Father of Robert Samuel LAYTON ( civilian – died Nov 2018 ) & Husband to Marian ( civilian )( R.I.P. 2020? )
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 095
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10692
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 13 May 1963 ( aged 25 years, 11 months, 16 days )
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 May 1968
Senior Constable – appointed 13 May 1972
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 17 August 1979
Final Rank = Sergeant ( 2nd Class ? )
Stations: ?, South Coast, Pt Kembla, Warilla ( Sgt ),
Service: From? ? pre May 1963?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: *National Medal – granted 17 March 1989 ( Sgt ) or – granted 20 January 1981 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted17 March 1989
* most probably the 17 March 1989 refers to ‘our’ Robert Edgar LAYTON. There was no other R.E. Layton in NSWPF
Born: Thursday 27 May 1937
Died on: Sunday 12 May 2019 at 3am in hospital ( 2 weeks prior to his 83rd b/day )
Age: 81 years, 11 months, 15 days
Cause: Fall – striking his head – leading to his death ( suspected blood clot )
Event location: Home
Event date: Saturday 11 May 2019 during the morning
Funeral date: Friday 17 May 2019 @ noon
Funeral location: Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Ave, Warilla ( same location as his son’s funeral )
*Family would like Medals to be worn
Wake location: ?TBA
Funeral Parlour: Parsons, Warilla
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE INAUGURAL RETIRED POLICE PIN CEREMONY AT OAK FLATS ( WARILLA ) ( LAKE ILLAWARRA ) POLICE STATION. RETIRED POLICE RECEIVING THEIR PINS AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE COMMITMENT TO POLICING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF NSW.
Retired Sgt Robert Edgar LAYTON ( Bob LAYTON ) # 10692 & Supt. Wayne Starling. Thursday 6 September 2012
BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Marian LAYTON, thanks all members/workmates that attended Bob LAYTON’s Funeral on 17 May 201 and wishes you all, the very best.
Bob was a Sergeant at the old ( now decommissioned ) Warilla Police Station, 15 Lake Entrance Rd, Warilla, for many years.
His wife, Marian, was also a long time Cleaner at the Police Station and VKG2 ( Warilla ).
May Bob, and his son, Bob, forever Rest In Peace.
Funeral details to be announced.
Please revisit this page in order to find out about the funeral details.
Cal
130519
1968 – 1969
Parliament of NSW
Report of the Police Department
p23
BRIEF FACTS OF ACTS OF BRAVERY BY POLICE
The facts, briefly, associated with acts of bravery performed by Police during the year 1967 are as set out hereunder.
8. On 27th March, 1967, Senior-Constable Ronald John Foster and Constable Robert Edgar Layton rescued three youths from a cliff face at Macquarie Pass and recovered the body of a fourth who had suffered fatal injuries in a fall from the cliff.
Bob had the NSW Personal number plates SPY-111 for his vehicle.
Just been looking at some old Police photos I have from Albury days. These two photos would have been taken in the late 70’s of the Albury District SWOS at the time. I recall some of the names, Graham (Squizzy) Taylor who is now deceased, Terry Frazer, Bill Drummond, Col Harrington, Bob Schmidt and possibly Craig Whitmore (although not certain if it is Craig) The two guys at front in the bigger group photo and the guy in uniform I am not sure of. I think Bob Schmidt and Bill (bulldog) Drummond are still around Albury. Not sure of the others. Remington 370 pump action 12 gauge shotguns. Certainly better than the old 38 Smith & Wesson in dangerous situations.
David Charles SANDERSON
| 13/05/2019
David Charles SANDERSON
AKA CHARLIE
Late of ?
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 126
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14494
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 5 April 1971
Constable 1st Class – appointed 5 April 1976
Sergeant – appointed 2 May 1986
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Superintendent – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Superintendent
Stations: ?, Liverpool ( ‘A’ List – early 1970’s ), Campbelltown ( 35 Division Detective ), Bankstown ( 19 Division – Detective ), Instructor – Detectives Training Course 2/77 & 3/77, Deniliquin ( Det Sgt – late 1980’s ), Lismore ( Commander ), Tweed Heads, District Officer – Albury, Thredbo Landslide Commander ( 1997 ), Queanbeyan ( Commander ) – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre April 1971?to19 July 2002 = 31+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 8 March 1997 ( C/ Insp )
Commissioners Commendation for the Emergency Response Management of Thredbo Landslide in July 1997. Award received in 2000
Born: Tuesday 29 April 1947
Died on: Sunday 28 April 2019 ( ONE day before his 72 birthday )
Charlie was a former school teacher & quite academically gifted together with being an all round nice guy.
He was also the Forward Commander at the Thredbo Landslide and the ‘face of’ the Police during that event and a legend as the Commander.
We give our deepest condolences to Sue and his 7 kids.
SANDERSON David Charles ( CHARLIE )
29 April 1947- 28 April 2019
Beloved husband of Sue.
Father of Matt, Joe, Sarah, Paul, Annie, Pete and Christina.
Passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, 28 April surrounded by his family.
Charlie will be remembered as a loving father, a dedicated Police Officer and a great mate to all who knew him.
The funeral service for Charlie will be held at St Raphael’s Catholic Church, Lowe Street, Queanbeyan on Thursday 2 May 2019, commencing at 1:30 pm.
Burial will follow at Queanbeyan Lawn Cemetery.
Published in The Canberra Times on Apr. 30, 2019
May 4, 2019
Dear Sue and family, we were both saddened and shocked to read of Charlie’s passing in our church bulletin at Mass tonight. We have fond memories of family connections in Queanbeyan and beyond. Charlie will be remembered as a true gentleman, wonderful family man and exemplary policeman. I hope we can make contact in the near future. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our love.
The de Jongh family.
Pauline de Jongh, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
May 2, 2019
To Sue and family. I arrived in Canberra yesterday 1 May, as part of the Salvation Army Australia Red Shield Ride from Sydney to Melbourne. I hoped to catch up with Charlie while here, so to find he has just passed away is terrible news. We leave to ride south to Cooma today so will not be able to attend his funeral and pay my respects to the family.
I valued the friendship of Charlie and Sue during our time on Mornington Island and since, and still remember how easily he made friends during our time together on the Great Vic Bike Ride.
Rest in peace Charlie. You left a wonderful legacy in your family and your industry and we are the better for knowing you.
From Robert Cooper and Sharon Donald.
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him. Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance. Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
share
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time. Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
May 1, 2019
To Sue and family. Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Sad for all. RIP
Mark Francisco, Nambucca, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him.
Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance.
Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time.
Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
David Aspland New South Wales Policing History Forum September 7, 2017 · I trotted along to Retired Police Day 2017 in Queanbeyan today and had a great time catching up with a few old reprobates and listening to some very interesting presentations by current police of the issues of today. Here is me catching up with Retired Superintendent Charlie Sanderson (LEFT) and Retired Sergeant Scott Ide (RIGHT).
These photos appeared in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, February last year ( 2018 ). The first one was taken at Charlie’s sendoff from Deniliquin around 1990…they recreated the shot at the Deni Police Re-union in February last year ( 2018 ). We did indeed have fun with Charlie…may he rest in peace. The two guys to the right who did not make the reunion are Paul Hansen (glasses) and Cameron Wendt. So proud to have worked with all these fellows. Pat Seccull
Survivor found in resort rubble
Rescue workers sift through the debris at Thredbo on July 31, 1997, the day after a landslide tore through the village.
Rescuers eased aside dirt and rubble Saturday to reach a man found alive nearly 2 1/2 days after 20 people were buried by a landslide.
“A miracle has occurred,” New South Wales police inspector Charlie Sanderson said after Stuart Diver was heard by rescuers about 54 hours after the landslide swept over a ski resort. The discovery raised hope that others may have survived. The confirmed toll so far is one survivor, three bodies located and 16 people still missing. Hours earlier, police had warned relatives that there was no hope of finding anyone alive.
After digging all night, rescuers “went ballistic” when sensitive sound monitoring equipment picked up noises from under a concrete slab, said police spokesman Mark Hargreaves.
Diver was conscious during the ordeal but had little feeling in his body, police said.
Officials said Diver, a ski instructor, was in peak physical condition, which would have aided his survival as temperatures plunged to 16 degrees over the past three nights.
Despite the threat of another landslide, rescue crews – at times using their hands to avoid sending rubble into the excavated area – worked their way through debris to within three feet of Diver.
An oxygen cylinder and mask and what appeared to be a foil space blanket were passed to workers trying to reach Diver. A medical helicopter was waiting nearby to take him to a hospital.
“If we can keep this person alive, that’s marvelous,” Ambulance spokesman Steve Johnson told TV Channel Seven.
Sanderson said police were very confident of getting him out some time Saturday.
The threat of another avalanche prompted the area to be evacuated temporarily Saturday.
“In this case two ambulance people stayed in the tunnel at great peril to themselves in proximity to where this person is,” Sanderson said.
We talked about community service and community policing. I told him of the success of Sgt Neville Plush in Nimbin and how much love and support he gets and how different that was to the corrupt crew who occupied the Nimbin Police Station before Inspector Charlie Sanderson took over as Lismore Area Commander. “Community is the eyes and ears of policing,” said Callum. Later Callum came by again because he was interested in the progress of the cardboard jail.
Liverpool ( NSW ) Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2016 )
June 1973: Police Serving in the Citizens Military Forces (C.M.F.)
March/April, 1973, the 1/19th Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment, CMF, completed the last of its 3 day camps, which had been designed for the training of National Service personnel, and the first camp in which the Unit was entirely composed of volunteers.
The unit was often referred to as the ‘1/19 th Police Battalion ’, due to the number of Police who served in the Unit.
Members of the NSW Police Force in camp were :-
Captain R. R. Lidden, a Senior Constable at Scarborough Police Station; Lieutenant D. C. Sanderson, a Constable at Liverpool Police Station; Warrant Officer Class II K. W. Jones, a Constable 1/c at Bega Police Station; Sergeant P. Delamont, a Constable at the S.T.P North Sydney ; Corporal R. N. Deards, a Constable 1/c at Lake Cargelligo Police Station; Corporal J. Gibbs, a Constable at the S.T.P. North Sydney; and Private P.E. Graham, a Constable 1/c at Orange Police Station.
Interesting story about a defining moment in Emergency Rescue in Australia, the Thredbo Landslide. I was transferred to Monaro LAC a couple of months after it happened as the A/Crime Manager (I still wonder about that title, but Crime Coordinator sounds even worse 🙂 ). The Commander, Supt Charlie Sanderson was still working on the Coroners Brief. It was one of the most amazing documents I have ever read in policing. Charlie was a great detective.
Training for a nightmare: How first responders prepare for the worst
As rescuers scanned for life in sub-zero temperatures after the Thredbo landslide, the dangerously unstable site and freezing conditions stalled search efforts and caused equipment to seize.
One of Australia’s most popular holiday spots became the site of one of our greatest tragedies when 18 people died in the landslide in 1997.
It marked a turning point in the way authorities responded to natural disasters in Australia.
“We’ve gone really from a system that was ad hoc and everyone was doing the best they can to a system that’s well-maintained and regulated,” Fire & Rescue New South Wales Chief Superintendent Paul Bailey said.
In 1997, Fire & Rescue NSW had about 30 urban search and rescue trained staff — now the figure is almost 10 times that.
Training and technology have both vastly improved in the past 20 years.
Australia now has two internationally accredited urban search and rescue teams, meaning they can deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
Six hours to get in the air
The NSW team is one of two in Australia to hold classifications with United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
“When we’re told there’s an incident we need to be up and out of the here in six hours,” Chief Superintendent Bailey said.
“So that means getting a team of 72 people, all our equipment, which is over 36 tonnes of equipment, all together onto a cargo plane and anywhere in the world within six hours.”
Responding quickly is crucial — search and rescue crews say after around 100 hours life expectancy falls significantly.
They’ve been tested too. Firefighters say in 2011, Australian crews got to the Christchurch earthquake before some teams from Auckland.
The NSW team was deployed to the Japan earthquake and tsunami and also Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2015.
To remain permanently prepared, the search and rescue teams train in gruelling and realistic scenarios.
“What we do is simulate a pancake collapse — so that’s when building floors topple on top of one another,” Fire & Rescue’s Manager of Specialised Operations Darryl Dunbar said.
“Then our crews have to make entry through those floors to gain an entry underground to access that tunnel network.”
Once teams arrive on the scene, they use an array of gadgets to search for life — including vibration sensors that can detect the slightest bit of scraping or tapping on metal or concrete.
“[Vibrations] can actually travel more than 50 metres through a structure depending on how a building has collapsed,” station officer Daniel O’Dea said.
“These crews, that’s their job to identify that sound, work out what it is exactly if it’s in fact a distress call from someone.”
“We’ve got cameras that can snake down into a void, a tiny gap that was a wide as your finger and go down through that gap to manoeuvre that to locate any signs of life.”
First responders’ training facility revealed
When the ABC visited the Ingleburn training facility, search and rescue teams were running a refresher course for firefighters.
The idea is to get as many firefighters as possible around the state trained because they are likely to be the first responders.
It begins with the basics — cutting through tonnes of concrete and then using timber as a lever to create access.
One of the firefighters on the training course was Scott Featherstone, son of Paul, the paramedic who helped Stuart Diver for 12 hours until he was freed from the concrete after the Thredbo landslide.
He said his dad’s efforts in part inspired him to become a firefighter.
“I always wanted to do something where I could [help people],” he said.
Cal, I worked with Glyn when he began in the early 80‘s at Sydney VKG, in the hat factory. He was a very good radio and Telex operator.
He transferred to Newcastle VKG where he retired.
Glyn was a Comms. Operator in the Royal Navy, serving as a Submariner prior to coming to Australia.
His wife, Marion George, a Police Woman, also worked at Sydney VKG prior to transferring to Newcastle area G.D.
She resigned and later worked at Newcastle VKG.
They were a terrific couple.
EDWARDS, Glyn
Late of Swansea Formerly Belmont Nth
Passed away 20th April 2019
Aged 72 years
Beloved and cherished husband of Marion.
Much loved father and father-in-law of Garreth and Janelle Edwards.
A grandfather to Corey, Sammi-Lee and Shayla.
Adored and much loved son-in-law of Eric and Joan George (both dec’d).
The family and friends of Glyn are warmly invited to attend a celebration of his life, to be held in The Chapel, 444 Pacific Hwy Belmont (parking via Henry St) on Friday 26th April 2019, service commencing at 12.30pm.
Published in The Newcastle Herald on Apr. 24, 2019
SYDNEY, Sun.: Ronald Vincent Holl, had admitted Shooting Olaf Perkman in the Narrandera – Sydney train on Saturday, February 20, the Police Prosecutor ( Sgt. K. B. McGrath NSWPF # 4003 ) told Central Court of Petty Sessions yesterday.
Holl, 24, laborer, of Belmore Road, Herne Bay, was charged with having murdered Perkman, 40, C.S.I.R.O. scientist, who was shot through the head.
A railway employee found Perkman‘s body when the train reached Central Station.
Allegedly near Picton
Sgt. McGrath said Holl had told police the train was passing through a tunnel near Picton when the shooting occurred.
Sgt. McGrath told Mr. C. H. Blakemore. S.M., that Detective Sgt. Fergusson and Detective-Constable F. Krahe ( NSWPF # 4530 ) had extensive inquiries to make in the Griffith area.
At Sgt. McGrath‘s request, Mr. Blakemore remanded Holl to Central Police Court tomorrow when, Sgt. McGrath said, the police would apply for another remand to the date of the Coroner’s inquest.
Holl was refused bail.
Holl was escorted into the C.I.B. and about an hour later was placed in a police car and taken to Picton, where police continued inquiries.
North Western Courier (Narrabri, NSW : 1913 – 1955), Monday 29 March 1954, page 1
RAIL – CARRIAGE DEATH BEING INVESTIGATED
SYDNEY, Monday,
A C.I.B. Scientific Bureau constable described in the City Coroner’s Court today how he found the body of a C.S.I.R.O. scientist lying in a pool of blood on the seat of a railway carriage. Constable James Ernest Merrett was giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Olf Perkman, 40, research officer stationed at Griffith Irrigation Station, on February 20. Present in court, in custody, was Ronald Holl, 24, labourer, of Belmore Road, Herne Bay,; who has been charged with the murder of Perkman.
Constable Merrett said he had gone to Central railway station about 8.30 a.m. on February 20.
He told the Court he had seen the body lying full length on the seat in a compartment in the rear carriage of the South West Mail train. The body was covered with a brown checkered travelling rug.
Blood on Floor
Constable Merrett said the body was lying on its left side, with the left hand across the body and the right hand clasping the head and forehead.
There was a considerable quantity of blood on the head and the seat, and some had run down onto the floor and been partially wiped up, he told the Coroner ( Mr. E. J. Forrest ). The body was dressed in a khaki shirt, with a navy blue and orange tie, red-brown trousers, and tan rubber soled shoes.
After the Government Medical Officer had conducted an examination of the body, a search was made of the compartment.
Pockets Turned Out
Const. Merrett said a number of hairs had been found on Perkman’s right hand, on the heel of his right shoe and a long hair near his right hip pocket. He said the right and left hand trouser pockets and the fob pocket of the deceased were turned out.
The Government Analyst ( Dr. H. B. Taylor ) said he had examined blood and a piece of skin from the body. He said there was a small hole in the skin taken from the forehead of the dead man. Surrounding the hole was a black patch which was found to contain particles of carbon and nitrate, components of certain types of ammunition.
Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 – 1954), Sunday 6 June 1954, page 44
The fingerprint that trapped a killer
When swarthy, slightly built Ronald Vincent Holl (24), laborer, and the father of three children, including twins, launched on a series of escapades at 13 years of age in 1943 he triggered a trap that 11 years later landed him in Central Criminal Court dock charged with murder.
As Holl came to police notice, his fingerprints were filed by the C.I.B. Holl grew older and wiser and had gone straight for a number of years when in 1952 he married a girl of 15. On Feb. 26 this year the couple had twins aged 18 months, a baby aged five months and were expecting another child when a call went out to police to bring in Holl for questioning.
Six days earlier, at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Feb. 20, railway porter Francis Ernest Vicq, of Western St., Dulwich Hill, had found the body of C.S.I.R.O. agricultural scientist Olaf Perkman (41), shot through the head in the last ‘dog box’ carriage of the South West Mail train shortly after it reached Central Station.
Perkman had been returning from the C.S.I.R.O. station at Griffith to spend the weekend with his wife and family.
Wide search
The hue and cry for the callous killer — who had cut short Perkman‘s brilliant academic career in his sleep and had then plundered his pockets — had run into a deadend.
A police search for the murder gun and clues all along the rail link from Goulburn to Sydney had proved fruitless. But Const. J. K. Hennessy, of the C.I.B fingerprint branch, had dredged up a fragmentary fingerprint on the door of the lavatory in the death carriage of the South West Mail.
Because of the minuteness, the orthodox classification of this print was impossible. With dogged patience Hennessy searched for days through thousands of individual prints in the C.I.B. records until finally he came across the print he wanted — among those of Holl.
Social misfit
Hennessy‘s work was considered by fingerprint experts to be outstandingly brilliant. The story from that stage was told Mr. Justice Clancy and jury on Tuesday at Central Criminal Court, when Holl, said by Dr. E. A. Marsden, psychiatrist, to be a social misfit, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Armed with the fingerprint identification of Holl, Det.-Sgt. D. G. Fergusson and Det. Krahe ( possibly F.C. KRAHE # 4530 ), of the C.I.B., interviewed tiny, attractive Mrs. Gloria Holl (17) at her home at Belmore Rd., Herne Bay.
The detectives then confronted Holl with the fact that he had not been home on the night of February 19 and next day had given Mrs. Holl £8, though he had been out of work for six weeks.
Eventually Holl confessed that he had shot and robbed Perkman. He said he had intended to ” do a couple of busts ” and had taken french leave with his brother’s rifle.
He had ” scaled ” on the Albury Mail train to Goulburn and was returning in the South- West Mail to Sydney when he shot Perkman.
Judge’s view
Dr. C. E. Percy, Government Medical Officer, said Perkman while lying asleep was apparently shot by Holl from a distance of between four and eight inches.
In a statement from the dock Holl admitted most of these things, then added he was not conscious of pulling the trigger.
That raised what Mr. Justice Clancy later told the jury was the only issue that stood between Holl and a guilty verdict, the defence of insanity at the time.
Called by Mr. F. W. Vizzard, the Public Defender, Dr. Marsden said Holl‘s whole history was that of a chronic mixed anxiety depressive state. Dr. Marsden said that, overcome by frenzy caused by Perkman‘s alleged attentions, Holl could have pulled the rifle trigger in a state of unconsciousness.
” No disorder “
Called in reply by Mr. L. C. Furnell, for the Crown, Dr. John McGeorge, consulting psychiatrist to the Attorney General’s Department, said his examination of Holl had failed to reveal any psychiatric disorder which would explain or excuse Holl‘s act.
The jury returned their verdict of guilty after half an hour’s retirement.
Mr. L. C. Furnell ( by the Clerk of the Peace ) for the Crown; Mr. F. W. Vizzard Public Defender ( by the Public Solicitor ) for Holl.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 19 February 1965 (No.25), page 537
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Jurisdiction. -In the will of PEARL ELIZABETH MERRETT, late of 82 Barton Street, Kogarah, in the State of New South Wales, widow, deceased, testate.— Probate granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 3rd December, 1964. — Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1947 ( Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1938, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942 ), James Ernest Merrett and Jack Richard Merrett, the executors of the will of the said Pearl Elizabeth Merrett, who died on the 16th July, 1964, hereby give notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send in particulars of their claims to the said executors at 17 King Street, Rockdale, on or before the 12th April, 1965, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.—
Dated the 10th day of February, 1965.
L. J. SHARPE & CO.,
Proctors for the Executors,
17 King Street, Rockdale.
By their City Agents, J. B. Lange & D. C. Andersen,
PROBUS clubs are a world wide organisation and in Australia we come under the umbrella of Probus Centre-South Pacific. Clubs are sponsored by their local Rotary Club and are for retired men and women from professional and business backgrounds.
We are not a Service Club and do not participate in fund raising ventures.
A Brief Summary of The Men’s Probus Club of Morisset Inc
On the 22nd June, 1983 a meeting of interested persons was arranged by the Rotary Club of Morisset for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, to form a Mens’ Probus Club in Morisset.
The driving force behind this move was Les Norris, then Hon Secretary of the Morisset Rotary Club.
Les was very ably supported by Rotary President Henry Gerigh who hosted the meeting.
The twenty two local men present voted unanimously that those present and eligible and desiring to join become the Foundation members of Morisset Probus Club.
Of the original foundation members, only Les Norris remains an active member. Darrell Turnbull, an active member and Don Cameron, who attends when possible, both joined at the meeting after the inaugural meeting.
From this humble beginning the Club grew in strength and attained a membership of 80 plus members.
Unfortunately this membership no longer exists and our membership is now down to 36 members. The attendance at meetings is around 26 members and this is an acceptable ratio.
The Management Committee over the years have come up with a wonderful array of Speakers from diverse backgrounds with subjects of great interest to members.
Socially we have been able to meet up with members and their wives/partners at Bus outings, Barbecues, and our Dinner nights.
With the escalating cost of some of these outings, our small numbers makes it difficult to pursue some of these ventures.
Over our 25 years there are members who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Club, and been made Life Members. These Members are
At meetings held in APRIL-MAY OF 2010 it was proposed that our Club be re-birthed as a mixed Club. This was defeated and a drive for new members was instigated, with favourable results.
Have been informed that Sherrie Gavin, wife to Rob Gavin, passed away at home from a tumour of the brain.
Sheree was Retired Medically due to PTSD on 24 December 2017 but was diagnosed with the brain tumour shortly after that discharge.
She had an operation in relation to the tumour from which she never fully recovered.
May Sherrie forever Rest In Peace and our condolences to Rob and family.
Sherrie Kylie Gavin (nee Munday)
Passed away 14th February 2019 at the Wodonga Hospital.
It is with such deep heartache we announce the passing of our daughter Sherrie.
Loving wife of Robert,
Loving mother of Grace and Isabella.
Much loved daughter of Yvonne and Neville Morton.
Sister and sister is law of Jason, Ben & Marine and aunt to Aubrey.
Niece of Steven, Robert and John Munday.
Granddaughter of Orien Munday.
Aged 41 years.
Family and friends of Sherrie are warmly invited to attend a funeral service of thanksgiving, celebrating her life to be held in the Stockinbingal Cemetery, Stockinbingal, TOMORROW Thursday 21st February 2019, commencing at 11.00 am.
Please gather at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brain Injury Foundation will be gratefully received at the service.
SMITH & RINKIN (FDA of NSW) Accredited Funeral Directors
(Bruce Smith JP Manager)
57 Murray Street Cootamundra Ph: 02 69421028
February 20, 2019
You were a beautiful person Sherrie and will be sadly missed. I had the pleasure of being your friend and caring for your beautiful daughters Isabella & Grace whilst you lived in Condobolin.
Here is Sherrie Kylie Gavin’s online obituary. Please accept Everhere’s sincere condolences.
Sadly, on February 14, 2019, we had to say goodbye to Sherrie Kylie Gavin (Cootamundra, New South Wales).
Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one.
Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Sherrie Kylie Gavin to show support.
She was loved and cherished by many people including : her spouse Robert; her children, Grace and Isabella; her parents, Yvonne Morton and Neville Morton; her aunts and uncles, Steven, Robert and John Munday; her grandparent Orien Munday; and also Aubrey.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 21st 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Service of Thanksgiving.
It is with great sadness that another WA Police officer ( male ) has taken their own life overnight. If you know their name please do not divulge it, thank you.
If you need to speak to someone please reach out to anyone be it a friend, relative, Soldiers and Sirens, Soldier On, MHERL even if you reach out through Facebook please just know you can talk to someone. We do understand a number of us have been on the edge before and know what its like.
CURTIS:
The Funeral Service for the late David Harold Wright Curtis of Vitali Crescent, Kalgoorlie will assemble at the main entrance of the Goldfields Crematorium, Memorial Drive, Kalgoorlie for a Cremation Service at 10.30am on TUESDAY (12.2.2019).
IVAN VUKOVICH
Kalgoorlie 9021 2023
Member AFDA
Published in The West Australian on Feb. 5, 2019
Senior police officers lead the funeral procession for Senior Constable Dave Curtis. Picture: Tori O’Connor
‘He loved us so much’: Son of WA cop who took his own life speaks out
Senior Constable Dave Curtis was the sort of cop who would consistently reach out to other officers going through a tough time.
Affectionately known as ‘DC’ by colleagues, he would routinely get in touch with fellow officers who’d been assaulted on the job, making sure they were okay.
He was also known to speak at various police-related and other community events over the years without a microphone – such was the power of his booming voice.
It always got people’s attention.
But Senior Constable Curtis – who first joined WA Police as a cadet in November 1982 – stunned his fellow officers and family by taking his own life in January.
He was just 53.
“The last time we saw one another was at my son’s belated birthday party the weekend before,” his son John Curtis said.
“At the time, he seemed deflated.
“You always offer some assistance or some time to talk, but in this particular circumstance he didn’t see it fit to speak to anyone about it.”
‘He just loved us all so much’
John Curtis said his father told him shortly before he died he would never have to worry about him “doing something stupid”.
“So obviously to get the subsequent news was quite a shock,” he said.
“He’s not the kind of person who would have liked to have burdened anyone with his trouble.
“He didn’t want to shift that burden that he was wearing elsewhere to help himself.
“He loved everyone around him, he didn’t want to cause them any harm or stress.
“He just loved us all so much.”
Senior Constable Curtis’ death is understood to be one of several police suicides across the country in recent weeks and months.
The “tragic and unnecessary deaths” – the Police Federation of Australia says – “demonstrate that holding the thin blue line comes at a very significant cost”.
Senior Constable Curtis’ passing has also once again put a spotlight on the psychological toll policing and other frontline emergency work has on people.
It is for this reason WAtoday has begun a three-part series on the issue starting from today. On Thursday, we will explore the newly restructured police unit tasked with helping officers and their families with mental health issues, and the toll PTSD has on serving and former cops.
‘I’m still stunned by it’
Close friend and fellow WA cop Geoff Stewart said he’d been left rocked by the passing of his mate and colleague.
“The thing I liked the most about him was his integrity,” Superintendent Stewart recalled.
“In all the time I knew him, I never saw him get angry or hear him talk ill of his colleagues. He knew the value of a team.
“DC’s passing has rocked us all and I’m still stunned by it.
“Every police station has a DC. That one individual who is the centre of the place, keeps things ticking and always had the interest of the team at heart.
“Look up country copper in a dictionary and there will be a picture of DC.”
Superintendent Stewart said Senior Constable Curtis was one of several officers stationed at Newman who had to deal with the tragic events of a police air wing crash in the regional town in 2001.
The crash claimed the lives of four police officers.
“That would have left an impact on anyone and I know it did for DC,” Superintendent Stewart said.
Another fellow police officer who knew the 53-year-old said: “He was a typical, old-school, country copper.
“Firm but fair, with a big heart and very community-minded.
“It makes me sad that a strong, resilient man who had given so much and seen so much, got to a point in his life that he could not go on.”
‘We are hurting’
At the time of his death Senior Constable Curtis was a branch official and a director of the WA Police Union.
“He genuinely cared for the welfare of his fellow officers,” WA Police Union boss and close mate Harry Arnott said.
“Around the board table, he always provided a considered, highly-valued opinion.
“A man of few words, when he spoke, people listened and he was a strong voice for regional coppers.
“We are hurting because we have not only lost a great police officer and union man, we’ve lost a great mate.”
A Senate report released in February recommended a range of changes with regard to how governments respond to the mental health concerns of first responders, like police officers and paramedics.
Among the report’s 14 recommendations was a suggestion that compulsory mental health awareness training be introduced in every first responder organisation across Australia.
Research released last year by Beyond Blue found one in three police officers and other emergency service workers experienced high or very high psychological distress compared to one in eight Australian adults.
The research also found police officers and other emergency service workers report suicidal thoughts twice as often as other adults.
John Curtis said he hoped his father’s passing would prompt other people who may have such thoughts, or who are battling any mental health issues to speak up.
This Guest Book will remain online until 8/03/2019.Learn More
Friday, 1 February 2019
CURTIS (Dave):
On behalf of the WA Police Union Directors and Staff, we extend our sincerest condolences to Kerrie and family on the passing of their beloved Dave.
Dave was loved by everyone and our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden and tragic passing of a serving WA Police Force officer overnight and we have lost one of our finest.
Dave was a wonderful supporter of the band and was also a member of our Friends of the Band Program.
Sincerest condolences to all Dave’s family and friends.
If you need to speak to someone we urge you to please, please, reach out.
Talk to your colleagues, a friend or loved one or make that call to one of the numbers below or the Helpline for wherever you reside.
Some details on the officer in WAPOL that was lost to the world this week.
PUTP unfortunately has recently lost one of our own but known personally of 3 police related deaths in the last 2 months. We grieve still.
Our thoughts go to family of this officer both blood and in blue.
In memoriam: Senior Constable David ‘Dave’ Curtis, WA Police Force, died suddenly on the night of 30th January 2019
Senior Constable David Harold Wright Curtis dedicated 34 years of diligent service to the community of Western Australia. His larger-than-life personality and his willingness to help impressed many in the Goldfields region and beyond. His presence made a significant impact in Western Australia and his leaving has left our world a poorer place.
Dave Curtis was a wonderful supporter of Police Legacy and many other community initiatives, including his contributions to Polair 64 memorial and events. The support he offered to members following the tragedy at Newman will forever be remembered; he held the community together through very trying times. As the Eastern Region Director, he was a valued Member and contributor to the WA Police Union for more than a decade.
As he leaves behind his loving wife and children, he is reunited with his late father and step-daughter. Dave Curtis will forever be remembered for his many accomplishments, and as a great friend, colleague and a true gentleman. His loss has left us all feeling deeply desolate with grief.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, colleagues; everyone who loved him. May peace and comfort find them during this incredibly difficult time.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
FAREWELL TO A ‘GENTLE GIANT’
Jason Mennell Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:44AM
There was a huge outpouring of solidarity as more than 200 police officers from across the State yesterday joined family and friends to farewell Senior Constable David Curtis at a touching funeral service in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
At the service he was described by friends and colleagues as a “gentle giant” who always put others before himself.
But underneath his sunny and selfless nature, Sen. Const. Curtis faced emotional turmoil and to the stunned dismay of friends and family he made the decision to take his own life last month at the age of 53.
His death came after 36 years with WA Police, in a career which began at Kambalda in 1982. He went on to serve at Kalgoorlie Police Station, Mt Magnet Police Station and Newman Police Station.
At the funeral service yesterday, an emotional former policeman and State Member for Kalgoorlie Kyran O’Donnell, who knew Sen. Const. Curtis for 30 years, told the Kalgoorlie Miner his friend would be sorely missed.
“We are always there to support each other but we weren’t there for Dave,” he said.
“We didn’t know. It’s just a waste.
“If we can learn by this by learning to identify this in the future, it won’t happen again.”
Mr O’Donnell said he had never seen so many officers at a funeral before and it was a fitting send-off for a “gentle giant”.
“He was one of the nicest guys,” he said. “No one ever had a bad word about him. It didn’t matter whatever you asked of him, he did it. He was one of those coppers he would still be there hours after his shifts, finishing jobs to help others and he wouldn’t even claim overtime.”
The service began with a solemn procession led by police motorbikes and cars travelling down Memorial Drive as officers stood tall on either side of the road with hands held stiffly at their sides.
The vehicles were followed by 12 members of the WA Police Pipe Band who played a selection from the Retreat Slow Marches.
Behind the pipe band, senior police officers marched ahead of the hearse carrying a casket that was flanked by close friends and family members. The procession peeled off into the Kalgoorlie Cemetery where people who could not fit inside the Kalgoorlie Crematorium Chapel stood outside to listen to the service.
During the service the chaplain said the selfless officer must have been facing emotional turmoil before he made the decision to take his own life.
He said the sudden death of Sen. Const. Curtis would have left family, friends and colleagues questioning what they might have done to intervene beforehand, but that they should not be hard on themselves.
A friend of Sen. Const. Curtis, Anita Grace, talked fondly about the officer’s time in Newman.
She said Sen. Const. Curtis was popular with the Martu people in the region and was “a big man with a big smile” who “always had time to chat”.
Superintendent Geoff Stewart who served with Sen. Const. Curtis in Newman said friends and family had been left “stunned” by the tragic news.
“He was a big man and he left a big impact on all of us,” he said.
“It wasn’t only what he did but it was how he held himself. The man had integrity.”
Supt Stewart said a light aircraft crash, which killed four police officers in January 2001 in Newman had left an indelible mark on his former colleague.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson, who was also at the service, told the Kalgoorlie Miner the police force was like a family.
“This is unsurprising for me as commissioner to see this demonstrable show of unity, but we are really here to care and support Dave’s immediate family and recognise his service over many, many years,” he said.
“For us it is a touching, sad and sombre moment but it’s very important that we also celebrate his life and give support to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Annette Louise TOLHURST nee HINTON
| 13/05/2019
Annette Louise TOLHURST nee HINTON
Daughter-in-law to Charlie Tolhurst ( NSWPF # 5395 )
AKA NETTY
Late of Lithgow
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 237
New South Wales Police Force
Probationary Constable # 60505
Regd. # 25650
Rank: Commenced training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 20 June 1988 ( aged 24 years, 5 months, 25 days )
Probationary Constable – attested 9 September 1988 ( 24 years, 8 months, 14 days )
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, The Rocks ( 1990 ), North Sydney ( 6 Division ), PoliceLink ( PAL ) – Lithgow
Service: From 20 June 1988 to29 November 2018 = 30 years, 5 months, 9 days years Service
Age at leaving Police: 54 years, 11 months, 3 days
Time in Retirement: 0
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Thursday 26 December 1963
Died on: Thursday 29 November 2018 at Lithgow District Hospital
Age: 54 years, 11 months, 3 days
Cause: Cancer
Event location: Lithgow District Base Hospital, Lithgow, NSW
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 7 December 2018 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Black Gold Cabins, 121 Main St, Wallerawang
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Lithgow City Funerals – 6352 2111
Buried at: Blackheath Cemetery, Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW
Memorial located at: 1/Bush Ashes Walk ( BBAWA ), Row A, Plot 264
2/ Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall | Right Wall, E27
ANNETTE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
ANNETTE IS mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall | Right Wall, E27
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It is with deep regret and incredible sadness, that I announce the passing of Annette Tolhurst (Née: Hinton) ????
Annette passed away peacefully, last Thursday evening, after a battle with cancer.
I worked with Annette extensively at North Sydney Police Station, many years ago.
She was an incredibly proficient operator and a wonderful woman.
Annette was a no-nonsense type of person, who got the job done, with a minimum of fuss. She easily won the admiration and respect of all of her work colleagues and dearest friends.
I believe that Annette’s final posting was at the Police Assistance Line (Lithgow).
Rest In Peace, sweet lady.
You were an incredibly beautiful person.
If funeral details do become available, I will announce further updates.
Dellb Shay Rest easy Annie xx
Lenore Schiller RIP ????
Ron Rodgers Graham, I worked with a Kate Hinton also at North Sydney. Any connection?
Graham Slingsby Ron, I don’t think so, mate?
Wayne Topham RIP
Val Ivlev RIP.
Brian Friend Was she related to Charlie
Karen Ure So sad to hear. Condolences.
Udo Starkis RIP ????
Peter Gould May she RIP
Craig Andrews Sad
Graham Slingsby Craig: She was an amazing woman ????
Don Hamilton May she Rest in Peace.
Scott Leadbeatter I attended a few forums with Netty. She was the life of the party for sure. Very sad.
Dellb Shay She certainly was Scott!!
Donna Sedgmen She introduced me to Mr Jim Beam.
Graham Slingsby Donna Sedgmen: Doesn’t surprise me in the slightest! Lol ????
Netty didn’t mind a JB or two!
Scott Leadbeatter I was playing my guitar one night and she come up and said, “I can play the guitar.” Sceptical, I handed her the guitar and she played and sang Take Me Home Country Roads. It brought the house down.
Andrew McDonald RIP Netty. Met her a few times at Lithgow PAL.
Helen Ridge RIP Annie.
Donna Sedgmen I’m so very saddened to hear of Netty’s passing. She was a fabulous person. Rest in Peace my friend.
Lesley Schwetz RIP Annie, you’re a legend in Blue Mountains LAC.
Graham Slingsby Lesley Schwetz Netty was a legend, everywhere she went ❤️
She left behind, an impressive legacy.
Bill Eggins RIP. You have fought the good fight
Lawrence Bonello RIP
Kerrianne Markulin She was a wonderful training officer. I had her at The Rocks in 1990. RIP Nettie.
Sharleen Flanagan So sorry to hear. Condolences to her family.
Annie Pranckus Smart Obviously respected and liked greatly. She will rest in peace leaving behind such admiration.
William John Well respected and well liked.
Brian William MacKINLAY
| 13/05/2019
Brian William MacKINLAY
Late of 177 Glenayl Ave, Bondi Beach, NSW
NSW Police Academy Class ‘possibly’ # 094
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10569
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1963 ( aged 24 years, 2 months, 8 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 25 April 1968
Senior Constable – appointed 25 April 1972
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ? ( whilst at Bondi )
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, Central – 1 Division, Green Valley – 22 Division ( 1968 ), Waverley, Vaucluse ( 1973 ), Pyrmont ( 1979 ), Bondi – Death
Service: From? ? pre Jan 1963? to 28 January 1981= 18years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 20 January 1981 ( Sgt 3/c )
Born: Saturday 17 December 1938
Died on: Wednesday 28 January 1981
Age: 42 years, 1 month, 11 days
Cause: Cancer – Melanoma
Brian had his entire right leg amputated due to his Cancer. The spreading of Melanoma ended his life.
He lived a further two years after the amputation and still remained working with NSWPF from Bondi Police Station.
Event location: Hospital
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 30 January 1981 @ 2pm
Funeral location: St Anne’s Catholic Church, Mitchell St, Bondi Beach
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Allan Walsh P/Ltd, Chatswood, NSW
Buried at: Macquarie Park Cemetery, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
Block 13, Grave 0697, MPC-RCLN-BL13-808-0697
GPS: -33.789775, 151.14275437
Memorial located at: ?
BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Grave location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
One of two stories. I might leave Arthur ‘Neddie’ Smiths story for another time in the future…..a very long time in the future. Other story.
Fairly certain it was a Sunday night, and while having a game of snooker in the meal room at Pyrmont, with Brian MacKinlay, (RIP), a call was received.
Headed out with all lights off down to a back lane in Pyrmont. I am fairly certain it was Paternoster Row.
We pulled up and crept up to the house on the corner. We took little interest in the tailights disappearing in the distance. As we were about to kick the door in, an old woman opens it and says, “too bad boys, Mad Dog left here 30 seconds ago”.
Seems the tailights were that of the car which housed Russell ‘Mad dog‘ Cox, as he had been holed up in this particular house for 4 days before someone dobbed him in, and we were 30 seconds late in grabbing him.
