Cowes Police Station

Have you ever wondered about the history of law enforcement on Phillip Island? Right here, at the Cowes Police Station, a story unfolds that spans over a century. Cowes Police Station first opened its doors on January 29, 1874. Back then, Cowes was part of the Bourke district. The station’s first officer was a lone First Constable. Imagine the challenge, with the nearest support 15 miles north in Hastings or 17 miles east in Bass, both across water. The station’s original phone number ended in 37, a detail preserved to this day. In 1874, Phillip Island’s population was just 1000. The local wharf manager earned a mere 10 pounds a year. Cowes Police Station served this small community. Early records reveal James Deacon as the island’s first policeman, later replaced by George Ardill in 1878. Both men patrolled on horseback. The first police court in the area wasn’t at Cowes Police Station. It was at Griffiths Point, now San Remo. It opened in 1877 with local settlers acting as judges. An 1878 government notice appointed Constable George Ardill to manage the public wharf at Cowes. Interestingly, the notice was signed by Peter Lalor, the same Peter Lalor famous for his role in the Eureka Stockade Rebellion. Later, John Brophy and Harold Taylor served at Cowes Police Station in 1884 and 1888, respectively. Mounted Constable Alfred Thornton, who arrived in 1889, married a local woman. Sadly, their son died at Gallipoli in 1915. The turn of the century saw Constable Richard George Edward followed by Constable Thomas Dunn at the Cowes Police Station. Father Parker, the Catholic priest, held mass at Constable Dunn’s home from 1899 to 1909. The 1920s and 30s brought new challenges. Thousands of visitors flocked to Phillip Island for the Grand Prix races. With no barriers or public facilities, the influx strained the resources of Cowes Police Station. The races eventually moved to a private circuit in 1952. Cowes Police Station remained a single-officer post until 1971, when Sergeant Cliff Ashe joined Senior Constable Ernie Lee. From 1982, the station expanded with the growing population and tourism. By the year 2000, Cowes Police Station had a sergeant and four officers, collaborating closely with the San Remo station. Today, Cowes Police Station is part of Eastern Region Division 5, headquartered in Morwell. It operates within the Bass Coast Police Service Area. Staff includes a Senior Sergeant, a Sergeant in charge, and nine other officers. They work in coordination with other stations in the area, including San Remo and Wonthaggi. Cowes Police Station, from its humble beginnings with a single constable, has evolved alongside Phillip Island, serving the community for over a century.