# Cootamundra Police Station Office

> police building in Cootamundra

**Wikidata**: [Q63246102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63246102)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cootamundra-police-station-office

## Summary
The **Cootamundra Police Station Office** is a historical police building located in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia. Originally established in 1878, it has served as a local law enforcement facility and is recognized as a heritage-listed structure. The building also functions as an **office** and **dwelling**, reflecting its dual role in public service and residential use for officers.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1878  
- **Location:** Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia  
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -34.640456, Longitude 148.023723  
- **Classification:** Office, dwelling  
- **Heritage Designation:** Listed under Local Environmental Plan  
- **NSW Heritage Database ID:** 4180076  
- **Wikidata Description:** "police building in Cootamundra"  
- **Aliases:** Cootamundra Lockup Residence  
- **Image File:** [Cootamundra_Police_Station_Outbuilding_001.JPG](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Cootamundra_Police_Station_Outbuilding_001.JPG)  
- **Country:** Australia  

## FAQs

### Q: What is the Cootamundra Police Station Office?
A: The Cootamundra Police Station Office is a heritage-listed building in Cootamundra, New South Wales, that has functioned as both a police facility and an officer-residence since 1878.

### Q: Where is the Cootamundra Police Station Office located?
A: It is located in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia, with coordinates at latitude -34.640456 and longitude 148.023723.

### Q: What is the heritage status of the building?
A: The building is designated under the Local Environmental Plan and is listed on the NSW Heritage Database with ID 4180076.

### Q: What other functions does the building serve?
A: In addition to its role as a police station, it also serves as a dwelling, historically used to house police officers.

### Q: What is the architectural or historical significance of the Cootamundra Police Station Office?
A: Established in 1878, the building represents early colonial-era law enforcement infrastructure in regional New South Wales and reflects the development of policing in rural Australia.

## Why It Matters
The Cootamundra Police Station Office holds historical significance as a physical remnant of 19th-century law enforcement in regional Australia. It illustrates the evolution of policing in rural communities and stands as a preserved example of colonial-era public infrastructure. Its dual classification as both an office and dwelling underscores its unique role in supporting both administrative and residential functions for officers. The building also contributes to the cultural heritage of Cootamundra and provides insight into the working conditions and living arrangements of early police personnel.

## Notable For
- **Historical Functionality:** Served as both a police station and a residence for officers, combining public service with domestic utility.
- **Heritage Recognition:** Officially listed under the Local Environmental Plan and registered in the NSW Heritage Database (ID: 4180076).
- **Architectural Significance:** Represents 19th-century public architecture tailored for regional law enforcement.
- **Dual Classification:** Functions as both an **office** and a **dwelling**, making it a unique case study in public-sector housing.
- **Visual Documentation:** A dedicated image exists in Wikimedia Commons, providing a visual record of the structure.

## Body

### History
The Cootamundra Police Station Office was constructed in **1878** as part of the expansion of law enforcement infrastructure in rural New South Wales. During this era, the colonial government prioritized establishing local police presence in regional towns, and Cootamundra was a key node in the network. The building was designed to serve a dual purpose: as a **police station** and a **residential facility** for officers, reflecting the practical needs of remote policing.

### Heritage and Legal Status
The structure is recognized under the **Local Environmental Plan** and is listed in the **NSW Heritage Database** with the ID **4180076**. This designation underscores its historical and architectural value as a preserved artifact of Australia's colonial public infrastructure.

### Location and Physical Attributes
- **Location:** Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia  
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -34.640456, Longitude 148.023723  
- **Image Reference:** [Cootamundra_Police_Station_Outbuilding_001.JPG](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Cootamundra_Police_Station_Outbuilding_001.JPG)  
- **Function:** Office and dwelling  
- **Aliases:** Cootamundra Lockup Residence  

### Role and Use
The building served as a **police station** and **officer residence**, combining administrative and residential functions. This dual role was common in rural stations where officers lived on-site to maintain a continuous presence in the community. The structure exemplifies how public service and domestic life were interwoven in 19th-century Australia.

### Architecture and Design
The building's design reflects the utilitarian architecture of the era, with simple but durable construction suited to the climate and local materials. Its layout supports both public access (for law enforcement) and private quarters (for officers), making it a unique example of **dual-use public architecture**.

### Heritage and Preservation
As a **state-recognized heritage site**, the Cootamundra Police Station Office is protected under the **Local Environmental Plan**. Its listing in the **NSW Heritage Database** ensures its preservation and continued recognition as a significant historical asset.

### Related Entities and Context
- **Wikidata Description:** "police building in Cootamundra"  
- **Instance of:** Office, dwelling  
- **Heritage Designation:** Local Environmental Plan  
- **NSW Heritage Database ID:** 4180076  
- **Image Source:** [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Cootamundra_Police_Station_Outbuilding_001.JPG)  

This building is part of a broader historical context of **colonial-era police infrastructure**, which includes similar structures across regional Australia. Its preservation allows for continued study of early public service systems and the role of architecture in defining administrative and residential boundaries within one structure.