LOCAL police have taken a rare chance to look back and reward outstanding work in the community at a Wangaratta divisional awards ceremony held at the Wangaratta Turf Club last week.

The force acknowledged the diligent work of the region's officers which included life-saving response, international investigations and investigations into sexual assault in Wangaratta.

The esteemed Medal for Courage was awarded to five officers in the apprehension and first aid to two “violent, determined and unpredictable” offenders at the Richardson Bend camping ground at Barnawartha North on 12 June, 2019.

Officers shot the offenders who had threatened police and then provided immediate care to ensure their survival.

Those awarded included Sergeant Michael Bourke, Leading Senior Constable Aaron Hardinge, Leading Senior Constable Steven Ireland, Leading Senior Constable Owen Matthews and Leading Senior Constable Philip Ryder.

An additional two officers received a divisional commendation for rehabilitation of the community and subsequent support to the overall successful prosecution of both offenders.

Officers Senior Sergeant Michael Drew and Sergeant Chelsea Ross were given a Major Incident Citation for their response in the Bourke Street massacre, where six people died as a result of a person deliberately driving through the busy Melbourne street in January 2017.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karlyne Carr received the Medal for Merit for exemplary service in conducting a “complicated” investigation of historical sexual offences committed against a child, involving navigation of local and international evidence.

Wangaratta Local Area Command Inspector Ash Mason said the investigation involved many years of work.

“It resulted in his extradition back to Victoria where he was charged and presented before the courts,” he said.

A number of regional and divisional commendations were awarded for exceptional performance or service in the local area.

A divisional commendation was given to Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot, Detective Senior Sergeant Garry Barton, Detective Sergeant Simon Hunter and Inspector Ash Mason for their involvement in Operation Vanhalen, an investigation into a series of alleged sexual assaults against patients of a medical clinic in Wangaratta in 2017.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Wade Spokes received a regional commendation for demonstrating devotion to supporting victim survivors during the investigation.

Commendations were also given for recent incidents within the North East, with Detective Senior Constable Steve Burke commended for detection and seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs and firearms in Wangaratta in March 2024.

Senior Constable Kelsey O’Bryan and Leading Senior Constable Nicholas Rae were commended for rescuing a man suffering a psychotic episode whilst attempting to drown in Yarrawonga on 10 March this year.

Multiple officers also received various commendations including the National Emergency Medal for their service during the 2019-20 bushfires, while other were recognised for long service with the force, stretching as high as 35 years.

Inspector Mason said it was great to see officers receive well-deserved recognition for service within the local community and beyond.