Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Binney Family Funerals, Lismore, NSW
Passed away peacefully at Lismore Base Hospital, with his family by his side aged 70 years.
Loved and loving father and father-in-law of David & Mel and Leiarna & Michael.
Cherished Poppy to grandson Harley.
Loved and special friend to all who knew him.
Family & Friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Ian’s life to be held at the Gummifera Garden of the Lismore Memorial Gardens, Skyline Road Goonellabah, Monday 23rd January 2023 commencing at 10:00AM. Followed by interment at the Bexhill Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the carers & friends that have had a significant impact on Ian’s life.
Members of the NSW Police Force & Retired Police Association are invited to attend.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
I have never met Selwyn Smith BUT I have, for over twenty years, been seeing one of his colleagues in the field of psychiatry.
I have never heard a bad word about Selwyn and if he is anything like the bloke I have been seeing for twenty years, Selwyn’s is a man to be honoured and respected for the way in which he cared for, and looked after – not only damaged police but all First Responders.
You received your Cancer diagnoses only in October 2021 and eventually had to rest up because of fatigue in November 2021.
You worked tirelessly to ensure that your patients were looked after and, on behalf of all First Responders ( ESPECIALLY the Members of NSWPF, I express my personal and sincere thanks to you and your family for the time that you gave all of my fellow work mates ( whether I knew them or not ) in your efforts to help, and save, them from the demons of PTSD / PTSI.
Your family and friends need to know that you were regarded as a bloody good mate to so many Police, and other First Responders, who were suffering PTSD / PTSI and you managed to pull a lot of them out of that dark pit that they were in for so many years.
Rest In Peace Selwyn. Your Duty is now done.
Greg Callander
NSWPF # 17463
20 January 2022
Very sad news from the St John Of God with the passing of Dr Selwyn Smith.
Although Selwynwas not a police officer or a first responder, he ( as a psychiatrist ) understood the plight that most first responders suffered with their mental ( and physical ) health and the many, unfounded and unnecessary, hoops that insurance companies make us jump through.
He was a very thoughtful man and an outstanding health care professional with the St John of God Hospital PTSD programs and his many, many patients.
Dr Smith understood emergency services and mental injuries and advocated for us when it felt like no one else did.
He was a brilliant psychiatrist and held in the highest esteem amongst his clients and his peers.
Dr Smith had literally only just retired before last Christmas ( 2021 ) due to his terminal illness ( cancer ) and our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and the countless people he has saved and helped throughout the years.
Rest In Peace.
some of the Comments from various Policing Facebook Groups & pages:
He helped me to turn around from a very broken ambo with work induced PTSI and the St John of God program was a BIG part of that. With his support to try to return to operational duties, I did another 8 years full-time and now 3 years part time. If others had their way, I would have got the boot. Selwyn went to bat for me after listening to me.
I wish he had longer in retirement after helping so many of us.
*******
I found out yesterday it’s a sad loss , he was a great doctor for people with ptsd and would fight with the insurance companies to make sure we got the right treatment we need
*******
I’m struggling to find a replacement too. Can some inbox me some suggestions.
Also devastating news today of his passing on Monday.
I guess he didn’t leave us because he wanted to.. he truly worked with all of us till the very end.
******
I’m sad to hear that Dr Selwyn-Smith passed away today. Those who know of his work as Psychiatrist will really feel this. I have a heavy heart! His work at St John of God was invaluable.
******
Best wishes Selwyn. You shared my contempt for heartless management practices and you greatly helped me along with countless others. Stay strong.
******
Selwyn’s office are in the process of sending out letters to his patients. I spoke to them two days ago and my January appointment was cancelled. Retired immediately due to serious health issue. I’ve been told he is completing all outstanding reports.
******
Sad news he was a man that cared about his patients and took on NSW Police Department for many of us. He became a friend and helped me through some dark times. RIP Selwyn
*******
*******
RIP Doc you helped so many of us in our time of need you will be always be remembered by us. God Bless R.I.P
*******
Sad news he was a man that cared about his patients and took on NSW Police Department for many of us. He became a friend and helped me through some dark times. RIP Selwyn
Cal
20 January 2022
56 Comments
Charles Field-Marsham
19 hours ago
What a great life of a remarkable man! Strong and grounded family; a career that added great value to the world and a positive and loving friend. Truly inspirational and a model for us all.
I am grateful to have met him and shared a few “GREAT” meals with him and the family.
I cant believe he was 80, I thought he was in his early 70’s!!
XOXO
Charles
Leon and Melissa
2 days ago
Dr Selwyn Smith how can we ever repay you for how you have helped us over so many years.
The only way is to remember you and tell everyone who will listen about you.
Rest in peace our friend from sunny Queensland, always in our hearts.
Bronwyn Croft
2 days ago
Dr Smith helped so many Police that struggled with ptsd. I am so grateful of his unwavering support that has enabled me to be the best mum I can be for our 3 children and still be proud of my 30 year service to the NSW Police Force.
I am grateful for his amazing skill’s with helping his patients recover and I always left his room knowing that I had his support which helped my recovery immensely.
????????????
Mark Eady
2 days ago
Thank you Selwyn. You made a difference to so many lives.
Your compassion, understanding, humility, and authenticity are some of my lingering memories. So glad we got to cross paths and I am forever in your debt for your support and advice during one of the most challenging times in my life.
My sincere condolences to your family.
They must be so proud of a life well lived.
Sophie Hartley
2 days ago
Thank you for your kindness and compassion and being a pillar of strength for many who reached out for you.
You have been a true advocate for many Police and their families.
May you Rest In Peace.
Anna Nikolis
2 days ago
Gone too soon and so suddenly, we are all saddened and heartbroken by your death. What will we do now without you?
Your smile, care and compassion is what got us through the hardest times.
Thank you Dr Selwyn Smith for being like a father and a guardian angel to me since 2007, you saved my life and I am forever grateful for everything you have done. You were one in a billion.
Anyone who had the opportunity to meet you was lucky and each one of us are still here because of you.
You truly cared about everyone and helped so many people in their darkest of times. You will forever be in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to your family and loved ones.
Thank you all for allowing us to share in the celebration of Dr Selwyns life.
Goodbye to a remarkable man beyond words.
You will be terribly missed and remembered with great respect and gratitude.
RIP my best friend, mentor and doctor ????
Harry Stengos
2 days ago
You will forever be held in the highest regard for your compassion and caring.
The definition of a gentleman and a saviour to so many.
May you Rest In Peace and may God bring comfort to your family.
Garry K
2 days ago
It is with sad hearts that we all say good bye to an amazing man who helped so many people in their darkest of times. I only knew you for a short time, but you gave me hope when I thought there was non.
My deepest sympathy to your to you wife and family.
REST IN PEACE
GK
Charlene
2 days ago
You were a godsend to so many psychologically injured NSW Police. Thank you for helping so many of us so much and being in our corner.
You will be terribly missed.
David Hooper
2 days ago
Selwyn, you have saved my life and showed me the utmost care and compassion. My family & I thank you from all our hearts.
You are still the most professional and caring person I have known & I thank you again for your professional care and advice.
I am surviving because of you.
My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
RIP Dr Smith!
Sharon Lee Twiss
2 days ago
Thank you Dr Selwyn Smith for being a lighthouse in the darkness.
My deepest sympathies to your wife May, your family, friends, colleagues and all your patients who were blessed to have you in their corner.
You will remembered with great respect and gratitude.
RIP ????
Diane Birch
2 days ago
Sad news. Still can’t believe it. Such a witty sense of humour. I loved our chats. Your memory was extraordinary. I was privileged to know you. I will be forever grateful for the support you provided me over many years.
You will be sadly missed by so many. You were one of a kind. Such a remarkable human being beyond words.
RIP.
Darryl L
2 days ago
Thank you Dr Smith for caring for me for 25 years. A very compassionate man who helped so many others as well.
You will be missed greatly.
Paul Daley
2 days ago
You referred to yourself as “The General” and would say ‘My job is to do the fighting, yours is to get well.’ And he did.
I am only here today because you gave me and countless others discarded by the police system the ability and willingness to live and fight on.
Thank you does not even scratch the surface of the debt of gratitude so many owe you.
To Mrs Smith and family, deepest condolences and thank you all for allowing us to peek behind the curtain and share in the celebration of Selwyns life.
Jodie
2 days ago
May you forever Rest In Peace Dr Smith. A true gentleman.
Condolences to your family, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time.
You have truly touched the lives of so many.
It’s your time to rest easy.
Jim Short
2 days ago
Dearest Selwyn, I came to you broken and in darkness, you helped show me the way through. Your smile and easy manner, and reassurance ‘I’ve got your back Jim’ helped me stay the course.
The world seems to be a slightly smaller less lit place with your passing.
From my family to yours, thank you for caring, thank you for being in my corner,
RIP.
Jim
Christine McGuire
2 days ago
Selwyn…what a truly amazing man you were! Thank you for the kindness, support and optimism you had towards all the Police you helped on our journeys.
You will never be forgotten.
Patricia Rinaldo
2 days ago
Dearest May, Ben, Michelle I am so sad.
Cannot believe that Sel Is gone.
We loved Him so much and the Family.
Sel was an Icon and will never forget Him.
Please know I am there with You in my heart.
One of My (Our) True Friends in Life Fondly, Pat Fondly,
Pat
Natalie
2 days ago
Dr Smith, what a remarkable human.
He has touched and changed the lives of so many. He will be missed.
I fell fortunate to have met him and thank you for all you did for me and everyone that had crossed your path.
A wonderful man, compassionate, empathetic, professional and funny.
You made me laugh when I didn’t think it could be possible.
Thank you.
Condolences to your friends and family.
Amy and Stephen Tsang
2 days ago
????????rest in peace, Selwyn
We miss you
Natalie M
2 days ago
Dr Smith thank you so much for your passion and service to the whole community.
You were truly an amazing man.
Love and strength to your family.
You will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace Selwyn
Helen Weston
2 days ago
Thank you Selwyn.
Thank you for putting me back together, for caring and supporting me.
Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Peter Gould
2 days ago
A wonderful man who has helped and saved so many injured police officers.
My deepfelt condolences to family and loved ones.
Rest in Peace Selwyn.
Cheryl
3 days ago
Rest easy Dr Smith, thank you for saving my life, and thank you for all helping so many of my friends.
You were a great man.
X
Paul
3 days ago
A very very sad loss. A true gentleman who had a genuine care for others.
The Colonel saved me and several others.
Rest in Peace.
Thank you for your legacy.
My condolences and prayers to the precious family.
TJ Parker
3 days ago
Small in stature, huge in heart. A giant in his field.
A huge loss for his family and so many in the triple 0 and military services. I am forever grateful for his warm smile and expertise.
From my family to yours Selwyn,
Rest in Peace.
You’ll never be forgotten.
Christine Noel Faught
3 days ago
Deepest sympathies, Michelle, and to all of your family.
Your Dad is always smiling in my memories – you are in my thoughts, and I’m so sorry for such a great loss.
With love always.
Vanya MacRAILD
3 days ago
Our dearest Selwyn, hearing of your illness and your sudden passing has left me and so very many people with the heart that is hurting beyond words. You are an amazing man who dedicated so many many years to helping so many people. I know all of us in the emergency services and correctives have been helped by you immensely and that will never be forgotten. The best thing I ever did was take the words of a very close friend of mine who was treated by yourself was to go and see yourself and Fotoula. I cherish the words you said to me and they were, “I will fix you“. I will continue to carry those words with me everyday. You bought me so far in the two years I had been seeing you, you lit up my life each time I came to see you as I knew I was in good hands and you lived by those words you said to me.
Like so many people we will all miss you terribly and we can not thank you for all you have done for so many.
Love to you, your precious family and friends.
XXXXX
Andrew
3 days ago
When Selwyn tells you; “I got ya back.” He really meant it.
The struggle by many first responders to find a way forward through life in the aftermath of multiple trauma was made so much easier by him punching on with “The System” to make sure you were covered.
A giant of a man who will be sorely missed.
RIP mate
Deb T
3 days ago
Dr Smith, thank you for everything you did to get me through. You fought the battle for me many times and “had my back”.
You are a gentleman and an angel xx
Darryl Hahn
3 days ago
Doc. Thanks for putting me back together, like you did for many police men and woman over the years.
It was an absolute privilege having you as my doctor and confidant. You gave me the comfort and light in a very dark time, and I will be forever grateful to you.
Much love and strength to your family at this time xxx
Warmest regards Darryl.
Lisa
3 days ago
Dr Smith thank you for your compassion and kindness that you showed me, you believed me when others failed me. You brought me out of the darkness into the light and gave me hope. You will be missed.
Sandra Bullock
3 days ago
Thank you Dr Smith for the help and guidance you gave to our son. We will be forever grateful.
RIP
Arna Meyer
3 days ago
Tuning in from America.
Dr Selwyn was a phenomenal support to me and my family and I’m saddened to learn about his death.
He was a compassionate doctor who will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to his family and all those he left behind.
The world is a better place for the work he performed and his legacy will live on in all of us who are alive today because of his intervention.
Kurt Gacki
3 days ago
Without Smithy I wouldn’t be here today, it’s as simple as that.
Great Dr and even better human.
I painting an Aboriginal dot art for him in which he has in his office.
Please pass that onto his family from me.
Paul Begbie
3 days ago
You were the saviour in my life and bought me back from the darkest place. You gave me and so many others hope, care and love. I will be forever in your debt. “ Don’t worry, we’ve got your back” will always be in my mind.
May you Rest In Peace beautiful man.
Thank you.
Teresa Zappia
3 days ago
Thank you to a wonderful man who always made me feel believed.
I am but one of your patients. Oh, how you will be missed.
Much love to all your family.
Effie Jordan
3 days ago
Forever grateful Thank you Dr Smith, an absolute angel on earth, now an angel in heaven.
Forever in our hearts ❤️
Melanie Gavan
3 days ago
Dr Smith – I’ll never forget what you did for me or countless other people in saving our lives. I’ll never forget you sitting there saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll get you there.” I’ll never forget the change of tone in your voice when having to deal with the dreaded insurance company.
Forever in your debt.
RIP
Ken
3 days ago
Rest In Peace. You helped so many. A truly great man.
Fadia Saker
3 days ago
Dr Smith 🙁 I only had the pleasure of knowing you for a short time. ( Thanks to my Sister she said if anyone can Help it would be You .)
You are a Kind soul and Caring Doctor You cared for those who needed you most. You helped in every way that you could .
Rest in Peace you will be missed in your passing and you were appreciated in your Life
Lisa McGuinness
3 days ago
Words can not express the thankfulness and love we have for Dr Smith, without you and your dedication I would not have a Partner, my Son would not exist, It pains us greatly that we have lost such a great man.
For your 22yrs of unconditional Love and support, thank you!
Danielle Thorp
3 days ago
You saved my life.
Thank you and may you Rest In Peace.
To your family, thank you for allowing this gifted man to help us. The best words I ever heard from Selwyn was, “I’m your nominated treating doctor now. I’ve got you. Let me deal with everything. You just take time for yourself!”
Sorely missed but never forgotten.
Xo
Ben O’B
3 days ago
Selwyn, legend does not even begin to describe you.
I sit here with a heavy heart, you were the only person that was able to get me through the hardest times of my life and the one who protected me in battles I could not fight alone.
Not only a fantastic doctor but a friend and protector.
Karol Bottle
3 days ago
What a caring and compassionate man who helped so many of us in our darkest times.
Blessings and love to your family and staff at this very sad time.
RIP Dr Smith.
Gary
3 days ago
Dr Smith, I only had the pleasure of knowing you for a short time. You are a true gentleman. You cared for those who needed you most. You helped those who helped others and then unfortunately couldn’t help no longer.
Thank you
Dan C
3 days ago
Rest in peace Dr Smith.
You changed my life, and helped me immensely.
Neil
3 days ago
I’m not normally one for words, thank you, you helped a lot of people.
Godspeed Doc.
Rob S
3 days ago
Words don’t begin to express the gratitude for how you changed my life.
A caring, compassionate and skilled physician who always greeted me as an old mate.
You will be dearly missed.
Rest In Peace Dr Smith
Anna G
3 days ago
Dr Smith you always greeted me as a friend with that cheeky smile and helped guide me through tough situations.
You truly are brilliant and amazing. I am lost of words as it is unfair that you left too soon. It truly is heart breaking and my sincere condolences to your family, loved ones and friends.
I am forever grateful for what you have done for me and my family.
Kathy Bassett
3 days ago
Dr Smith you were my confidant, rock and the only person I felt like I could trust.
Thank you from my the depths of my heart I am a greater person for having you in my corner.
There are no words adequate to describe the man that you were to countless people.
You are a man to be honoured for the way you cared about not only police but all 1st responders.
You were there for us as we had to jump through the many hoops from the insurance companies and the NSWP forever indebted to you Dr Smith you will be missed by many but what a legacy you have left us all.
A very sad day for many and condolences to our wonderful Dr Smiths family-
Kathy
Sandi Cook
3 days ago
Deepest condolences to May, Ben, Michelle and your families, Selwyn was such a wonderful and large part of our lives when you all lived in Ottawa- a hugely talented, caring friend and smiling soul ! XO
Sandi and Eddy
William Shenkman
3 days ago
Squire, you were one of a kind.
So many wonderful memories.
To May, Ben, Michelle and family thank you for sharing him with us.
That smile and laughter will be with us forever.
Love Bill and Maureen
Anna Nikolis
3 days ago
Dr Smith was one in a billion. He saved my life and was like a guardian angel to me.
Most compassionate and caring doctor, he always had a smile for everyone and genuinely cared for his patients. He said he wasn’t going to retire on us anytime soon and he didn’t..working till the end and caring for his patients ???? Sadly, he didn’t even get to enjoy his retirement.
I was devastated to hear of his sudden medical retirement, however hearing about his passing just broke my heart ????
My condolences to the family and all of his patients.
He will be missed and it is truly a huge loss to all of us as he is irreplaceable.
May he rest in peace and God grant him a place in heaven, because he deserves his place amongst the angels ????
Goodbye Dr Smith, you will never be forgotten and I’m eternally grateful for everything you have done for me and my family ????????
Greg Callander
3 days ago
May Doctor Selwyn SMITH – ( NSW Psychiatrist and Mate to many NSW Police ) Forever Rest In Peace.
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.
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.
John Leslie WINDSOR
| 14/05/2023
John Leslie WINDSOR
Late of ?
AKA Jack
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14805
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 9 August 1971 ( aged 19 Years, 2 months, 22 days )
Probationary Constable – attested 20 September 1971 ( 19 years, 4 months, 2 days )
Constable – appointed 20 September 1972
Constable 1st Class – appointed 20 September 1976
Senior Constable – appointed
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 22 April 1987
Final Rank: Sergeant – Death
Stations: ?, Grafton
Service: From 9 August 1971 to 9 January 2009=37years, 5 months, 0 days Service
Time in Retirement: 2 years, 3 months, 20 days
Age at Retirement: 56 years, 7 months, 22 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 November 1988 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 6 June 1997 ( Sgt )
Born: Sunday 18 May 1952
Died on: Friday 29 April 2011
Age: 58 years, 11 months, 11 days
Cause: Cancer – Melanoma
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 4 May 2011 @ 11.30AM
Funeral location: Christ Church Cathedral, Duke St, Grafton, NSW
The funeral of Sergeant John Windsor at the Christ Church Cathedral.
THERE was a potent message from the funeral yesterday of popular former Grafton policeman Sgt John Windsor … get your skin checked regularly for skin cancers.
Sgt Windsor’s two daughters Alison and Jenny told a packed Christ Church Cathedral their father, a devoted and loving family man, had died after a long battle with melanoma.
“We urge you all to see a doctor and get your skin checked,” they told the congregation.
They described their father as a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, someone who didn’t like crowds and never wanted to be the centre of attention.
“He was dedicated to his friends, his family and work,” they said.
“He always had a friendly g’day.”
They said he was a man of limited fashion sense, who wore trademark check shirts for 30 years and an Akubra hat, and loved to travel – with a particular fascination for Queensland.
He also had a deep appreciation of food and a soft spot for animals.
“He was a gentle soul who lived his life with integrity and honour,” they said.
Many of his former colleagues in the NSW Police Force, including many who are now retired, attended yesterday’s service and spoke of his dedication to serving people.
Coffs Clarence Local Area Police Commander Mark Holahan said that when he first arrived at the Grafton Police Station as a young constable in 1987, Sgt Windsor was a calming influence.
“He retired on January 9, 2009, having spent 37 years and 162 days in the service of New South Wales,” he said.
“Rest in peace, old friend, you have served your community to the best of your ability. Vale John Windsor.”
Another of his former colleagues, Senior Sergeant Chris Tuite, gave a list of words to describe Sgt Windsor.
He said he was loving, particularly of his two daughters and wife Margaret, his father Keith and the police.
“He loved coming to work and you could set your clock by him,” he said.
He was kind and never had a harsh word against anyone.
He was respectful and showed this with his dealings with his superiors and women.
And he was generous.
“He was always a gentleman in the true definition of the word,” Sen Sgt Tuite said.
