An interesting footnote is that Steve was the first handler to bring his own dog into the Squad and successfully passed out with this dog; Rebel was his name, and when Rebel passed on he was going to be interred with Steve. Don’t know if he was but that was the plan.
Sonia WILLIAMS – nee TURNER
| 21/04/2016
* ARTICLE ONLY *
Sonia WILLIAMS – nee Sonia TURNER
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 36424
Rank: ?
[blockquote]”First female to be stationed with the NSW ‘ Public Order & Riot Squad ‘ “[/blockquote]
Stations: ?, MEOCS, PORS, THE ROCKS
Service: From? May 2002to24 October 2013 = 11 years Service
Awards: ? – No find on It’s an honour
Born: ?
Cause for leaving: HOD Injuries – Depression – Suicide attempts
Age: ?
An article on P.T.S.D., attempted suicide and coming out on the other side Life trials spur boxer toward first pro fight
“Posts by Sunshine Valley Gazette” on April 7, 2016
The bright eyes of Mooloolah boxer Sonia Williams do nothing to reveal the scars of the challenges she’s faced over the past five years.
She endured sexual discrimination and physical abuse as the first female member of the New South Wales police riot squad, countless work-related injuries and 22 surgeries, a medical discharge from the police force, depression and four suicide attempts – but she is now rebuilding her life and a boxing career, and hoping to be a role model for others.
The 33-year-old won all three rounds to record a dominant victory in her first amateur boxing bout in Caloundra in February, and she is now training for her first professional fight on the Gold Coast in December.
“People ask me who I aspire to, who is my role model,” Mrs Williams said.
“But I’m my own role model, because I don’t know anyone who has been through what I’ve been through and survived.”
Mrs Williams grew up as a self-confessed tom boy, and was a competitive body builder and first degree Tae Kwon Do black belt by age 18.
She was NSW Womens Full Contact Sparring Champion from 14 to 18, and won a bronze medal in bare knuckle contact fighting at the World Martial Arts Games in 2000.
At 18, she followed her life dream and joined the NSW police force, where she went on to become the first female ever to be signed to the riot squad, with some 80 male colleagues.
That’s where life started bombarding her with challenges.
She was advised by a colleague she was unwelcome in the male-dominated squad and that she would be “broken”. Her knee was busted badly in her first “soft” training event on her very first day.
However, she persevered, before eventually leaving the riot squad in 2010, but was medically discharged from the police force, perhaps somewhat ironically, after being badly injured in a student university protest in May 2012.
Her list of medical procedures is quite daunting – knee reconstructions, broken wrists, hearing loss, hip injuries, multiple muscle tears and tendon damage, herniated and bulging discs, disc replacement, nerve damage, cysts and foot injuries.
After her discharge, and despite moving to Queensland with husband Glenn, she battled lingering injury and pain, lost life focus and fell into depression. She attempted suicide four times, the fourth when she smashed her car at high speed into telephone pole on Steve Irwin Way in late 2014 – she escaped with only two broken feet.
It was the crash that changed her life.
“I had the sense knocked into me,” she confesses. “I had no goals, I wasn’t boxing, I had nothing; I had the injuries that were always there and nothing seemed to be getting any better.”
From there Mrs Williams started training seriously with legendary Sunshine Coast boxing trainer Bobby Stimson.
She’s also being helped by Glenn, a former special services soldier-turned personal trainer.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have bad days, but I’ve come a long way,” she said.
Her boxing career takes the next step when she heads to a training camp to Thailand in July to train with some of the toughest kickboxers and Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the world.
Mrs Williams has launched a crowd funding campaign to help her and two other female boxers make the Thailand training camp in July. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/78rmpbn8
“I’m going to be the next world champion in my weight division,” she said confidently.
The powerful words of affirmation are themselves a necessary positive force for this fighter’s rebirth.
From there, she knows not even the sky is the limit.
Photo caption: Mooloolah boxer Sonia Williams has overcome countless challenges on her journey toward her first professional bout in December.
Candlelight Remembrance Service for Detective Inspector Shane Dall’Osto will be held in the Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, commencing 5.30 p. m. , Wednesday, 16 April, 2014.
All QPS members past and present, their Families and Friends and those who may have known Shane are welcome to attend.
Those attending are asked to gather in the Amphitheatre prior to 5.15 p. m. Access to Roma Street Parklands can be made via the entry gate on Wickham Terrace or through Roma Street train station.
To honour Shane’s lengthy career as a Detective, those attending are invited to wear plain clothes. Medals are not required.
An informal gathering to Celebrate Shane’s Life and his career will also be held in the Tara Room, Queensland Irish Club, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, commencing 6.30 p. m. , the same evening. All are welcome to attend.
In the event of inclement weather, the Service will be conducted in the Ground Floor Conference Room, Police Headquarters.
DALL'OSTO, Shane Douglas
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Shane Douglas Dall'Osto of Brisbane was tragically taken from us on Monday, 7th April 2014
Aged 54 years
Beloved and adored Husband of Lexley and Father of Aden. Much loved Son and Brother of his Family.
A private Family Service will be held for Shane today.
Please say a Prayer for his beautiful Soul.
Obituaries
Published in The Courier-Mail on 14/04/2014
Today Blue HOPE remembers the passing of Detective Inspector Shane Dall’Osto (QPS) who died by suicide on this day 2 years ago. Shane was one of those unique individuals who was loved by all, and he was an exceptional police officer. More than that, he was an exceptional human being.
Shane’s death is why Blue HOPE exists today. It rocked the policing world, especially in Queensland, and the co-founders started asking the difficult questions about why police officers sometimes refuse to reach out to internal supports and at times struggle to access life saving support.
Let us be clear. We support everything that police services throughout Australia do in support of their staff. Blue HOPE feels strongly that the more options that are available for police officers the better, because after all, we are all wired a little differently. What is good for some, is out of the question for others.
Blue HOPE was created to cater for that percentage of police officers who would prefer an anonymous, independent support service staffed by people with extensive policing experience. For those who simply won’t turn to internal supports.
If that sounds like you, Blue HOPE stand ready.
Shane, you will forever be missed but we hope that the people who loved you find some comfort in the fact that over 130 police officers have found the support they need because Blue HOPE was forged in the wake of your passing.
Robert Dennis McINTOSH
| 21/04/2016
Robert Dennis McINTOSH
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # 5976
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Onslow, South Hedland
Service: From? to? ? ? = 35 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 3 August 1996
Born: 19 May 1955
Died on: Thursday 31 March 2016
Cause: Cancer
Age: 60
Funeral date: Friday 8 April 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: Fremantle Cemetery West Chapel, Carrington St, Fremantle, W.A.
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial at: ?TBA
[alert_yellow]ROBERT 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.
McIntosh
Robert Dennis (5976):
19.5.1955 – 31.3.2016
Passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with cancer.
Served his country faithfully as a decorated police officer for 35 years.
Loving father of Daniel, beloved son of Bob and Noreen MCINTOSH (dec), treasured brother of Karen and Michael (dec), wonderful brother-in-law of Tony, much loved uncle of Anne-Louise, Christopher, Bridget, and Gabrielle.
Will be sorely missed. Gone fishing!
Published in The West Australian on Apr. 2, 2016
Robert McINTOSH
This Guest Book will remain online until 7/05/2016.Learn More
Saturday, 2 April 2016
McIntosh (Robert):
Passed away 31.3.2016. Our hearts break for you Daniel, Karen, Tony and all the family on the sad loss of your dear dad, brother and uncle. Happy memories of our Dampier teenage years. Rob a man of very few words, but had a heart of gold. Rest peacefully. Always in our hearts. Julie and Warren McFadden.
Barry was in the Sands Hospital in 2002 recovering from a cancer operation.
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Report of the Police Department for 1962 p 29
The George Lewis Trophy Presented each year by Mr. George Lewis, a Sydney businessman for the most courageous act by a member of the New South Wales Police Force.
For 1961 the award was jointly made to Constable B. J. Dening and Constable K. M. Johnson.
The Alfred Edward Award This award is made under the Will of the late Alfred Edward, a former Superintendent of Traffic, for the pluckiest or most commendable act during the year by a Traffic Constable or Constables.
For 1961 the award was made to Constable B. J. Dening
Peter Mitchell Trust Awards Under the Will of the late Peter Stuckey Mitchell, funds are provided for the making of certain awards to civilians, personnel of the Armed Services and of the Police Force. The following were the awards made to members of the Police Force for the year 1961:—
Most Courageous Act
Joint award to Constable B. J. Dening and Constable K. M. Johnson
The St George Illawarra Dragons are deeply saddened at the passing of former player Grahame Bowen, on Tuesday.
Bowen, who played as prop-forward, made his first-grade debut for the St George Dragons during the 1967 season and scored 13 tries from 75 appearances in total over a span of six seasons.
The forward featured for the Club in their 1971 Grand Final fixture against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He later joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 1973 before retiring at the end of the following year.
The Cronulla Sharks are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop forward Grahame Bowen.
Bowen, who played 29 games for the Club after debuting in 1973, played in the now infamous Grand Final defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles that same year.
The prop forward would go on to play until 1975 before retiring.
Prior to joining the Cronulla Sharks, Bowen played for local rivals the St George Dragons between 1967-72 (75 games).
Grahame was actively involved in the community and worked for the SUS Club for many years and could be seen at the Cronulla Pie Shop most mornings with his mates Cliff Watson and co.
Our thoughts go out to Grahame’s family and friends at this tough time.
NRL.com spoke with Rugby League legend Grahame Bowen and asked him what his memories were of the 1973 Grand Final between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Cronulla Sharks
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Angela Rose TAYLOR
| 21/04/2016
Angela Rose TAYLOR
Victoria Police Force
[blockquote]The FIRST female Police Officer, in Australia, to be killed ‘ On Duty ‘[/blockquote]
Regd. # 24274
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Melbourne City Watch-House
Service: From? to 20 April 1986
Awards: National Police Service medal – granted 2016 & handed to her parents on the 30th anniversary of the Event date ( 27 March 2016 )
Born: ? ? 1964
Died on: 20 April 1986
Cause: Car bomb explosion – Murdered
Event date: Thursday 27 March 1986
Event Location: Outside of 336 Russell Street, Police Station, Melbourne. Known as the
‘ Russell Street Bombing ‘
Age: 21
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: Springvale Botanical Cemetery
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: 1/ Royal Melbourne Hospital – Angie Rose Taylor Ward – dedicated to Angie
2/Angela Taylor Memorial Foundation – presented to the Dux of each Police Academy Squad
3/Angela Taylor Fun Run
ANGELAIS mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Front Inscription In memory of Constable Angela Rose Taylor 24274, aged 21 years, City Watch-house, who died on 20th April 1986, as a result of injuries received when a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex on the 27th March, 1986.
The 1986 Russell Street bombing which tragically killed Constable Angela Rose Taylor and seriously injured 21 others.
The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore, parked deliberately on the busy city street.
Twenty-one-year-old Const Taylor was crossing the road on a staff lunch run and only a metre away from the car bomb when it exploded. She died in hospital a month later. Const Taylor was the first policewoman to die in the line of duty.
This was Victoria’s first encounter with terrorism. Three men were convicted and two sentenced to life imprisonment.
May you forever Rest In Peace.
On March 27 1986, shortly before midday, Constable Taylor left the Russell Street Police Complex to collect lunches for her colleagues. As she stepped on to Russell Street, she passed within 1 metre of a car packed with gelignite. At this time, the gelignite was detonated and the car exploded, showering the area with shrapnel. Angela suffered severe burns to 70% of her body and was hospitalised as a result. However, she died on 20 April 1986.
Stanley Taylor and Craig Minogue were convicted and imprisoned over the bombing which was motivated by an intense hatred of police.
Victoria Police Association Journal March 2006 p 10 & 11
It is 20 years since a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex – two decades since Constable Angela Taylor was mortally wounded as she crossed over Russell Street from the City Watchhouse. The Police Association Journal editor Shirley Hardy-Rix spoke to Angela’s parents, Marilyn and Arthur Taylor to mark the anniversary of Angela’s death.
Arthur & Marilyn Taylor
“It can seem like yesterday or it can seem like 20 years. But missing Angie is still as strong today as it was then; it’s just not accompanied with the pain.”
These are the words of a mother talking about a loved daughter 20 years after the criminal act that shocked the country and changed the Taylor family forever. Marilyn and Arthur Taylor admit that not a day goes by when they don’t think of their only daughter “not in a morbid way but in a joyful way”.
“We’ve made it a pleasant experience. Ange was always so full of joy and life it would be wrong of us to have a negative attitude. She has left us with so many lovely, lovely memories. It was so lovely to have had her for those 21 years – I’ve got to be glad about that,” says Marilyn.
“Something will trigger a memory and you think of some of the things that Angela did,” adds Arthur. “She fitted so much into those 21 years. She didn’t leave any gaping holes, she filled them all in.”
Sitting in their comfortable suburban home , Marilyn and Arthur remember their Ange, the protector of her brothers Michael and Byron. Arthur is usually a man of few words but when it comes to talking about his daughter the stories flow.
“From an early age she had a sense of what was right and what was wrong,” recalls Arthur. “When Mike was young he was knock-kneed and wore leg callipers. One day some of the boys pushed him over and started to laugh because he couldn’t get up. Angela was about four. She went inside and got the broom and chased them up the street, laying into them. When I asked her why she did that, Angie said what they did wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. From an early age she had a sense of fair play and right and wrong.”
Marilyn remembers the good student who was a keen participant in school plays, was on the school debating team and the school council. But Angela left school at the end of Year 10 which was a disappointment to her parents. Then when the family moved to Melbourne from Canberra in 1982 Angela decided she wanted to join the police force. She didn’t want to join in Canberra because she didn’t want to spend her life guarding parliament house.
Angela wanted to do police work. Her determination saw her finish years 11 and 12 in one year. Angela Taylor went on to be the dux of her squad at the Police Academy in November 1984.
“That made me very proud. Her graduation day was the part in my life when I was at the pinnacle, the top of the mountain. I’ve never been right up there since. I was so proud that she had helped others in her squad get through. She didn’t just do it for herself,” says Marilyn. She and Arthur were the proud parents on graduation day and happy participants in the celebrations that marked the beginning of what should have been a long and successful career.
In March 1986, Angela Taylor had just finished her probation and was working at the City Watchhouse. On March 27 – Easter Thursday – just on one o’clock, an explosion rocked Russell Street. A car bomb was detonated by a team of criminals. Angela was walking across Russell Street at that instant. Her injuries were horrendous and she would never recover. On April 20, after a long and courageous battle, Angela Taylor died.
“It is almost like we lost Angie twice. From the time of the bombing she never spoke to us again. Each of those dates is intermixed,” says Marilyn.
That day Marilyn Taylor was working at a small shop in South Melbourne. She heard on the radio that a bomb had exploded and a woman had been injured.
“I thought, ‘thank God it’s not my Ange’. I didn’t think of her as a woman, just as my Ange, my girl.”
When Marilyn Taylor walked down to the bank she saw a police car and just knew. It might have been a mother’s intuition. Marilyn wasn’t surprised to see the two police who came to tell her the news.
Arthur was also working that day and was later than usual getting home because he’d stopped to get some hot cross buns on the way. He was listening to the radio and heard the news that a policewoman was injured. He thought his daughter was safe because she was in the watchhouse.
“There was a car in the driveway and a couple of senior police. The penny dropped. I’m not a talkative person but I couldn’t shut up. I didn’t want to hear what they had to say so I just kept on talking. My worst fear was that she was dead – that’s what I didn’t want to hear.”
What followed was a rollercoaster. Marilyn and Arthur say they were carried on by events. They had no control. Their whole motivation was to be at the hospital. Each day they would get up and drive to the hospital. At the end of the day they would drive home and collapse into bed.
In 1986 Marilyn and Arthur weren’t offered any counselling to help cope with their grief. “I thought if I saw a counsellor they would make it better – make me better but that is not what it does.”
Since Angela’s death many of those who knew their daughter have drifted out of their lives. “It is such a painful thing for so many people. Even the ones who loved Angie sometimes find it difficult to talk to Arthur and me. And it is not that they don’t care about us, it is just too painful.”
The Police family haven’t forgotten Angela Taylor and this is a great comfort to her family. The Angela Taylor Memorial Foundation was established and the dux of every graduating squad receives the Angela Taylor Award.
These initiatives have all been part of the healing process.
Every year there is the Angela Taylor Fun Run. Marilyn and Arthur are always there to welcome the winners over the finish line and present trophies. It is an important day for them. Marilyn admits in the early years she only went along because she had to but now she wouldn’t miss it.
“At first I did it because I had to – now I do it because I want to and I don’t know when that page turned. Everyone who comes along – they are all special. It gives us a lot of pleasure.”
Marilyn and Arthur receive great comfort out of the services held on National Police Remembrance Day. It is a special day in their calendar. In recent years they have become close to the Senior Police Chaplain, Jim Pilmer.
“We love Jim. He’s a special man. He is one of God’s chosen. He is a genuine man who gives great comfort to those people in the greatest pain. I love his services and we love going along to the Remembrance Day evening service. I like to hear the list of names read out and pray with the families and then go to the little chapel for private prayer. It is a closure for the day.”
Today Marilyn and Arthur are doting grandparents and spend time with their five grand-daughters. Four of these girls bear Angela’s name – Brooke Angela, Laura Angela, Alyssa Rose and Alex Jasmine Rose.
“They give another dimension, but nothing fills the hole of Angie,” says Marilyn.
In their garden are three Angela Taylor roses. They would love to see the rose named in honour of their daughter at the Police Academy and in each police station garden across the state.
Marilyn & Arthur Taylor with the Angela Taylor Rose
The men responsible for the Russell Street Bombing were brought to justice. Marilyn and Arthur did attend the final day of the committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court across the road from the scene of the bombing.
Marilyn refused to look at the faces of the men who killed her daughter. Arthur attended the sentencing at the conclusion of the Supreme Court trial. Marilyn couldn’t face it.
“That’s how we keep a positive attitude. We don’t want these people to have any other part of my life. They’ve taken away more than is almost possible to cope with. They are not going to get in because I am not going to hate them because that would be soul destroying for me and those I love,” says Marilyn.
“We’ve avoided getting angry. Sometimes it is very hard to avoid getting angry and hating. It is such a negative emotion it would take over our lives and that wasn’t going to happen,” adds Arthur.
Marilyn and Arthur Taylor are wonderful people. They are filled with love when they could be torn apart by hate. They look at all that has been done in their daughter’s memory and are filled with pride.
“We are very proud and very humbled by the legacy of having the unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital dedicated to Angie and all the other memorials they have put up in her name. I know there are a lot of people who do a lot of work and put in a lot of time and effort into not letting Victorians forget these wonderful people who get up in the morning and put on the blue uniform because they love to do it.”
Just like its namesake, the Angela Taylor Rose is vibrant, feminine and distinctive.
Clusters of deep cream and pink buds unfurl slowly to reveal sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers with a distinctive pink edging and prominent golden-yellow stamens.
Named in honour of Constable Angela Rose Taylor, who died as a result of the 1986 Russell Street police complex bombing, this rose is available by special arrangement with rose breeder John Nieuwesteeg.
The distributor, Garden Express, donates $2 from each rose sold to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. The foundation perpetuates the memory of police killed in the line of duty through the support of community projects across the state.
Shortly after 1.00 pm Thursday, 27 March 1986, a massive explosion occurred near the southern entrance to the Russell Street Police Complex when a car bomb was detonated. As a result of this act three people were injured, damage was caused to the façade of the police building and the central business district was thrown into confusion for hours as emergency workers struggled to cope with the disaster. Later Forensic tests showed the bomb had consisted of 50 sticks of gelignite packed into a motor car and surrounded by small pieces of metal which were meant to act as “shrapnel”. The investigation into the setting of the bomb began at once and continued for months. During that time two of the injured – Magistrate Ian West and Constable Carl Donadio recovered from their wounds. However Constable Angela Taylor who had suffered extensive burns to her body died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital 20 April 1986.
The Russell Street Bombing refers to the 27 March 1986 bombing of the Russell Street Police Headquarters complex in Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore.
The blast seriously injured 21-year-old Constable Angela Taylor, who died on 20 April, becoming the first Australian policewoman to be killed in the line of duty. A further 22 people were injured. The explosion caused massive amounts of damage to the police HQ and surrounding buildings, estimated at more than A$1 million.
The Age newspaper reported that the blast had such an impact because of the open-floor design of the offices acted like a claymore mine, sending more shrapnel as the blast ripped through the floors, seemingly adding more pressure to the blast as it followed its path. The station has closed down and been converted into apartments.
In the course of the investigation, a group of people including Stan Taylor, Peter Reed, Craig Minogue and Rodney Minogue were apprehended. The motive for the bombing seems to have been revenge against the police, as the bombers had previously been arrested and still resented their jail terms. In court, Taylor, Reed and Craig Minogue were convicted; Rodney Minogue was eventually acquitted on appeal.
On 7 October 1985, gelignite and detonators were stolen from the Tryconnel Mine at Blackwood. On 25 March 1986, a Holden Commodore was stolen. Both crimes were later found to provide equipment needed for the construction of the bomb.
On 25 April 1986, ten Victoria Police officers raided the Kallista home of Peter Michael Reed at 5.45 am. It was alleged that upon attempting to enforce the arrest by forcing entry to the premises, Reed produced a .455 Smith and Wesson revolver and fired at police, seriously injuring Det Sgt Wylie. Reed was then fired upon by Det Sgt Quinsee and arrested. Reed was charged with attempted murder, recklessly causing serious injury, using a firearm to prevent apprehension and possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances in addition to charges related to the Russell Street bombing. Reed later stated at his trial in unsworn evidence that:
“the police started the shooting and I only used his firearm in self defence.”
On 30 May 1986, police arrested Stanley Brian Taylor during a 2 am raid on his Birchip home. Brothers Craig and Rodney Minogue were arrested in a Swan Hill motel at 5.15 am later that day.
The crown did not allege that any person played any particular role in the bombing, but that each of them were members of a team which planned the bombing and caused the bomb to explode. Evidence against the accused was as follows:
Gelignite and detonators used in the construction of the bomb were of the same type as those stolen from Tryconnel Mine.
Gelignite was found at Reed’s house wrapped in newspaper containing fingerprints belonging to Rodney Minogue.
Craig Minogue owned a pair of side cutters which produced cuts similar to those found on detonator wires.
A file with traces of brass deposits matched with brass deposits found at the bomb site.
a block of wood from which a wooden part of the bomb had been sawn was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
tinned copper wire, similar to that used with detonators found at the bomb site, was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
residue of gelignite matched residue found at a previous address of Craig Minogue in Lower Templestowe.
evidence from a witness that Craig Minogue called around Easter 1986, to ask about the use of detonators.
a witness testified that Craig Minogue was seen driving a 1979 Holden Commodore around the CBD prior to the explosion.
Published: 18:10 EST, 24 March 2016 | Updated: 19:26 EST, 24 March 2016
The young policewoman killed after a car bomb exploded in front of the force headquarters in Melbourne has been remembered 30 years after the tragedy – and awarded a service medal.
Constable Angela Rose Taylor, 21, died from her injuries 24 days after the bombing of Russell Street police headquarters on Easter Thursday, 27 March 1986.
She was the first policewoman to be murdered in the line of duty in Australia.
Her brother Michael Taylor paid tribute to the young officer at a memorial service on Thursday opposite the old Russell Street station, saying that she always had ‘a disdain for injustice’.
He recalled how as a three-year-old she fended off bullies by swinging a broom because they were teasing him over his leg calipers.
‘She had a strong belief we should all be treated equally,’ Mr Taylor said.
Constable Taylor was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal at the memorial which was attended by officers, family and friends wearing pink roses in her memory.
It was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on behalf of Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Two men were convicted of the horrific crime which left Constable Taylor dead and 22 others injured.
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue, could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year.
His co-accused, Stanley Brian Taylor, 59, was jailed for life with no minimum set.
An arrangement of pink roses was seen at the memorial service to honour the young policewoman
Constable Taylor was was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal and it was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton
Former police member Carl Donadio ( centre )who was injured in the blast looks on during a memorial service to honour Constable Taylor
Mr Ashton said while any parole decision is up to the parole board, he hoped Minogue ‘stays behind bars’.
Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.
He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.
‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.
‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.
‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.
‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.
Lawyer tearfully recalls Russell street bombing 30 years ago
Constable Taylor’s parents unveil a plaque in her honour in the RMIT Alumni Courtyard in Russell Street in Melbourne
A rose could be seen on a poster at the memorial service to honour Constable Angela Taylor
But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.
‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.
He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.
‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.
‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
Constable Taylor’s parents pose with an Infinity Rose which was presented to them by former police member Carl Donadio who was injured in the blast.
Man jailed thirty years ago for a Melbourne car bomb which killed a young policewoman is up for parole – but one officer who was there doesn’t think he’s reformed
Convicted killer Craig Minogue may be eligible for parole this year
Minogue was jailed for his part in the Russell Street bombing in 1986
A car bomb exploded near a police station killing a female officer
He also killed a fellow inmate once he was put behind bars
Published: 02:09 +11:00, 21 March 2016 | Updated: 07:43 +11:00, 21 March 2016
A killer who has served thirty years behind bars for his part in the detonation of a bomb outside a metro police station may soon be eligible for parole.
Two men were convicted of the crime, Stan Taylor was sentenced to life without parole, and Craig Minogue was given 28 years without parole, which has now been served.
At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone.
Convicted killer, Craig Minogue, pictured, may be eligible for parole this year after serving 30 years behind bars
Minogue was sentenced to 28 years without parole for his part in the notorious Russell Street car bombing on Easter Thursday in 1986 (wreckage from the explosion)
A car bomb parked strategically outside the police complex exploded killing 21-year-old police woman Angela Taylor and 22 officers and civilians.
Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.
He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.
‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.
‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.
‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.
‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.
Detective Inspector Bernie Raking, pictured, was at the police station when the bomb went off. He does not believe Minogue is reformed
But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.
‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.
He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.
‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.
‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Minogue – pictured- only admitted to his part in the Russell Street bombing for the first time in 2012, Rankin believes that was a move to prove he had reformed
The car bomb did not explode as planned, and could have been a lot more devastating, police say
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
Minogue killed fellow inmate and convicted killer Alex Tsakmakis shortly after going to prison but was not given any additional sentencing
In 1992 Prue Bird (pictured), the grandaughter of Paul and Julie (pictured) Hetzel known accomplices of Minogue went missing, child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward 17 years later
Paul Hetzel was a member of Taylor and Minogue’s gang, he helped police gain convictions, but in 1992 his partner’s granddaughter vanished.
Seventeen years later convicted child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward claiming to have killed Prue Bird of his own accord. Mr Hetzel believes she was taken from them in revenge.
‘I thought this is pay back just felt sick in the guts.’
Mr Hetzel said Minogue had threatened shortly after the explosion.
‘He was saying about that any bastard ever spoke about it and that, you know, they will be killed.
‘And that’s when he said wouldn’t it be a shame if anything happened to your little Prue.’
Mrs Hetzel (pictured left) and her husband Paul (pictured right) believe Prue was killed in an act of revenge as Mr Hetzel had given evidence against his fellow gang members in the bomb investigation
Minogue denies any involvement in the girl’s disappearance and murder. But police are not convinced.
‘There is no doubt in my mind Camilleri commit crime with others and that this crime is a payback for the Russell Street bombing,’ Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Fisher told 60 minutes.
Minogue has said he intends to repay the community for his crimes by accepting the sentence, admitting his guilt and apologising, by making an effort to rehabilitate himself and by not re-offending upon release.
Minogue was not handed down extra time for the murder of his fellow inmate Tsakmakis in prison.
He is currently being held in a medium-security prison in Victoria.
The deadly bomb blast shattered precinct windows and shook up the policing community sparking a wide search for those responsible
Russell Street bomber, Stanley Taylor, has died in custody aged 79.
He was sentenced to life in prison for the 1986 car bomb explosion that killed a female police officer and injured 21 others outside the Melbourne police office on Russell Street.
Corrections Victoria confirmed a prisoner of that age died of natural causes at St Vincents Hospital on Wednesday.
Taylor had been ill for at least a year, according to numerous media reports.
A career criminal, Taylor was known for having a hatred for authority.
Before the bombing, he had served 17 years in prison for numerous bank robberies.
Eight years after getting out, he would commit one of the most brutal acts of terror in Victoria.
The car bomb was set up to explode at 1pm, precisely the time most people would be heading out to get their lunch.
It was stuffed with almost 60 sticks of gelignite and timed for maximum destruction.
Constable Angela Taylor, 21, was on her way to pick up lunch for her office when she was in the direct firing line.
She died of her injuries 24 days after the bombing, becoming the first Australian police woman to die in the line of duty.
The explosion was so large that debris was found three blocks away.
Police were led to Taylor and his accomplices when they were able to rebuild the car used in the attack, and found it had been stolen.
Alongside Taylor in 1988, Craig Minogue received life with a minimum of 28 years and Rodney Minogue was jailed for eight years with a minimum of six in 1988.
Another man, Peter Reed, was found not guilty but was later jailed for 13 years, with a minimum of 11, of the attempted murder of police during the investigation of the bombing.
Craig Minogue will be up for parole by the end of this year.
As with all deaths in custody, Taylor’s death will be referred to the coroner.
Yesterday I attended the funeral of ex Jenny Bonham (Taylor) who worked at Macquarie Fields and Campbelltown.
Jenny served for 8 years before resigning and going back to nursing.
I was somewhat amazed to learn that if you have resigned from the Police they will not issue a Nemises message regarding your death or any funeral details, this also applies to public servants in the Police.
Today we said our final goodbye to a beautiful lady.
Mother, daughter, sister, mother and friend to so many
It was possibly the hardest thing I have had to do thus far.
Watching my brother’s heart break as he said goodbye to his soul mate was something I will never forget.
Jen made the world a better place. She had a zest for life that was second to none. I’m still in a state of shock, it was far too soon and I really wasn’t ready. Today hurtled me through so many emotions that are hard to explain.
It really does prove that we have no control over when we go. Hug and tell your loved ones as much as you can.
Jen was more than a sister in law to me, she was my sister. One I had craved for all my life. I was nervous meeting her for the first time, wondering if she would like me. Never did I expect to find someone who would change me in so many ways.
Christmases changed for our family, we finally spent time together. We finally laughed and loved as a tight family and that was because of Jen. Never before had I felt as if I truly did belong until Jen built a relationship between my brother and I. It wasn’t until one Christmas night after everyone had gone to bed that Jen told me how much my brother loved and cared for me…he may not always say it but he did. It was moments like this I will always remember with her.
This coming Christmas will be hard knowing she won’t be there telling me ‘its wine o’clock somewhere’ as she poured a glass and sat outside by the bbq and it’s going to be tough not hearing the greeting ‘Sister’ again.
All I know right now in my period of fresh grief is time will heal my wounds and my broken heart, but I will never forget this woman who changed me in so many great ways. These memories that I have of her, will be cherished and remembered forever.
Although I am an author, I can’t seem to find enough words to sum up this amazing woman who inspired and loved so many. I only hope she knew how much she was loved and still will be by all that knew her. She genuinely was a true Aussie spirit, one that will never dim with age.
RIP Jenny Bonham
1967-2016
Police Dog BEV
| 21/04/2016
Police Drug Detection Dog BEV
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Police Dog
Stations: ?, Dubbo & Western Regional areas of NSW
Service: From? ? 2010to 23 March 2016 = 5+ years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: Wednesday 23 March 2016
Cause: Illness
Age: 8
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
SenCon Todd Curtin & Bev
Bev
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
R.I.P Drug Detection Dog ‘Bev’
‘Bev’ performed Drug Detection duties throughout NSW from 2010 until recently when she needed to retire at short notice due to illness.
The difficult decision was made to euthanase her on Wednesday as the illness had become progressively worse.
She was only 8 years old.
‘Bev’ had a wonderful nature and spent her last three years working in Dubbo and the western regional areas of NSW.
She will be missed by all those who had the pleasure to work and spend time with her, none moreso than her handler, S/Cst Curtin and his young family whom she lived with whilst off duty.
Neil wrote this song in the days following the death of colleague Olly Isaac. He hopes that this message will encourage anyone who might be struggling to reach out for help.
Written & performed by Neil Pynenburg
ISAAC, Olly
ISAAC, Olly
He wasn’t a good man He was a great man
Passed away on 16th March.
All who loved him are welcome to join his Family on Wednesday, 23rd March, at 10 a. m. , at the Broadwater Road Uniting Church, 481 Broadwater Road, Mansfield.
It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of a serving QPS member today. Our deepest condolences to family, friends and the entire Centenary Patrol Group in Brisbane. We understand that your friend and colleague was a highly valued and extremely well thought of member of your team.
To all directly involved, we cannot ease your pain but rest assured that our thoughts, and those of all your blue brothers and sisters nation wide are with you now…
Out of respect for friends and family, details at this point have been withheld. Should anyone need a little extra help right now, Blue HOPE stands ready…
