The Australia Day Awards Ceremony in Birchip was a heartfelt celebration of community spirit, unity, and Australian values, with Senior Constable Will Ringin delivering an inspiring address as the event’s guest speaker.
Constable Ringin, who has served the Victorian community as a police officer for the past six years, opened his speech by expressing his gratitude to the community forum for the opportunity to speak. “It’s my honour and privilege to be here on behalf of all Police members within the shire,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Constable Ringin said he joined Victoria Police at just 19 years of age, drawn by the diversity of the career and a strong desire to help those in need.
His early years saw him stationed in Warrnambool, where he spent five years, including a valuable stint in the local drug tasking unit.
“Drug crime directly correlates to almost every form of criminal activity in Victoria,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Constable Ringin said: “A big portion of my current role is centred around educating locals on the correct channels to report suspicious behaviour which could be linked with drug offending. Often it is the community who break drug cases open for police, and information you have may be the link that police are looking. To put it simply, if you see something – say something.”
Challenging Role
In 2023, Constable Ringin and his fiancée, Eliza, welcomed their son, Artie, prompting their move to Northern Victoria to be closer to family. This transition led him to the Buloke Shire, where he took on the unique and challenging role of “reliever” for single-member police stations across towns including Culgoa, Sea Lake, Wycheproof, Charlton, and Birchip.
“The challenges that face police in the Buloke Shire are unique,” he stated, describing the vast geographical areas covered by officers who often work alone.
Despite these challenges, Constable Ringin praised the invaluable contributions of volunteer organizations such as the CFA and SES.
“Frankly, I don’t know what we would do without our volunteers,” he said, extending his gratitude to all those who assist in times of need.
Constable Ringin highlighted the distinctive role of single-member police stations, emphasizing that those who serve in these positions must be deeply embedded in their communities.
“To work in these areas, you can’t just work for your community, you need to be a part of your community,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of fairness, firmness, and genuine care.
Speaking about Birchip, where he and his family have lived for nearly a year, he reflected on the warm welcome they received.
“This community is special, and you only have to walk down Cumming Avenue to experience the warmth its people provide from day to day.”
Significance
On the significance of Australia Day, Constable Ringin spoke of the values that define Australian identity; mateship, inclusion, fair play, respect, compassion, and integrity.
“These are things you can undoubtedly experience in Birchip every day,” he said.
In closing, he thanked the community for their support and encouraged residents to reach out to their local police whenever needed. “No matter the inquiry, the doors to the Birchip Police Station will always be open to any person who needs police or even maybe just a chat.”
The audience responded with warm applause, appreciating the commitment and dedication of local law enforcement officers. The event was a fitting tribute to the strength and resilience of the Birchip community, highlighting the true spirit of Australia Day.