A quarter century of community service

By Owen Sinclair and Simon Ruppert

Apr 4, 2025

Serving members of Moira Shire police units, including Leading Senior Constable Phil Armstrong (second from left) and Cobram Police Station Senior Sergeant Nathan Ractliffe (fourth from right). Photo by Simon Ruppert

Its stewards may have come and gone over the years, but the Katamatite Police Station at 34 Beek St has remained a constant feature in town since the new millennium.

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On Sunday, March 30, the single-member station marked 25 years since its opening.

Cakes, streamers and a bright autumn sky greeted serving members and members of the public as the station became a hub of activity.

Leading Sen Constable Phil Armstrong said it was important for a small community like Katamatite to have a police presence.

“It gives comfort to the local residents. And this is actually quite a busy town with the main road, one of the main thoroughfares through to NSW, coming directly through the town,” Leading Sen Constable Armstrong said.

Katamatite kindergarten students decorate the station for Christmas in 2020. Photo by Jamie Salter

“Traffic is a big focus for a lot of the residents. Just maintaining a visual presence is very important in relation to traffic management.”

While Leading Sen Constable Armstrong is performing a temporary role at the station, he’s enjoyed his time there with the chance to interact with the community on issues that matter to residents.

“It is a very big part of it, and I've built strong relationships with the primary school and with the kindergarten and local stakeholders such as the CFA and the cafe and service station,” he said.

“They're all very important little hubs in the community.”