capabilities of the QPS.”
“The QPS took great care to consult the community regarding the design of the façade of the new station to ensure it is truly a valued community asset.”
Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton said, “This new facility is a fantastic addition to Cooroy community, and I know it will go a long way in enhancing community safety.”
“As well, the opening of this station is coinciding with the retirement of a great pillar of this community, Sergeant Mal Scott whose 27 years of services have been invaluable.
“I’d like to thank Sergeant Scott for all of his hard work, and contributions to the Cooroy community.”
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said, “The new police station will help enhance policing services to the local community now and into the future.
“The QPS is committed to ensuring that Cooroy and the surrounding communities are safe and feels safe.
“I would like to acknowledge the long-term Officer in Charge of Cooroy Police Station, Sergeant Scott, for the contribution he has made to QPS and the local community. I wish him all the best for his retirement.”
Independent Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton said, “Even though outside the Noosa State Electorate as Cooroy is within Nicklin, many of our residents will be serviced by this new station, with a design that fits in with the look and feel of Cooroy.”
“Our police work incredibly hard day and night, seven days a week and we need to ensure they are supported with the resources and facilities that responds to demand.
“It was also good to take a moment with all attendees to farewell Cooroy Officer in Charge, Mal Scott, who has served this community so well for 27 years! Having known him for all this time, am looking forward to seeing him out and about enjoying his retirement.”
During the 2023 Estimates Hearings, Ms Bolton queried how adequate police numbers are determined for a region given the increase the local area have had in domestic and family violence and mental health callouts.
The Commissioner stated in response at the time that they take into account ‘hidden demand’ however, since then, the Queensland Audit Office has conducted a performance audit report called ‘Deploying police resources’. This found that this was incorrect, and reforms are now being undertaken to develop better modelling.
“As reported previously, 98 additional police officers have now been allocated for the Sunshine Coast, and we have requested the amount for the Noosa Shire as well as their projected timeline for. In addition, the first youth co-responder team for Sunshine Coast is also in process,” Ms Bolton said.
Sandy also stated in her recent newsletter that work on the Maroochydore Courthouse to provide improved services for those impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV) is underway following her longtime advocacy for a dedicated DFV court for the Sunshine Coast.
The Attorney General in response to Ms Bolton 2024 Estimates questioning said, “Maroochydore Courthouse designs are well developed and include a new dedicated DFV safe room with direct access to an existing courtroom, vulnerable witness recording room and support services, registry refurbishment to increase occupancy including a new counter and public waiting area, and a security entry upgrade. This project remains on track for the construction tender to be released in early 2025 with site works commencing in mid-2025.”
Ms Bolton welcomes these outcomes however has said there is still more to achieve including ensuring all of the youth justice recommendations are actioned regardless of who holds Government after October.
“Overall, from the 60 recommendations from the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee report, between the Community Safety Bill and this budget, over half are progressing,” she said.
“They include the all-important much earlier interventions to support children from their earliest years through to preventions via educational engagement and health services from birth.
“In addition, family support coordinators and behavioural specialists in primary schools and early childhood coordinators. Especially appreciated has been the extra funding to Victim Assist to reduce the delays and to expand support to victims of non-violent crimes.”
