A sacred space for remembrance: Memorial garden opens

In 2018, when the Stringybark Creek Historic Reserve was redeveloped, the original police memorial stone was saved from demolition.

The announcement of the new Benalla Police Station in 2022, followed by the subdivision of the land, meant the original memorial garden would become part of the magistrates’ court garden.

This gave Victoria Police the opportunity to build a new memorial garden, away from the court and busy Bridge St, in a more private location at the new police station.

The new garden also provided a permanent home for the Stringybark Creek memorial stone.

The garden commemorates the lives of Victoria Police members who died both on and off duty, while stationed at the Benalla Police Station.

At the opening ceremony on Friday, October 9, a candle was lit, and a wreath laid in tribute to fallen officers.

Family members were also presented with plaques from the original memorial garden.

Acting Senior Sergeant and Blue Ribbon Foundation Northeast branch president Travis Carroll said the memorial represented more than a record of lives lost.

“These memorials span more than 150 years of service and sacrifice ― different generations, different circumstances, different roles, but connecting them all is service,” he said.

Acting Sen Sgt Carroll said behind every name were families, friends and colleagues who remembered not only the circumstances of a member’s death, but also the person they had been in life.

“That’s why places like this matter and a memorial is much more than stone, bronze and a name,” he said.

“For families, it says the person they loved is still remembered, for colleagues, it provides somewhere to remember a friend or workman.

“For today’s police members and employees, it connects them with those who came before them, and for our community, it ensures these stories are carried forward.”