Emotions ran high at a public meeting held in Gooloogong last Thursday night, with locals voicing their concerns to police about a spate of arson and malicious attacks in the small village.
Around 40 people attended the meeting. They are scared and angry that several buildings and people have been the target of vicious attacks, such as the fire that partly destroyed the Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall several months ago.
Other attacks during the past year in the area also include several home and business fires, malicious phone calls, threatening anonymous letters to community members and defamatory graffiti spray painted in public toilets.
Representatives from Cowra, Canowindra and Orange police attended the meeting, including Constable Sean Beckett and Senior Constable John Newton from Canowindra, Sergeant Chris Peterson of Cowra and Inspectors Greg Newham and Gallegher.
“Yes, it was a fairly emotive meeting,” agreed Inspector Newham.
“There’s a lot of rumour and innuendo out there, and accusations are flying.”
One of the strongest rumours is that Gooloogong will lose its resident police officer, the position currently held by Senior Constable Brian Fishpool.
Inspector Newham confirmed that Gooloogong is not about to lose its police officer, and that a search is currently on for a replacement for Senior Constable Fishpool, who is currently restricted to desk duties after being injured at the Olympics last year.
“It’s not a vacant station,” Inspector Newham reiterated, nor, does he believe, that it will be in the near future.
Another concern expressed by residents was where police were up to in their investigations regarding the arson attacks.
Inspector Newham pointed that while he and his colleagues could not discuss official investigations, matters before the court or be involved in personal attacks, the meeting was called to encourage communication between residents and police.
“However, unless people have evidence and are willing to make a statement, there is nothing we can do.”
“Obviously there is someone out there who knows what is going on - and we are appealing for them to come forward.”
Despite the emotions evident from those at the meeting, Inspector Newham said that it was a constructive and positive community meeting.
“We’re not here to point fingers,” he said.
However he understood that the small community was upset by the attacks, saying that “it certainly affects all of them.”
He encouraged people to continue reporting concerns and to help police with their investigations and bring the matters to an end by passing on any information.
Cowra police are contactable on 6342 1266 and Canowindra police on 6344 1300.
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