Chance to meet with cops welcomed

LOCALS and passersby enjoyed an informal coffee with a cop morning last Saturday at Gaffney’s Bakery.

The event was organised by Heathcote Police Station’s Sergeant Holly Lembke with the aim of meeting residents and discussing their concerns.

“It was lovely to sit down and chat to the locals,” she said.

“It is so important to come together with the community in a positive way. I hope to build trust in this community so I can help when I am needed.”

Police officers from Heathcote and Axedale attended the coffee morning and mingled with attendees.

“For those who didn’t realise why there were so many cops there, it was fun to see their worried faces turn to happy faces once I offered them a coffee token,” Sergeant Lembke said.

“I also met a lot of people who were ‘travelling through’ which was nice.”

Several staff members from Heathcote Health attended, including executive assistant and volunteer coordinator Michelle Chapman.

“Heathcote Health would like to thank the Heathcote Police Station and Sergeat Lembke for the opportunity for coffee and a chat with local officers from Heathcote and Axedale,” she said.

“The professional relationship between police and the health service is so important for our communities.

“It was fantastic to see lots of people coming together to get to know one another over a coffee and there were some important conversations happening at each table.”

Sergeant Lembke hopes to hold more Coffee with a Cop sessions in the future.

It wasn’t just locals stopping by with one traveller, Shirley Gould, from Cairns popping in.

“What a great concept,” she said. “Too often people are frightened of the police and it’s a good way to get to know them.

“I am visiting this area and it’s lovely to meet the community and the police.”