Residents and business owners in the historic Goldfields town of Boulder are renewing calls for a permanent police station, after a temporary television set gave locals a glimpse of what a police presence in the town centre might look like.
For several days earlier this year, Boulder’s heritage-listed courthouse was transformed into a fictional police station for the upcoming Stan crime drama Two Birds, which has been filming in the region. The realistic set, complete with police signage, briefly convinced some residents that law enforcement had returned to the town’s main street.
According to neighbouring business owners Ronnie and Stephen Maddocks, the impact was immediate.
“Everything went dead quiet for about three days until they realised it wasn’t a real police station,” Ms Maddocks said, reflecting on the noticeable change in activity along Burt Street during the filming period.
Although the television production has since wrapped up and the temporary police station has been removed, the experience has reignited debate about community safety and law enforcement resources in Boulder.
Boulder’s main street is home to a range of businesses, heritage buildings, and historic hotels, but residents say the area has also experienced ongoing issues with crime and antisocial behaviour. Community members argue that a permanent police presence could help improve safety, deter offending, and boost confidence among local businesses and visitors.
Supporters of a local station say having officers based in the town centre would provide quicker responses to incidents and create a stronger sense of security for the community.
The discussions come as regional communities across Western Australia continue to debate policing resources, public safety, and the challenges of addressing crime in smaller population centres.
While the police station at the courthouse existed only for television cameras, many Boulder residents are hoping the idea could eventually become reality.
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