The Mount Beauty police station has welcomed its first female officer in its 72-year history.
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Sam Bourke began work in the area this week after stints in Wangaratta and Melbourne.
Senior Constable Bourke, who has worked in intelligence and general duties over the past 11 years, said she was proud to be the first policewoman at the station.
"It's a great title I can carry through the rest of my career," she said.
"The station opened here in 1948 and there have been 21 members gazetted here in that time.
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"I think people in the Alpine region think police officers are supposed to be male but this might help recruit a few other women."
While Mount Beauty generally doesn't experience the serious crimes of large areas, emergency service workers often attend rescue operations in the high country.
Senior Constable Bourke said she enjoyed helping when people most needed it.
"I like being able to have an impact on a small community, and to know that you're having an impact."