Around 25 Campaspe PSA officers stopped work at 2pm for 30 minutes, although officers could be seen responding to urgent calls in that time.
During the walk-out, officers said that 18 months of pay-rise negotiations had continued for too long, and that they felt undervalued by the government.
Leading Senior Constable Barry McLeod read a statement, condemning Victoria Police command and the government for their handling of the negotiations.
In particular, he condemned their failure to engage with union representatives directly, and the attempt to outsource negotiations to the Fair Work Commission.
“Our members demand a fair pay rise, better conditions, including an end to unpaid work, but above all, respect,” he said.
Industrial action will continue in the meantime, which Leading Senior Constable McLeod said would not compromise public safety.
Feed convoy in Finley
A convoy of more than 20 trucks will stop over in Finley this Friday night.
Lions Need for Feed will spend the night at the showgrounds hosted by the members of the Finley Lions Club who will be providing dinner Friday evening and breakfast on Saturday.
The Need for Feed team are making their annual Australia Day weekend trip to South Australia to supply much needed feed for stock in drought affected areas.
Teen goes 150km/h
A driver who was frustrated at lights from another car has faced court after being caught driving at 148km/h.
The 19 year-old from Mooroopna pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to speeding by 45km/h or more.
Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Braden Wright told the court the defendent drove past a road safety camera at 148km/h in a 100km/h zone at Undera on May 28, 2024.
His car was impounded by police for 30 days.
The defendent told police at the time he was “frustrated because I pulled out on to a road and the vehicle behind me had its high beams on,” Leading Senior Constable Wright said.
Representing himself in court, the defendent said it looked like he had plenty of distance to pull out on to the road safely.
“(But) when I looked into the mirror they were so close I could see the reflection of my brake lights,” he said.
He also told the court “I wouldn’t have said I drove that fast for very long”.
Magistrate Olivia Trumble fined the defendent $100, and suspended his driver’s licence for 12 months.
On-call positions open
Fire + Rescue NSW will be conducting a recruitment drive from January 28 until February 16.
They particularly wish to encourage members of the Finley and Jerilderie communities to become involved in its various activities as on-call firefighters.
Finley’s newly appointed Deputy Captain Hannah Ham, who is recruitment project officer (RPO) for the Regional South three area, said recruitment teams could be seen in both towns spreading information about applying for the position and the benefits of this opportunity during this period of time.
On-call firefighting is a paid position with leave entitlements and offers strong camaraderie and sense of community.
In the 2023-2024 financial year, Finley had 46 callouts and Jerilderie had 27.
An information session and barbecue will be held at Finley on Thursday, February 6 at 6pm, and Jerilderie on Wednesday, February 5 at 6pm.
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