Arrived in Sydney from London Police – 1855 as the Officer In Charge of the original Police detachment raised in London to form the nucleus of NSW Police
Officially joined NSW Police – Saturday 13 January 1855
Sub-Inspector – appointed ? March 1862
Inspector – appointed 1 January 1875 ?
Superintendent – appointed 1 January 1875 ?
Superintendent 1st Class – appointed 1 January 1885
acting Inspector General – 23 February 1888
Final Rank = Superintendent 1st Class
Stations: London Metropolitan Police, Sydney Metropolitan Police – Death
Service: From13 January 1855to12 December 1901 = 46 years Service
At the time of his death he was the oldest serving Policeman in New South Wales.
1855: Arrived in Sydney with fellow London Police Officer SAUNDERSON who was later to become Superintendent at Bathurst District. Both READ and SAUNDERSON were part of an original detachment raised in London to form the nucleus of the present Force. READ was the Officer in Charge of the detachment, SAUNDERSON was his second in charge and joined the NSW Police.
1875: READ was promoted to Superintendant
1888: Performed the duties of Inspector General in the absence of Inspector General FOSBERY who was absent from New South Wales for some months.
April 1900: Granted 9 months leave but was extended.
12/12/1901: Died at his residence 507 Dowling St, Moore Park. Among the many senior members of the NSW Police mourners was Inspector General FOSBERY and Superintendent SAUNDERSON, Bathurst.
It would know appear that Superintendent SAUNDERSON with whom READ arrived in 1855 may be the oldest serving NSW Police Officer at the time in 1901.
George was married twice in Sydney. His first wife died 1873 and they had 4 children. He married again in 1875 and had 5 more children. His last born was a daughter in 1886 when he was 58 years old.
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507 South Dowling St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 ( cream building )
A memorial tablet to the memory of the late Superintendent George Read has been placed in the Bourke-street (Sydney) church by the officers and men of the police force.
The ceremony of unveiling the tablet took place on Sunday night ( 24 December 1905 ) in the presence of a large congregation; which included a number of officers and members of the police force.
An address in appreciation of the deceased, who was a member and trustee of Bourke-street, was delivered by Rev. J. W. Collier.
The late Superintendent Read was the honoured father of Rev. George Read of the Homebush Circuit.
Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 – 1912), Saturday 11 January 1902, page 75
Police Promotions.
The Executive Council on Tuesday approved, on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, of the following police promotions : —
Superintendent Thomas Garvin (2nd class) to be 1st class from December 13 last.
Superintendent Nicholas Larkins (3rd class) to be 2nd class from July 1 last.
Superintendent Martin Brennan (3rd class) to be 2nd class from December 13 last.
Acting-Superintendent Stephen J. Cotter, appointment to that rank confirmed, and to take effect from December 13 last.
Sub -Inspector Isaac Morrow (1st class) to be Inspector from December 13 last.
Sub-Inspector John S. Clark (2nd class), drill instructor at the police barracks ( Belmore Barracks ? ), to be sub-inspector 1st class, from July 1 last.
Acting Sub-Inspectors A. A. Hojel, A. A. Sykes, H. Trenchard, J. McVane, and Thomas Kendall (storekeeper), appointments confirmed to the rank of sub-inspector from July 1 last.
Superintendent Garvin takes the position left vacant by the death of Superintendent George Read.
Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1907), Saturday 21 December 1901, page 26
Superintendent Read.
The oldest policeman in New South Wales, as far as length of service is concerned, died on December 12, when Superintendent George Read, who for over a quarter of a century controlled the metropolitan district, breathed his last at his residence in Dowling-street, Moore Park. The end was not entirely unexpected by either his family or his colleagues, for Mr. Read had been in ill-health for the past six or eight months, and it was generally recognised that the end of his useful career was at hand. The deceased gentleman shared with Superintendent Saunderson, of Bathurst, the distinction of being, as stated, the oldest policeman in this State, and of the two Mr. Read held the senior position. Both officers came to New South Wales in the fifties, in a detachment of police who had been engaged in London, and who formed the nucleus of the present force. Of this detachment Mr. Read came out as officer-in-charge, having had several years’ experience previous to that in England. He and Superintendent Saunderson joined the police here on January 13, 1855. By degrees the merit of both gentlemen won for them promotion, and on January 1, 1875, Mr. Read was appointed superintendent, which is the highest position next to that of the Inspector-General. For a good many years before this, however, he had had the control of the police of Sydney. In April last year he obtained nine months’ leave of absence, and this was afterwards extended. Mr. Read, who died from senile decay, was 73 years of age. He was married twice, and several children, besides his second wife, survive him.
Mr. N. Larkin, who has been performing the duties of superintendent of the metropolitan division for some time past, was recently permanently installed in the position, and his appointment as Mr. Read’s successor has proved to be generally popular with the men of the police force. Speaking of Mr. Read’s death, Mr. Fosbery, the Inspector-General, said:-“I cannot speak in terms too high of Mr. Read’s public services, and of his integrity of purpose, and knowledge of, and close attention to, his duties during his very long and very useful career.” It may be mentioned that Mr. Read, for some months, carried out the duties of Inspector General of Police, during the absence of that officer, in 1888, from New South Wales.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Friday 13 December 1901, page 7
DEATH OF SUPERINTENDENT READ.
A PROMINENT POLICE OFFICIAL.
Superintendent George W. Read, one of the oldest members of the force in New South Wales, who was in charge of the metropolitan police district, died yesterday at 1 30 pm, at his residence, 507 Dowling-street, Moore Park.
The deceased officer, who was highly respected throughout the service, had been in bad health for some little time, and was granted leave of absence lately with a view to his retirement.
Dr. Piton, the Government Medical Officer, was his medical adviser. The late Mr. Read leaves a widow and several children.
The late superintendent arrived in Sydney in January, 1855, he being one of a number of the London Metropolitan Police who came out to the colony in that year.
He was placed in charge of the Sydney police as sub-inspector in March, 1862 – nearly 40 years ago.
On the recommendation of Inspector-General Fosbery, who always regarded him as a very worthy and conscientious officer, he was advanced to the position of Inspector on January 1, 1875, and subsequently he was made superintendent of the metropolitan district.
The deceased officer was 72 years of age.
In April last year he obtained nine months’ leave of absence, which was subsequently extended. On one occasion he carried out the duties of Inspector-General of Police during Mr. Fosbery’s absence form the State.
Mr. Read’s position was recently allotted to Mr. N. Larkin, who had been for some time in temporary control of the metropolitan police.
New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 – 1900), Tuesday 31 August 1897 (No.688), page 6239
The Treasury, New South Wales, [1942] 31st August, 1897.
It is hereby notified that the undermentioned Police Officers have been appointed by the Board of Health to be the Local Authorities under action 9, sub-section 1 (b) of the ” Public Health Act, 1896,” for the respective Police Districts mentioned, namely:—
The Inspector General of Police – Office was location at 109 Phillip St, Sydney.
New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 – 1930), Wednesday 29 December 1886 (No.52), page 399
[Extract from the Government Gazette.] [8521] Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Sydney, 23rd December, 1886.
Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the’ Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the following promotions and appointments in the Police Force,
viz.
Superintendent George Read to be Superintendent, 1st Class,— to take effect from the 1st January last;
RIP Sir,
Thank you for your service ????
Please seek help
Thoughts to your loved ones, and the
Thin Blue Line BLUE HOPE
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
WARNING: Distressing content
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
ASO’s are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
“ASOs are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
In December last year, Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, died by suicide in the vault room at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters in Canberra.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the bathroom of the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Joneshad worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
In March last year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders — including emergency service workers and volunteers — prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) also announced an audit into the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation. It was later revealed that two-thirds of men and women in the AFP experienced potentially traumatic events at some stage in their career.
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation”.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
While the AFP has recently made efforts to improve its mental health support services for staff, many officers want more outside support.
Commissioner Colvin in May last year laid out the increasing workload on the force. The number of crimes involving victims, who might be children, had gone up 200 per cent, while cyber and corruption investigations were also on the rise.
“The demand side is increasing, there’s no question on that,” he said.
But police resources had not increased and this has added to pressure on the force.
In March this year, the AFP announced it had started a partnership with Lifeline, and would roll out a Road to Mental Readiness course over two years in a bid to equip officers with coping strategies and tools to encourage them to address mental health concerns earlier.
At the time, Mr Colvin said a critical element of addressing mental health in the organisation was cultural change.
“We still have a long way to go but if we keep implementing these positive initiatives with partners who are experts in the field we know we will make ground,” he told The Australian at the time.
AFP chief medical officer Katrina Sanders said the AFP’s 6641 members would be asked to use their imagination to prepare for stressful events, taught coping strategies such as how to use breathing to calm down and reduce stress, and given a self-assessment tool to consider their own mental fitness.
“Will it prevent further suicides? That’s also hard to say, we hope so,” she said in March.
“But certainly the research and the evidence around it is it does improve resilience and we know that’s critical to health protection.”
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF — this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
AFPA president Angela Smith said the matters raised by the whistleblowers were of “significant public interest” and that members had gone public because they were “at their wits end”.
In a previous statement, an AFP spokesman said the commissioner had “made it clear that the health and wellbeing of our people is his and the organisation’s highest priority”.
Yesterday the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign was informed that one of our VicPol members had taken his own life in the afternoon.
Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss, # 42447, of Hamilton Police Station ( Victoria ) hopefully you can now rest in peace.
Brenton represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017 .
Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss was one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers working to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community and help tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Brenton was supportive in raising awareness for mental health issues, and he recently represented the Fighting PTSD VicPol campaign during the surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
To his family and work mates, my sincere condolences. Please look after each other during this sad time.
I urge all members and retired veterans to please reach out to family, friends or any of your work colleagues before making that final decision.
Please everyone check in on each other and if anyone needs assistance please utilise the contact number on our website www.protectingtheprotectors.com
Brenton was born in Alice Springs 12 April 1992.
He always had a passion to join the police force after high school but was told he was to young and needed more experiences.
Soon, in 2009, he joined the SES in Rockhampton, Qld, before the family moved down south in 2010 and, there Brenton started with the SES in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
In 2013 while he was still waiting to join the Victoria Police Force, he applied for Protective Services Officer and graduated in squad 15 on September 2013 .
As a PSO, he worked in a few different places – such as Milton, Sunshine and out of the Victoria Police Centre training new PSO‘s.
Finally he joined VicPol and enlisted at the Victoria Police Academy in Squad 15 2016/17 of which he was a Deputy Guard Leader for the Squad’s Graduation day – that being on Friday 12 May 2017.
Brenton worked in Williamstown and then Hamilton before finally going to the drug investigation unit in Portland, Victoria until his death.
Brenton remained with the SES right up until he died, aged 27.
Brenton will be sorely missed by his family and many, many friends.
Police praise officer’s work in forging relationships with LGBTIQ community
30 Jun 2019
Senior Victorian police have praised the work local officer Brenton Erkens-Goss made to forging relationships between the police and the LGBTIQ+ communities following the officer’s unexpected death.
Constable Erkens-Goss passed away on Friday, he took his own life. Prior to joining the Victorian Police, Erkens-Goss had worked as a Protective Service Officer.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson, who is also the executive champion of Victorian Police Pride, praised the contribution First Constable Erkens-Goss made to building relationships between the police and LGBTIQ+ community.
“Brenton was a member of VP Pride and was a proud and out gay man who was truly valued by his work colleagues and the community he served.
“Prior to graduating as a sworn member on 12 May 2017, Brenton spent a number of years as a PSO where his enthusiasm for policing shone through. Brenton was part of the Victoria Police contingent that attended the first World LGBT+ Criminal Justice Professionals Conference in Amsterdam in August 2016.” Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said.
“As a member of the local Hamilton community, Brenton made many friends both at the station and in the community.”
Western Region Superintendent Glenn Owen echoed the praise for the officer.
“Brenton worked at Hamilton uniform and was recognised for his investigative talents, recently being selected to work at the Portland Tasking Team. His supervisors and work friends describe him as a highly competent, intelligent and enthusiastic member who was destined to become a detective. Brenton was also well respected in the local community and volunteered as a member of the SES.” Superintendent Owen said.
As one of 100 officers in the Victorian Police trained as a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Constable Erkens-Goss had previously shared his thoughts on the program with east-coast LGBTIQ publication Star Observer.
It has been stated, by family, that Brenton was at his grandmothers 90th birthday party on the previous Sunday and there was simply “no hint” of what was to happen on the proceeding Friday.
It simply leaves you wondering, for the rest of your life, what you could have possibly done to prevent this suicide if there were no, apparent, obvious signs.
Suicidal thoughts are very silent so if you know someone who suffers with depression, tread carefully with how you treat them.
Andrew Goss
20 hrs ·
Over recent times, I didn’t see much of my nephew, Brenton Holt… life gets away from us all.
The older we get – the busier we are.
Life changes and there are more things that take up our time, more layers to our lives.
Just because you don’t see each other as often as you’d like, doesn’t mean you love them any less.
The last time I saw Brenton was last weekend for his Grandma’s 90th Birthday lunch and I am most grateful for that.
He was happy.
Talkative.
He looked well.
We spoke a lot of our roles in the operational field and ‘compared notes’ on “cells procedures” and the strange things we’d both seen.
We laughed????
A lot!!
He told me how much he was enjoying the job and the people he worked with.
I’d never seen Brenton so settled.
I simply did not realise, mate.
I just didn’t see it – at all.
However, I am now reminded again that every day is not a given.
It’s not guaranteed.
If anything, we all need to learn from this.
Check in on your loved ones.
Often.
Then…. they know.
They’re not alone.
To Jessy, Tony, Monica, Steve, Mel, Cathy , Wayne & Daniel, Michael & Pete…. my love and thoughts. No one is ever prepared for this so, look out for each other always.
R.I.P. Brenton ????
You will be missed by so many.????
Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officer Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life on Friday.
One of over 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked diligently to tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Further, he worked to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community.
The loss of the officer came about because he ‘tragically succumbed to his inner demons,’ according to a Facebook post.
Last night, Senior Constable Ben Bjarnesen posted on Facebook about the loss.
Ben is Coordinator of the Queensland Police Service LGBTI Support Network.
Absolutely devastated to learn tonight that one of our friends and colleagues from Victoria Police, Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life yesterday.
He was such a great guy and will be dearly missed by many. Rest In Peace brother.
Fellow Police pay tribute to Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss
Also, in a touching tribute to their colleague, Cop Humour Australia spoke on the loss of Brenton.
“We have received heartbreaking news that Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss of Hamilton Police Station in Victoria tragically succumbed to his inner demons and took his own life yesterday afternoon.
“Brenton was a long time follower and supporter of Cop Humour Australia, which makes this even harder for us. We wish we could have done more for him, or done more to raise mental health awareness and encourage Brenton to seek help.
“Nevertheless, we hope that Brenton is now at peace.”
The page also praised Brenton’s support in raising awareness for mental health issues.
“He recently represented the Fighting PTSD Vicpol campaign during a surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
“As one of the Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked hard to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community, and helped tackle prejudice-motivated crimes.
“Brenton also represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017.
“From what we’ve heard and been told — Brenton was a great copper and an even greater friend, and will be missed terribly by many.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Brenton’s family, colleagues, and friends.”
The post then spoke of the importance of seeking assistance.
“Please look after one another during this devastating time.
“If you’re feeling down, please speak to someone — reach out to family, a friend, a colleague, anyone.
“When it comes to the #ThinBlueLine you never fight any fight alone, your blue family will always be there to support you.
“Rest In Peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set. We will remember.”
Police Liaison Officers
Despite continual progress the relationship between our communities and the police is at times difficult.
However, we must remain mindful of the valuable service provided by LGBTIQ Liaison officers across the country.
If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
CONSTABLE Brenton Erkens-Goss is hoping to do himself out of a job.
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers (GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss imagines a future without the need for specialised support – where there is no difference and everyone is treated equally “as a person”.
“We’re not quite there yet but we’re definitely gaining ground,” he says.
After dreaming of becoming a police officer from a young age, Const Erkens-Goss now works to ensure LGBTI interactions with Victoria Police are always fair and respectful.
“Everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they truly are,” he says.
The force’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom in the Tasty nightclub in 1994. Officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours, subjecting them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014 then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss says it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Originally when I was training as a Protective Services Officer, I hid it (being gay) but now the Academy is very, very supportive,” he says.
The Academy has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss’ endeavours to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed in the past two years,” he says, ahead of his graduation from the Constable Qualifying Program.
“Some people have never been friends with someone who is LGBTI and (they can have an attitude that comes from) ignorance or fear. It’s hard but if you have a conversation with them they become much more understanding.”
Out in the community, that understanding is also making a real difference to people’s lives.
“In one case recently I helped a trans teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” Const Erkens-Goss explains.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling. Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.”
But under-reporting of prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence, especially from older LGBTI victims, still concerns Const Erkens-Goss and the LGBTI liaison officers, who can informally discuss concerns, assist through the reporting process or help advise other police colleagues.
Const Erkens-Goss says Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma is far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
“If someone asked me about joining Victoria Police I’d say ‘go for it!’ Victoria Police is an inclusive organisation with a lot of career progression.”
Hopefully, for Const Erkens-Goss that progression includes a spot in the ranks of the sought-after Dog Squad and the eventual retirement of his LGBTI liaison badge as the blue line becomes just another part of the rainbow.
Portland pair remanded in custody charged with drug trafficking
Jessica Howard
Police have seized quantities of ice, cannabis and heroin during a raid at a Portland property where a child was present.
Portland police Sergeant Martin Flannery said specialist units and uniform members executed search warrants at properties in Portland’s Wellington Road and Patrick Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police allegedly forced their way into the Wellington Road house after the occupants failed to open the door.
A search of the premises revealed three syringes loaded with methylamphetamine and blood, three green lasers, quantities of a white crystal substance believed to be ice and two white iPhones containing significant drug trafficking conversations.
Police also located inside a vehicle several ziplock bags containing ice, 16 grams of cannabis on top of a child’s baby seat, three digital scales, 6.5 grams of heroin, used needles and $350 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
A total of 6.96 grams of ice was found inside the house and vehicle.
Sergeant Flannery said a young child was present at the time of the raid. He said the child’s mother and a man were arrested at the scene.
“This is a real concern for us, the exposure of young children to that sort of lifestyle is very alarming,” he said.
Andrew Ryan, 31, and Bronwyn Noku, 35, of Wellington Road, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Mr Ryan made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until June 17.
Court documents obtained by The Standard revealed Ms Noku had admitted to buying 3.5 grams of ice to sell weekly. She told police she sold one point of ice for $50.
Magistrate Franz Holzer said Ms Noku had failed to show compelling reasons why she should be released and remanded her in custody. She will appear in court the same day as Mr Ryan.
Sergeant Flannery said the Wellington Street property had been an address of interest for some time.
“Action was taken on Wednesday as a result of information received from the community, which added to our significant amount of intelligence suggesting there was a high level of drug trafficking occurring at that house,” he said.
“This is an example of the public’s good work in assisting us to remove this sort of offending from our town. Getting these drugs off the streets reduced the harm on the community.
“This has been an ongoing investigation conducted by the Southern Grampians divisional tasking team, with the warrants executed with the assistance of Portland and Hamilton crime investigation units and Portland uniform members. It has been a really positive, team effort.
“The Southern Grampians divisional tasking team has a strong focus on minimising the harm of drugs in the community. We will act on any information and use the full extent of the law deal with it.
“Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers or myself, Brenton Erkens-Goss and Victoria Hudson at Portland police station.”
Twenty-three years after the Tasty nightclub storm, the rainbow which emerged is only getting more vivid at Victoria Police.
On paper, Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss has the perfect background to serve the community. He’s volunteered with the State Emergency Service as a road crash rescuer and has spent countless hours talking to and helping commuters as a Protective Services Officer (PSO).
But policing is about more than just what appears on paper.
“I came out to my family when I was 21 when I had my first relationship,” he said.
“They’ve always been supportive and there was a bit of ‘yeah, we know’ when I told people.”
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse and Intersex (LGBTI) Liaison Officers (also known as GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss uses his personal experience to provide specialised support to a community which still struggles with a high level of under-reporting crime.
“In one case recently I helped a transgender teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” he explained.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling.
“Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.
“I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they are.”
Victoria Police’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom at the Tasty nightclub in 1994, when officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours and subjected them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014, then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss said it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Victoria Police Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed,” he said.
“After the Tasty nightclub, the LGBTI Liaison Officer program was implemented to help build rapport and also to have trained and experienced liaison officers to be there to support victims of crime who may identify as LGBTI (to either sit in an interview, take a statement or investigate hate crime) but also as a knowledge bank to other members who may need some assistance.”
Const Erkens-Goss said Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma was far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
The Academy also has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss is working to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“I always wanted to be a police officer,” he said.
“To get some practical experience of the realities of the job I worked as a road crash rescuer, which was very challenging but rewarding.”
Const Erkens-Goss also paced the train platforms as a PSO, which he said was great for gathering intel and helping people, before graduating from the Constable Qualifying Program.
And while it’s still early days, he hopes the next stage in his career is retirement – of his GLLO badge, when the need for specialised support is no longer required.
“We’re not quite there yet,” he said. “But we’re definitely gaining ground.”
Image: Const Erkens-Goss at the Police Academy.
Editorial: Anthea Cannon
Photography: John Pallot
GLLO/LGBTI Liaison Officers
Victoria Police has a network of liaison officers (GLLOs) who provide advice to other police and the community.
The group has more than 100 GLLOs who also attend community events and build relationships with youth and LGBTI networks.
Rest In Peace Keith, we had lots of fishing trips together and I have many memories. I am a bit shocked to read this, may the family live and love with your memory of a fine chap.
My brother Keith Dowton formerly of Nevertire passed away on the 14/6/19.Keith grew up in Nevertire son of Keith and Kitty Dowton and his 6 brothers and 2 sisters.Attended Nevertire Public School then Warren Central.
Worked on the telephone exchange in Warren before joining the Police force in 1967 and retiring in 2001 .
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 – 1973), Thursday 9 July 1964 (No.60), page 2767
AS NOTIFIED BY THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
New South Wales.
Postman, Fourth Division — William Keith DOWTON,………………
From Rick Del Monte regarding the passing of Steve Hearn.
RICK’S MESSAGE.
Could you let the group know that ex-cadet Steve Hearn passed away last night. He had just turned 60 in January of this year and was surrounded by family when he passed.
Steve had not been well having contracted Motor Neuron Disease (MND) some years ago and eventually succumbed to it.
He is survived by his beautiful, caring wife Ingrid and his much loved 10 year old son Brandon.
Kevin Clews and I visited Steve late last year and although he was immobile, he retained his quick wit and brilliant sense of humour.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed however, I will let you know once details are known in case any of the group wanted to pay their respects.
A truly wonderful bloke, a proud man and a loving husband and father. Another good one gone – a true friend now resting. Thanks mate. Rick
Rick Del Monte
Steve had been battling Motor Neuron disease for the past 9 years and he leaves behind his wife and a 10 year old son.
Steve – now out of pain.
Further information to follow when funeral details are known.
Cal
100619
HEARN, Stephen Duane
Of Mountain Creek, QLD.
Passed away peacefully on 9th June 2019.
Aged 60 years.
Loving Husband of Ingrid.
Dearly loved Father of Brandon, Jes, Nikki, Samantha, Sascha, Ben and Jake.
Loved Son of Stan and Jill.
Loved Brother of Louise and Melissa.
Loved Grandfather, Uncle and Brother-in-Law.
Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of Stephen’s life to be held at the Gregson & Weight Chapel, 159 Wises Road, Buderim on Thursday 13th June 2019 at 3.30pm.
Not a nice subject guys but can I ask a question that someone could answer? Unfortunately I am suffering advanced cancer with not much chance of recovering.
My question is …is there any assistance out there from the Police Association or RPA for my wife to assist in my pension being transferred over to her when I pass?
Thanking you in advance.
Rick Lettice
Sad that one has to think of these things when you know that the inevitable is coming.
2009 aboard Norwegian Sun with Joy Lettice.
2011
2013
May 2015
101218 at Broadbeach, Qld
Barry Charles CARVER
| 04/07/2019
Barry Charles CARVER
AKA ?
Late of ?
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 144
NSW Police Cadet # 2826
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 16678
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 1 May 1972
Probationary Constable – appointed 9 November 1974
Constable – appointed 9 November 1975
Detective Constable – confirmed ? ? ?
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Phillip St – 4 Division – ( 1978 – Cst 1/c ), Waverley Detective ( early 1980’s ),
Service: From 1 May 1972 to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Wednesday 9 November 1955
Died on: Saturday 31 December 2011
Age: 56
Cause: Cancer – Type ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Wake location:?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
BARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: TB
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Barry was at Phillip Street Police Station as Cst1/c in 1978.
He was a real larrakin, loved a drink.
He was from the bush – Moree.
His best mate was Cst/c Dave Langton ( # 17306 ). He was also from the bush – Goodooga near Lightning Ridge.
They shared a house around Bondi somewhere and both were big and strong and worked on the door of a nightclub around Bondi Junction and didn’t take any shit from anyone.
At the time of publishing, nothing further is known about this man, his life or death.
Further information and photos sought.
Cal
080619
Lyn TOWNSEND
| 04/07/2019
Lynette Irene TOWNSEND
Wife of Retired NSWPF member Supt. Lloyd Townsend # 9234
AKA LYN
Late of Dubbo
New South Wales Police Force
Rank: Police wife
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1945 – 1946
Died on: Wednesday 5 June 2019
Age: 73
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 11 June 2019 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Chapel of the Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Rd, Dubbo, NSW
Wake location:?
Funeral Parlour: Abbey Funeral Home, 6881 8988
Buried at: Buried
Memorial located at: ?
[divider_dotted]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Lyn’s funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Road, Dubbo commencing at 10.30am Tuesday 11th June 2019 followed by a private burial.
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # “possibly” 143 ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # NIL
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced Monday 1 May 1972
Final Rank = Police Cadet
Stations: NSW Police Academy – Redfern
Service: From 1 May 1972 to24 September 1973 = 16 Months Service
Awards: Nil recorded on Australian Honours
Born: Wednesday 15 June 1955
Died on: Monday 24 September 1973 about 1.30am – Orange Base Hospital, NSW ( Headstone has incorrect date upon it )
Age: 18 yrs 3 mths 8 days
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Driver
Event location: ?, Blayney, NSW
Event date: Sunday 23 September 1973 about 2.10pm
Funeral date: 2 October 1973 @ 11am
Funeral location: Tullamore Presbyterian Church
Wake location: Tullamore Hotel
Funeral Parlour: Cocks & Sons, Parkes, NSW
There were approx. 150 Police in Tullamore for the funeral (a town of 250 at the time)…. Police were billeted out to residents of the town to stay the night…. every house had a copper in it.
Buried at: Tullamore General Cemetery, The Bogan Way, Tullamore NSW 2874
Son of Donald George & June Patricia FLAVEL, elder brother to Alan.
From Alan Flavel 7 March 2020:
My eldest brother was driving, they were returning to Sydney for Robert to start back at the Academy on the Monday.
Our Grandmother was in hospital in Cowra, and Robert wanted to see her on the way back to Sydney, which they did. As they were coming into Blayney on the return to Sydney, a car lost control on a bend and was sideways down the road, this was about 1410 and a School Bus was letting children off on the side of the road…they had the choice to swerve and hit the bus full of kids…or take the impact of the out of control car head-on…. which is what they say Robert demanded, Robert assisted post-accident in helping both vehicles before collapsing on the roadway and never regaining consciousness…. Robert was pronounced dead in Orange Base Hospital approx. 0130 on Monday 24th September.
Robert John FLAVEL Roberts Cadet Class photo – Redfern Police Academy – two weeks before his death.
Robert John FLAVEL March Past – Redfern Police Academy – Roberts Cadet Class.
Robert John FLAVEL Roberts Police Cadet Class – Passing Out Parade ( Attestation ) – without Robert.
Robert John FLAVEL Donald and June Flavel accepting Roberts Graduation Certificate, his Police Cap, Epaulettes and Badge at the Redfern Police Academy – the day Roberts Cadet Class Passed Out ( Attested ) Unknown Police Officer.
INSCRIPTION: In loving memory of Robert John FLAVEL Police Cadet 23rd September 1973 Aged 18 years.
