January: Recipient of the British Empire Medal – Constable Trevor Lloyd Morrison. Lloyd’s medal was in recognition of his courage and fortitude displayed on the 16th September, 1966, when he and a Senior Constable Kevin. E. Cook arrested a man armed with a knife. During the violent struggle which ensued before his arrest was effected, both police were stabbed and very seriously wounded. In subsequent court proceedings, the presiding Judge commended Senior Constable Cook and Constable Morrison for their courage and tenacity displayed.
Annual Report of the Police Department of New South Wales for 1966.
* * *
*2
During the financial year, former Liverpool Police Officer – Sergeant T. Lloyd. Morrison is awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation.
NSW Police Annual Report 1988-1989
* *
*3
June: Former Liverpool Police Officer – (Lloyd) Trevor Lloyd Morrison was awarded the Australian Police Medal.
Although he was attached to Campsie Police Station when he received the medal, he was later transferred to Liverpool Police Station where he worked on General Duties for a number of years. He later transferred to Campbelltown.
Information to hand is that Paul has passed away after a battle with cancer.
It appears that Paul, after leaving NSWPF, started a business of Hampton Investigations from Putney, NSW.
We send out condolences to the family and friends of Paul and hope that he is now Resting In Peace.
Further information will be updated on this memorial page as it becomes known.
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Pilot killed fighting bushfire
By David Braithwaite February 17, 2006 – 3:08PM Page 1 of 2
A 32-year-old water-bombing pilot and father of two has crashed and died while fighting a bushfire in southern NSW.
Brad Pead, a 32-year-old father of two, died when his plane ploughed into a hill near Mount Ulandra, south of Cootamundra, about 7pm (AEDT) last night.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Phil Koperberg said today the tragic accident marred a clean track record.
“We have had a perfect aviation record up until now in fire fighting … indeed it is the first time in Australian history,” Mr Koperberg said.
“It is obviously a great tragedy – a young man, young family – but what he was doing is very, very dangerous.”
Aerial Agricultural Association chief executive officer, Phil Hurst, told smh.com.au: “It’s a very small community – about 300 agricultural pilots, everyone knows everyone, so everybody will be feeling this loss this morning.”
He said it was a high-risk job done by top pilots, he said.
“Due to the frequency they fly, it would be nothing for a fire-bombing pilot to have 15-16,000 hours experience, more than more airline or military pilots.”
Police said a lightning strike was believed to have sparked a fire on properties at Brawlin, near Cootamundra, about 5pm (AEDT) yesterday.
Three Rural Fire Service planes and one helicopter dumped water on the flames from the air in an attempt to control the blaze, but one of the planes hit a hillside at about 7pm.
The pilot, a father of two from Port Macquarie, worked for a Cowra aerial service contractor, Fred Fahey Aerial Services.
Mr Fahey described the dead pilot as a “good bloke” and a highly experienced flyer who had taken part in plenty of water-bombing operations.
“He got his pilot’s licence practically before he got his car licence – he had probably been flying 15 or 16 years,” he said.
Cootamundra police crime manager Detective Inspector Paul Hampton said witnesses did not believe the plane was flying through smoke when it crashed.
The plane was spraying fire retardant when it crashed into a hillside in farmland, Inspector Hampton said.
“He does not appear to have hit power lines or trees, but that will be further investigated by forensic police and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority today,” he said.
Inspector Hampton said three witnesses, including other pilots, would be interviewed today as investigations continued into the crash.
The firefighting tragedy comes three years after a water-bombing helicopter crashed into a dam during the ACT bushfires, and nine years after a water-bomber plane clipped a house in Perth. Both the pilots survived.
Paul passed away peacefully on 23rd August 2016 aged 51.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held in the Palm Chapel of the Macquarie Park Crematorium, Plassey Road, North Ryde on TUESDAY (30th August 2016) commencing at 1:15 pm.
In lieu of floral tributes, please consider a donation to the Pallative Care
Unit, Greenwich Hospital. Envelopes will be available on the day.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Aug. 26, 2016
Paul
Thanks for all the laughs we have shared, so blessed to have had you as my friend for so many years xx
~
Amber Gidney,
Cowra, New South Wales
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
God Bless Paul, memories of “Anchor” at school xx
~
Katrina Walsh,
Lake Conjola, New South Wales
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Paul, you were a beautiful soul! I will always cherish the memories. Rest in peace my dear friend xx
~
Jacqui Poehlsen,
Sydney, New South Wales
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
So saddened to hear of your passing. Whilst a long time ago you bought loads of laughs to our lives that stays with us forever. With much love to you family and friends
~
Cathie Moran,
Sydney, New South Wales
Monday, 29 August 2016
Paul, you certainly lived life to the full, you left us way to soon and will very much be missed by all of us. Rest easy Hampo and God Bless
Leanne Oates Sydney NSW
Saturday, 27 August 2016
My beautiful Pauly,
Thankyou for the years of fun, laughter and crazy times together.
I will never forget the love and concern you showed for me in the last weeks of your life.
Always my protector and biggest believer, right until the end.
Big, big love to you baby xoxoxo me
~
Natalie Curtis,
Sydney, New South Wales
Friday, 26 August 2016
Paul. I am deeply saddened by your passing but so honoured to have known you. Mate you were never short of a practical joke and the laughter and memories will be with me forever. Rest in peace, knowing you are no longer suffering. God bless you.
Hampo, you were the best mate a bloke could have….You lived life to the fullest and made the lives of those you knew that much richer…. Your courageous battle is done…rest now in peace my friend
~
Rob Shankelton,
Sydney, New South Wales
Friday, 26 August 2016
Paul, you will be remembered as a great bloke who loved a laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. I recall your utmost devotion to your daughter Maddie, who you spoke of nearly every day. Rest in peace mate.
Leigh, prior to joining NSW Police, worked at Appin Mine and later became a Senior Constable at Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station for many years.
On the morning of Thursday 18 August 2016, he was found deceased at his property at Boro near Braidwood, NSW, resulting from an overdose.
Leigh had recently ‘sold up’ in the Illawarra and moved to his property to make a fresh start in life – but, sadly, the demons continued to follow him after a previous suicide attempt some years earlier.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate. You were a good bloke.
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McQUADE Leighton John (Leigh)
Passed away on 18th August, 2016.
Late of Boro formerly of Blackbutt.
Dearly beloved Dad of Taylah and Maddison.
Loving and thoughtful Son of Tom & Lyn.
Much loved Brother of Shane and Dan.
Loved Grandson of Jack & Ellie (both dec) and Arthur & Sarah (both dec).
Will be sadly missed by his many Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
Aged 43 Years
Your Memory Is Our Greatest Treasure
To Have And To Hold In Our Hearts Forever
The relatives and friends of Leigh are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen & Cole, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Monday 29th August, 2016 commencing at 10am. At the conclusion of the Chapel Service the funeral will proceed to Lakeside Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers donations are invited to Beyond Blue. A bowl will be provided at the Chapel door.
Illawarra sisters speak out after cop dad’s suicide
Cydonee Mardon
Sisters Maddison and Taylah McQuade with a picture of their father Leigh McQuade who recently committed suicide. Picture: Georgia Matts
Leigh McQuade had no trouble staring down the hardest of criminals and never thought twice about throwing himself in the line of fire.
His police academy training supplied him with the tools necessary to bring down the toughest of crooks and soothe the hearts of the most broken victims.
But no one taught Senior Constable McQuade how to tackle the black dog that terrorised him. The wild beast that has brought down far too many NSW cops, got him too.
Maddison and Taylah McQuade are now left wondering why no one could help their dad – the brave Illawarra cop who took his own life, aged 43.
‘’When dad began to get sick, I was quite young so I wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on but as I grew up I learnt what the basics were … his anxiety affected the daily things that he used to be able to do so carefreely,’’ Maddison said.
‘’It wasn’t until after his death that I actually researched what PTSD actually entails, and it just blew me away to believe how an individual can suffer so much.’’
Maddison said police officers entering the force should be better supported for the mental struggles they could face.
‘’They should sit them down and say ‘hey you might have to learn to fire this gun but you also need to learn how to mentally deal with seeing deceased bodies, by being able to save people and all the horrific things that are on the cards’.
‘’It’s pretty evident that there’s not much of that.’’
The McQuade girls are angry their family was ‘’kept in the dark’’ with no support or education on how to help their dad during his six year-struggle before he was medically retired in 2013.
Taylah and Maddison don’t want their dad Leigh McQuade’s death to be in vain. Picture: Georgia Matts
‘’Everyone puts so much crap on cops … but they put up with some inhumane sights, they are suffering,’’ Maddison said.
‘’There is minimal awareness, support and education about PTSD and these types of diseases.
’’If any good can come of Dad’s death it would have to be to try and help those suffering before it’s too late because I could never wish this pain on anyone.
‘’It’s too horrific to lose someone you love to a disease that they didn’t deserve. There could be so much more support.’’
As the McQuade family struggles to move on without Leigh, they still feel the support is lacklustre.
‘’Even now we haven’t been provided much help, we were assisted with NSW Police Association counselling with only three appointments and as I’ve been going through my HSC they ‘couldn’t’ help me with paperwork to explain why I need privileges,’’ Maddison said.
‘’It was horrible, all the stuffing around and telling stories to people who claimed they were there to help but never did.’’
Brave cop ill-equipped to battle his demons
Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade
The death of an Illawarra police officer has again highlighted the dire need for better support for emergency service workers suffering mental health issues, Greens Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said.
The MP is taking their fight to Parliament on Monday.
Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade took his own life in August after years of battling debilitating symptoms of PTSD. He went from a loving, happy dad with a close-knit group of friends, to an isolated, withdrawn man who drank excessively to ‘’coat the pain’’.
His daughters Maddison and Taylah remember feeling helpless and on ‘’high alert’’ for a trigger that could end in a bad episode for their dad.
‘’I understand in the job there’s tragedies of deaths with accidents, murders, drug busts … but criminals get assistance and the opportunity to rehabilitate,’’ Maddison said.
‘’No assistance is given to these police officers that suffer PTSD and other mental illnesses and diseases. Their only escape from it is to end it, usually with suicide.’’
Mr Shoebridge said the story was all too familiar. ‘’First responders, whether police, firefighters or paramedics, see things and deal with trauma that is almost unthinkable for most of us, and it happens to them on a daily basis’’.
“For police in particular the lack of organisational support while they are in the force is then magnified by the complete absence of support once a psychologically injured officer leaves the force,’’ Mr Shoebridge said. “The fact is once an injured officer leaves it is their family, their spouse and children, who take on the burden and suffer the impacts of the injury. Theirs is an often unspoken need and it is well past time it was addressed.’’
Berrick Boland, a former police officer who runs a support page for injured police officers and the families of those who have died, says the issue of suicide is hidden from public view.’’
In NSW you are better positioned if you are a dead greyhound than an injured or deceased policeman or emergency services government employee,’’ Mr Bolland, the administrator of the Forgotten 000s Facebook page says.
A NSW Police Association spokeswoman said a new Police Legacy program was available to officers and families called BACKUP for Life. The Government has committed $500,000 annually over the next four years for the program to ‘’design, implement and manage post service support strategies for former NSW police officers and immediate families’’.
The Association runs a CARE Program and promotes Beyondblue’s ‘‘Good Practice Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing in First Responder Organisations’’.
Illawarra cops pay tribute to struggling friend
The NSW Police Force can hold themselves responsible for Leigh’s death, an unnamed colleague said.
‘’He left there with a messed-up head and not any kind of support. He had so much anger and hurt in his heart, this wouldn’t have come as no surprise to anyone who knew him. And as a police officer he managed to have care and respect for the people he was forced to arrest.
‘’More than any police officer EVER he cared for the families and genuinely wanted to see positive change in people and always done his absolute best to give people a second chance.
‘’No police officer will ever live up to his standards. R.I.P mate save that beer for us when we see you again.’’
Another colleague said: ‘’Leigh worked in the Lake Illawarra TAG Unit, now it’s called the proactive crime unit. It was very busy, non stop.
‘’Work involved drug raids, DNA hits targeting high-risk offenders … ,’’ the officer said.
‘’He was in the face of crooks, searching people, brawls … he was a great bloke with a good heart.’’
Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
About 1000 people attended the funeral of policeman Ray McNish in Echuca – Moama on Friday. A huge cortege started outside the Echuca police station in Dickson St, led by mounted police, a lone piper and with Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton taking the salute as the hearse passed through an honour guard of uniformed and plain clothes officers. The service was held at Dungula Function Centre to accommodate the massive crowd. Full story on pages 4 and 5.
[alert_yellow]RAY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Photo: Married couple Wendy and Raymond McNish (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
A grieving Victorian widow has taken the state’s police to court in an attempt to prove her husband’s suicide was work-related.
Wendy McNish has spoken out for the first-time about the suicide of her husband Raymond McNish at Moama early last year.
The New South Wales Coroner has been examining the case but Mrs McNish has also taken legal action against Victoria Police.
Her lawyer Travis Fewster from Maurice Blackburn said his client was trying to prove Mr McNish’s psychological disturbance came about because of employment stress.
“We will be saying that at the time he took his life, he just did not know where to turn, what to do,” Mr Fewster said.
“It was absolutely work-related,” he said.
Mr Fewster said a medical report from a GP suggested Mr McNish had lost faith in society and was disenchanted.
“We have also got a suicide note that said he could no longer have any fun, he could not laugh and he was not smiling anymore,” he said.
“So we have got those things put together as well as the trauma he saw day and in day out and what we consider is a lack of support from some of the parties involved,” Mr Fewster said.
A country copper
Photo: Senior Constable Ray McNish spent almost 12 years as a police officer. (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
A great country copper was how Wendy McNish described her late husband.
“He was a very diligent, thorough worker and he found he had put his hand up for help and that was not there,” she said.
He took his own life in February last year aged 50.
He was a senior constable based at Echuca in northern Victoria.
Victoria Police rejected Mrs McNish’s initial application for compensation, denying liability in December last year. Now she has taken on the force and hopes it can make changes to better support staff and their families.
[code]“He felt alone and unsupported within his job,” Mrs McNish said.[/code]
She said she wanted the force to be more open-minded about mental health measures it could implement.
“Anything that helps them to cope with what they are seeing every-time they close their eyes has got to be a benefit and help them be more balanced,” she said.
“I’m not the only one out there that this is happening too,” she said.
“If I can help in any way I can then I will,” she said.
She said Mr McNish was affected by what he saw during his almost 12 years in the force.
Police tackle mental health issues
Victoria Police unveiled its three-year mental health strategy in August, which included a cultural leadership program.
Commissioner Graham Ashton said he wanted the force to do everything to protect, promote and preserve employees’ wellbeing.
Mr Ashton announced last month he was suffering from a fatigue-related illness and was taking sick leave.
At that time, he said he had always encouraged staff to speak up if they were struggling and to seek support as early as possible.
The Police Association, the union representing Victorian officers, said it was looking at how to encourage members facing a stigma to speak up. The secretary Wayne Gatt said he wanted to break down culture that stopped police from seeking help.
[code]”The stress that builds up over a long and challenging career makes for the perfect environment for mental health injuries to take hold,” he said.[/code]
“The Victorian Police has also been strengthening its support services that are available to our members and has the Police Association in terms of physical resources and people we can send out to assist members when they need help.
Wayne Gatt said some members had taken their own lives this year.
“I’ve been to two funerals this year of members who have lost their lives,” he said.
“It’s so critically important that we have adequate ways of providing appropriate diagnosis, delivering appropriate support services and getting help to members as soon as they put their hand up,” he said.
Mrs McNish acknowledged Victoria Police had some focus on mental health but she said she was unsure if it was on the right path.
Photo: Wendy McNish and her lawyer Travis Fewster are taking legal action. (ABC Central Victoria: Stephanie Corsetti)
“For me, I don’t think counselling and psychology is the only answer,” she said.
“I think there is more than one avenue that can be taken with regard to mental health,” Mrs McNish said.
“I look at natural therapies because that’s where I’ve got the main healing and benefits for me,” she said.
She said she just wanted acknowledgement from Victoria Police.
“I think they need to speak with widows and families who have lost and find if there are some common threads in there that we can pull together … so changes can be made in the right direction because like I said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” she said. Mrs McNish also said treatment options could go further.
[code]”The counselling side of things and the support that is there, is really only just ticking the boxes,” she said.[/code]
She said conversations about suicide were becoming more widespread but there was still work to be done.
“I’ve seen people shy away from me,” Mrs McNish said.
“Even friends of 10 years have crossed the street who are work colleagues of Ray’s, you know that’s disappointing,” she said.
“I don’t want to normalise it, I just want to open the doors so that the conversations can flow and people can be understood,” she said.
“That’s been a real difficult thing for me to understand that people don’t want to or are not prepared to talk about it,” Mrs McNish.
“The more we get it out there, it just makes it easier for people,” she said.
“Sadly I’m not going to be the last one that goes through this,” Mrs McNish said.
“If you can’t open up to people and for them to at least hear you out, it makes it really difficult to move forward,” she said.
Victoria Police said in recent years, it had completed an organisation-wide mental health review and done significant work to improve the culture and support services around mental health.
THE widow of an Echuca policeman who took his own life a year ago is suing the Victoria Police.
In a writ lodged in the Country Court Wendy McNish is claiming her husband “sustained personal injury and death” throughout his career, which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Leading Senior Constable McNish had always wanted to be a policeman but did not actually begin his career until he was 39.
Eleven years later he was dead after a career which saw him work in stations around the Campaspe region, in undercover and had been the key investigator in recovering more than $1 million in stolen farming machinery.
The issue of mental health among officers made headlines in February last year after three Victoria Police members committed suicide in the first six weeks of 2016, including Ray McNish.
Now his widow is seeking compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, claiming she was dependent on her husband’s earnings at the time he died.
Mrs McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
The Herald Sun reports today that since 2000 five officers have died in the line of duty – but 19 more have died at their own hand.
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, Ray McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with family violence through “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
The paper said between July 2010 and June 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was a born copper. He worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him — to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
At the time of his death the Riverine Herald reported Ray McNish was the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency services frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on our behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either/or, baling out of careers they love before they checked out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are forced to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy, which in Ray McNish’s case, was played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre last February.
Wife of Echuca cop who died in tragic circumstances sues Victoria Police
PETER MICKELBUROUGH, Herald Sun
Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy/Riverine Herald
THE wife of a well-loved country cop who died in tragic circumstances a year ago is suing Victoria Police.
Wendy McNish, whose “soulmate”, Leading Senior Constable Ray McNish, 50, died on February 8 last year, accuses the force of breaching its duty to her husband, who took his own life.
In a writ lodged in the County Court, Ms McNish claims her husband “sustained personal injury and death throughout” his career which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Ms McNish is claiming compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, saying she was dependant on her husband’s earnings at the time of his death.
Ms McNish and her lawyer declined to comment on Tuesday. The action is the latest by grieving families of dead police, with the Herald Sun revealing last April that the fiancée of another officer ( Robert John SMITH ) was suing after her partner shot himself at Boronia Police Station with his service firearm after complaining of being bullied and harassed.
Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 19 more have died by their own hand.
It is understood Leading Senior Constable McNish’s death did not occur at workor involve a police firearm.
Based at Echuca, he was a popular officer on both sides of the Murray River and was farewelled with a police guard of honour in the presence of Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton.
“No farewells were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it. And only God knows why. Forever in our hearts, love you always. Until we meet again. Your suffering is now over”, a family death notice read.
Victoria Police officers form a guard of honour at Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy /Riverine Herald
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, then-Senior Constable McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence, through his “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents”.
A colleague from NSW paid tribute to “not only a fellow police officer but a mate & a true loving caring person”.
He posted: “To my very close friend Wendy my heart breaks for you, you & Ray have been true friends to me helping me with my PTSD I just wish I could have known Ray’s pain so I could have been there for Ray.”
Ms McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
A police spokeswoman said the force took the welfare of its employees seriously and had made a priority of addressing mental health issues, including adopting all 39 recommendations from a mental health review last year.
Between July, 2010 and June, 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500, including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.
A WorkSafe spokesman said: “WorkSafe is continuing its inquiries into the death of Mr McNish. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Over the past five years, 1037 mental injury claims have been made by Victoria Police members.
A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel in 2015 found that of the of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.
A 2015 Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.
If this article causes you distress or if you require help or information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on (03) 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
Ray McNish waited until he was 39 to fulfil a childhood dream – and become a policeman.
Barely 11 years later about 1000 people, many of them police and former police, alongside family and friends, gathered in Echuca – Moama to attend his funeral.
The man affectionately dubbed Dissa ( as in disarray ) had taken his own life.
He had lived the dream, and he loved the job. Everyone said so, and they all meant it.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was born copper. he worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him – to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
A state which, in true Dissa style, he largely kept from those who knew him best, those who loved him most.
Ray McNish is the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency service frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on hour behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either / or, bailing out of careers they love before they check out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are force to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy finally played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre on Friday – and the ripples keep on spreading.
A 55-year-old man has been charged with stealing farm machinery from properties in northern Victoria.
Detectives say they found about $500,000 worth of stolen equipment when they searched five properties in the Bamawm region, south of Echuca, on Tuesday.
Senior Constable Ray McNish says the investigation has been a focus for local police.
“It certainly has. It’s been probably well over 12 months now and it’s still an ongoing investigation at this stage,” he said.
A Bamawm man was arrested and charged with theft and handling stolen goods.
He was released on bail and is due to face the Echuca Magistrates Court in April.
Victorian police have increased their focus on farm thefts in recent months, with the establishment of rural crime taskforce.
A MELBOURNE man who police allege drove to Echuca, bound his father’s partner with duct tape, assaulted her and robbed the house, was granted bail yesterday.Mustafa Hadis, 20, of Meadow Heights, faced the Bendigo Magistrates Court on several charges, including intentionally causing serious injury and theft yesterday.
The court heard Hadis had been estranged from his father since the age of two and had recent attempts at contact rebuffed.
Detective Senior Constable Ray McNish said Hadis had attended his father’s house twice in the week leading up to the attack. The first time he was told his father wished to have no further contact with him, the second his father was not home. Detective McNish said two days later, on January 18, Hadis and two co-accused attached stolen number plates to a car and again drove to Echuca, parking some distance from the victim’s address. “The victim was home alone in bed and at about 7am was awoken to see Hadis standing outside her bedroom window,” he said. Detective McNish said when the 58-year-old victim went outside to confront Hadis, he grabbed her and tried to pull her back inside, causing her to fall to the ground. He said Hadis then called out for help from his co-accused and they dragged the victim inside where they struck her face and arms with a rubber mallet. “Once inside, the victim’s hands were bound with packing tape, she also had her mouth and head covered to quell her screaming,” Detective McNish said. He said Hadis and the two co-accused then stole a large amount of jewellery and two mobile phones. He said the victim feared for her life, especially when one of Hadis’ co-accused took a knife from the kitchen. “The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to her head requiring stitches, severe swelling to her hand and bruising to her arms and legs,” he said. Detective McNish said the attack was a “premeditated act” with the men pre-packing the tape, mallet, screwdrivers and gloves. The court heard Hadis made full admissions when later arrested and interviewed by police, saying he felt hurt by his father and “emotionally rejected”. Hadis’ bail application was opposed by police, but his defence counsel said it was important her client was released as he was the sole carer of his mother. Hadis was bailed, with strict conditions, to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court for a committal mention on April 4.
Police honoured for work in combatting family violence
Release date: Sat 28 October 2006
Last updated: Wed 1 November 2006
Five police members were honoured on Friday for their efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence.
The 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence Awards were presented by Assistant Commissioner (Region 3) Ken Lay.
The awards are the result of a recommendation from the Region 3 Family Violence Reference Group that police members who excel in their approach in responding to family violence should be recognised. The Family Violence Reference Group comprises police members and representatives from other government departments and family violence services.
The awards were divided into two categories: Leadership and Practise.
Leadership awards are for members displaying outstanding initiative and leadership, which have positively motivated and influenced others in response to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Leadership awards are:
• Sergeant Phil Nash from Broadmeadows police station for excellence in managing Family Violence Liaison Officer portfolio in an area of high numbers of family violence incidents.
• Constable Donna Rundle from Kyneton police station for outstanding leadership in addressing Family Violence within Macedon Ranges.
Practise awards are for members exhibiting exemplary characteristics that have added significant value to the manner in which police act when responding to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Practise awards are:
• Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti from Tatura police station for a consistently high level of response, outstanding victim support and negotiation skills.
• Senior Constable John Lal from Epping police station for a highly professional and ethical approach, adhering to the principles and policies of the Victoria Police Code of Practice for Investigating Family Violence and consistent referrals to NARTT.
• Senior Constable Ray McNish from Swan Hill police station for exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told forum attendees that family violence affects all communities.
“The unfortunate and stark reality of family violence is that it affects all of our communities”, Mr Lay said.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said that police attendance at incidents of family violence had decreased in Region 3 in the 2005/2006 financial year compared to the 2004/2005 financial year.
He said that in the 2005/2006 financial year police in Region 3 attended 5955 incidents of family violence, compared to the 2004/2005 financial year where police in Region 3 attended 6367 incidents.
“Reporting incidents to the police is the crucial step needed to ensure that victims of family violence are supported and the crime attached to family violence is addressed,” Mr Lay said.
“Although the figures suggest that family violence incidents have decreased, it is still possible that incidents go unreported. I hope that the example set by all police members in Region 3 nominated for the ‘Excellence in Policing Family Violence’ awards encourages more victims of family violence to seek support.”
Police response to family violence can mean the difference between life and death; about half the homicides in Victoria over recent years have been the result of family violence.
New Victims’ legislation, the ‘Victims’ Charter Act 2006’ comes into effect on Wednesday 1 November. This legislation will further ensure that all police members deliver a quality service to victims of crime, treating victims with courtesy, respect and dignity. As part of the Act, police will distribute a new booklet ‘A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System’ to all victims of crime.
Unnamed male who suicided the week pre 11 February 2016.
This officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
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Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week
Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston
Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.
As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.
In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.
The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
The other officer( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.
Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.
“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.
“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.
“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”
Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.
“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.
“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.
“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”
In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.
It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.
He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.
Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.
But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.
The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.
It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.
The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.
Dear Wendy , Matt & family, it it with the deepest sadness that we write our condolences to you on the tragic passing of a dear and wonderful person – our friend Ray. It has been some years since we have caught up, but he was always in our mind and hearts and we just picked up where we left off – true friend ! We have fond memories of our friendship and wish you and Matt the strength to carry on. Please if you are in the area, call in and see us, we will miss him dearly – Love from Rene and Roger xoxo
Sue, Dot and Ray and families, my arms are wrapped around you at this impossibly difficult time. You are in my thoughts and heart. I immediately remember Raymond’s warm, infectious smile. Hold each other tight. Love to you, Kruse xxx
Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, My sincerest condolences for the passing of Ray. A great bloke who made growing up in Gippsland all the more worthwhile. regards, Bill
Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, and your families, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ray’s death. What a bloody waste. My thoughts and mental hugs go out to you at a time when every thing must seem so senseless. If I can’t make it tomorrow, I will be thinking of you all with much love. Regards, Jenny
Alan Rugless on a Triumph. This would have been taken in 1964, at Ulmarra, when Alan was stationed at Grafton. On Allen’s lap is his son, Paul – who also joined the NSWPF.
Alan’s wife, Lyn, passed away on Friday 6 May 2022 from the effects of Lung Cancer ( diagnosed only two months prior ).
Alan is currently in a Nursing Home and a sufferer of Dementia and would not be aware of the death of his wife.
As of Tuesday 26 July 2016:
Update on Allen Rugless who is currently in St George Hospital. He has been moved into an Intensive Care Ward. Suffering from Influenza virus A and pneumonia. His condition at this time is the same has made no improvement so neither stepped forward or back. Is getting the right treatment so lets hope he continues to battle on.
Bunny Warren
As of Friday 29 July 2016, Ruggo is now in a Critical condition but stable.
Some good news people, just got information that Allen Rugless is on the mend he is 100% from what he was from admission to the hospital. Lyn says that the improvement from last night to today is remarkable. He has most of the machines taken off him is giving cheek to the nursing staff this morning.
Lets hope he continues to improve but it looks at this time that he is over the rough part of it. I asked if he is able to have visitors and she said he can but only two at a time. So there you go people latest update on the little bloke.
John Robert HUTCHINGS
| 01/09/2016
John Robert HUTCHINGS
father of Mark – 19731
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9681[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 30 May 1960
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 14 March 1976
Detective Chief Inspector – appointed 6 April 1988 – retirement
Stations: ?, Internal Affairs – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre 30 May 1960 to 13 December 1993 = 33+ years Service
John passed away during the afternoon of Thursday 28 July 2016 in Gosford Hospital.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
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Retired Detective Chief Inspector John Hutchings update
Geoff Talbot called into Gosford Hospital this morning ( Wednesday 27 July 2016 ) and spent some time with Johns wife Verna who has been at his bedside for just on 2 weeks. Today is day 13 since John consumed any food and is mostly in a state of unconsciousness. His family and close friends are regular visitors being support for his wife. I mentioned the comments here on FB and Verna asked me to thank those members who have John in their thoughts and prayers.
If you know John or Verna and you are in the Gosford area – you may wish to visit and offer your support.
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May John forever Rest In Peace.
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Austin William MANN
| 01/09/2016
Austin William MANN
aka Aussie / Ozzy
( late of Eltham )
Victoria Police Force
Academy Squad 21 of 2005
Regd. # 35360
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Diamond Creek, NWM Division 5 HQ, Heidelberg Police Station, Diamond Creek SOCIT
Service: From 3 October 2005to 19 July 2016=10+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ?
Died on: Tuesday 19 July 2016
Cause: ? Possible Suicide ?
Age: 34
Funeral date: Monday 1 August 2016 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Victorian Police Academy Chapel, View Mount Road, Glen Waverley
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]AUSTIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
MANN
A Service celebrating the life of Senior Constable Austin William Mann will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (August 1st, 2016) at 10.30 am.
A Private Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beyondblue in memory of Austin. Envelopes at the service.
MANN. Austin. On behalf of the Committee and Members of the North Eltham Wanderers Cricket Club, we wish to express our sincere condolences to Austin’s family. An excellent Vice President who made an outstanding contribution to our Club. Will always be remembered At Rest
MANN. Austin. On behalf of all members of the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub Branch, we express our sympathy and condolences to our member Paul Mann and his wife Jan on their sad loss.
The Officers and members of Diamond Creek Fire Brigade wish to offer our sincere condolences to Austin’s family, friends, colleagues, members of Diamond Creek Police Station. Rest in Peace mate
MANN. Austin. Senior Constable 35360 Sadly missed by your colleagues but never forgotten. Our sincere sympathy to your loving family and friends. May you rest in peace. Staff at Diamond Creek Police.
The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Mann and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
On behalf of all Members of Diamond Creek SOCIT we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Austin’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be sadly missed.
MANN. Austin. Aussie, to us you were someone special. We will always remember your generous nature, unwavering support and friendship. Always in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Mann family.
Cable, Shayna, Taygen, Tully and Judith Sage, and Flyn Loughlin.
MANN. Austin. Austin will be remembered as a kind and loving friend who worked tirelessly for the Eltham North Wanderers Cricket Club. Our memories of Austin will live on in our hearts forever, his laughter rings in our ears.
Deepest sympathy to Jan, Paul, Alistair, Jarrod and Pete and families at the loss of your beloved son, brother and uncle.
MANN. Austin. Aus, you were always there no matter what. You always had a cold beer and a hug when I needed it. You always made me laugh. You took so little and gave a lifetime of memories. You were a generous soul and felt everything so deeply my friend. Rest peacefully. I miss you Aus. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to to Jan, Paul, Al, Pete and Jabba.
The NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club would like to thank everyone for their well-wishes and support during such a tough time. The tragic loss of our Vice-President Austin Mann has rocked us, and it truly is comforting to be a part of such a supportive community in the toughest of times.
As per the Herald Sun today, funeral information is as follows:
“A Service celebrating the life of Senior Constable Austin Mann will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount RD, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (August 1, 2016) at 10:30am. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beyond Blue, in memory of Austin. Envelopes are available at the Service”
It is with sadness that Macleod Cricket Club extends its condolences to the Mann family and NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club on the sudden passing of Austin Mann.
Aussie was the most competitive of opponents and a gentleman of the game, always keen for a beer and a chat amongst rivals.
His selfless work in the cricket community and wider community will see benefits for others for years to come.
RIP Aus.
The Riverside Cricket Club wishes to pass on its sincerest condolences to the NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club and the Mann family upon the passing of Austin.
Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. RIP Austin Mann
On behalf of all of our members and supporters the Lalor Stars Cricket Club Committee extends our heartfelt condolences to the NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club on the tragic passing of Austin Mann. We hold the Mann family and all at NEWCC in our hearts and thoughts at this sad time.
