[alert_blue]MARK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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RIP
Your prayers are asked for Old Boy Mark Copping and the Copping family. Mark lived in the Philippines and had been suffering with cancer for some time.
Mark’s brothers, also Old Boys, David and Michael, were at Mark’s bedside at the time of his death.
May the Lord welcome Mark into his kingdom of peace.
Born on the 21st of August 1966 at Liverpool, New South Wales ( go the Blues ), my first couple of years were living at nearby Glenfield where my grandparents ran a bakery. Dad (also Les) was a Baker by trade but had joined the NSW Police in 1966, ( NSWPF # 12662 ) meeting the then arduous entry exam of standing upright, being over 6 foot tall, knowing his left from right and being a reasonably handy footballer. My brother Greg ( NSWPF # 23914 ) was born in February 1968. About two months later my birth mother left us with Dad and we never saw her again. Nowadays you’d say probably post-natal depression or something, back then, none of that was spoken about. My brother and I tried to find her about 20 years ago via the Salvos, mainly out of curiosity and got the message back from them that she didn’t want contact. After she left, Greg and I went to live with our grandparents, as Dad was working shift work. Shortly after that, they retired and we moved to St Georges Basin near Nowra.
The NSW Police being the modern organisation it was in the 1960’s, took pity on Dad, as he had asked for a compassionate transfer to Nowra to be near us, instead sent him to Narrandera, about 500 km west, so we saw him on his days off. Anyway, as luck would have it, a very kind Inspector called Jim Imber worked some magic and after 6 months Dad ended up at Nowra. Jim and Dad became lifelong friends until Jim passed about 10 years ago. Life, as I vaguely remember it back then, was everything a young lad would want, we went fishing a lot, camping, swimming and sports. I started my schooling at St Georges Basin Public School in 1971. In 1972, Dad brought home a young nurse, Irene Dawson, that he’d met at a post mortem, ever the romantic. My brother plonked onto her lap and asked her if she was our new Mummy, that sealed the deal! In 1974 Dad married Mum (she is our Mum in every sense).
Later that year we moved to Rankin Springs in western NSW where Dad was the only police officer. We stayed three years and two baby sisters later, moved to the place I call my home town, Guyra. Dad was the Lock Up Keeper and then promoted to the Sergeant, Officer in Charge. I truly loved my time in Guyra, great town, good people, nothing like those strange Glen Innes or Uralla folks we used to play football against. I left school in 1983 and started work at the Commonwealth Bank. To say banking wasn’t for me is an understatement. However, as I didn’t have my Higher School Certificate I couldn’t join the police, which is what I really wanted to do. I went to TAFE in Armidale three nights a week for two years and got my HSC. In the interim I also had a mobile disco business I did on weekends between playing basketball, cricket, union and league (odd game of soccer as well). I really enjoyed the mobile disco and as Mum used to say, I had a great face for radio. One thing Mum used to make all us kids do was our ironing, share the cooking, housekeeping etc. Really, who did she think she was, just because she worked as a nurse on a 24/7 roster, however when I left home eventually, I was housebroken. I’m quite particular and as Cindy will attest, I still do my own ironing as I’m a bit quirky in where the creases go etc.
In 1986 I applied to join the NSW Police but at the same time was transferred to Broken Hill with the bank as an Assistant Loans Officer. I decided to go as I got to live in the bank barracks, paid $2 a week rent, a cleaner was supplied and $50 a fortnight each the 12 residents which covered food and a keg always on tap. I thought I’ll save a fortune, never saved a cent. A group of us would trip off to Melbourne, Adelaide and all points in between. I did have a great time though! However, in 1987 I was accepted to the NSW Police, what I’ve always wanted to do and started in June 1987, graduating in September 1987. I actually won the public speaking award (hard to believe) for the class of 200, one of my proudest moments was marching out to collect it from the Commissioner, with a salute, in front of my parents, Nan (Pop has passed by then) and family. My Dad, who retired as an Inspector at Lismore in 2003, gave me three bits of good policing advice when I joined. They were never rush to a fight at a Hotel, never beat the Ambulance to a traffic accident and get a signature no one can read!
When at the NSW Police Academy, all Recruits were asked to list three preferences for placement, I put Armidale, Tamworth and Broken Hill. Obviously my choices were considered long and hard by the HR gurus as I was sent straight to Kings Cross! I really had a ball working there, never a dull moment for a bright eyed young Constable from Guyra who had been to Sydney about four times, all to watch my beloved Parramatta Eels play. During that time I’d also met the first Mrs Bulluss and in 1990 transferred to Dareton some 1200km south west of Sydney. Followed that with a posting to Gulargambone, back to Kings Cross and finally Warialda. Not much to say except the marriage produced four beautiful children of whom I’m extremely proud. They all moved to the Gold Coast when the marriage ended and I decided if I wanted to see my children, I’d better move to Queensland.
I joined the Queensland Police in 2000 and was stationed at Broadbeach. I then went to the Police Beat at Robina Town Centre where I worked with Peter Venz who was the Broadbeach GSE member for 2003. He introduced me to Col Makin, two months later I was jetting off to India and Nepal on my life changing GSE experience in 2004. About the same time Cindy and I became an item and in 2005 we were married. I was promoted to Sergeant at Broadbeach in 2005. In 2006, I’m sure you’d all remember the episode, I was a contestant on Temptation (the new Sale of the Century). One episode only, I knew most of the answers but the carry over champ and eventual winner of the lot knew them quicker than me! That wasn’t my first foray into games shows, in 1997 I was the carry over champ on the Channel 7 show Concentration, where I ended up winning a reverse cycle air conditioner and a year’s supply of dog food. The dog thought the food was crap, it certainly was able to turn it into great piles of crap at a great rate of knots, I ended up binning the food and sold the air conditioner via the Trading Post.
In 2008 I was promoted to Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, one of the greatest gigs in Australian Policing. From Saibai Island 5 km from PNG to the eastern Murray Island, the traditional home of Eddie Koki Mabo and all points in between, it was the most enjoyable operational policing I’ve ever done. To help police the division, the only one in Australia that has an international border, we had a plane, several boats, an MOU with Customs regarding free use of their helicopters and the best Esprit des Corps among all services that I’ve ever seen. The Torres Strait Islanders are an extremely generous, traditional and happy people. Catching a fish was not a hard skill to master either, generally a line in the water saw a fish on the end, sometimes a monster. In May 2008 I was inducted into the Thursday Island/Torres Strait Rotary Club, at our peak we had 12 members but really did some great work in supporting the villagers of the PNG Western Province with clothing and school supplies. I first met Bruce Kuhn in 2008 when he was allegedly my boss, and since then we have enjoyed many a soiree in Cairns or on TI, usually to our detriment the next morning.
In April 2011 I transferred to Gladstone as the Officer in Charge, the shortest time ever for anyone in that role, because two months after starting I went to relieve as the District Inspector and ended up promoted to that job. I had joined the Gladstone Port Curtis Rotary Club (which was men only, not now though). I joined that club (there are several in Gladstone) because Monday nights was the best for me to get to meetings, it is a great club and as with all of Rotary, members belong for the right reasons. The 2013 Queensland Police Service Restructure saw all Commissioned Officers jobs declared vacant, as 120 out of 420 positions had to go. Fortunately, the redundancy offer take up and existing vacancies across the service saw no one being forced out, because for a four-day very stressful period just prior to Christmas in 2012, there was talk that some people would be told don’t come Monday, but it didn’t come to that.
When the musical chairs music stopped, I woke up in my current job from 1 July 2013 as the Queensland Police Service Manager of Community Programs and Engagement. I’m based at Headquarters in Roma Street but really have the best Inspectors job in the QPS. I get to travel a fair bit nationally and internationally, I look after our Crime Prevention Programs, Cultural Support and other areas including the Museum. I am on the board of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia as the Queensland representative. I’m quite happy to stay in this job until I retire.
Regarding Greg’s and my birth mother, in mid 2015 I took a phone call from a guy called Ian Lacy in Victoria. He told me that my birth mother had died and he was married to my half-sister, who until her mother had died didn’t know about Greg and I. It turns out that we have two half-sisters who live in Victoria. Greg and I have both met them, they are really nice and have filled in a lot of gaps for us. It’s good to know where my sons type 1 diabetes, my children’s coeliac and other health issues probably come from, because up until then, we really didn’t know. Pretty sure it was from my maternal grandmother’s side of the family.
Anyway, between Cindy and I we have 6 adult children (3 boys, and 3 girls) and two wonderful grandchildren. As their parents work shifts, we have the grandkids most weekends under sufferance (not really). Three of the children live on the Gold Coast, my son is in Mackay, my eldest daughter is in Melbourne studying social work at RMIT and my second eldest daughter lives in the UK with her Englishman (treason I say).
Life is very good for Cindy and I. We live at Boonooroo Park (Carrara), I’m a very happy member of Broadbeach Rotary, the greatest Rotary Club in the world!
Sergeant Keith Clark, ( possibly # 3640 ) who has been stationed at Broadwater for the past three years, has left for his new station at Coraki.
During his service in Broadwater, he and his wife did good work in the February flood on the Richmond, earning the appreciation of residents of the district…………
Constable Frederick James Imber, accompanied by his wife and family of three, has taken up duty at Broadwater, in succession to Sgt Keith Clark.
Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954),
Wednesday 27 November 1946, page 1
WEDDINGS
PAFF — BURNETT
At the wedding reception of Miss Alma Burnett, and Mr. Oscar Paff, ( # 4790 ) on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 5th, the wedding cake was cut with a Samurai sword, which the bride’s brother, Mr. Max Burnett (ex-RAAF) had brought back with him from New Britain.
Alma is the second eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Burnett, of Macquarie St., Cowra, and the groom is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Paff, of Krambach.
The ceremony was performed at St. John’s Church of England, by the Ven. Archdeacon Mirrington. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a white gown of self patterned heavy cloque crepe, featuring a heart shaped neckline, ruffled bodice and sleeves, with a very full skirt, ending in a train. Her tulle brocaded veil which was loaned to her for the occasion, was held in place with a halo of white camellias. She carried a shower bouquet of arum lilies and freezias. Her two sisters, Mrs. V. Cooke, of Bathurst, and Mrs. B. Rodwell, of Cowra, were matrons of honor. The former was dressed in a blue crepe gown, the skirt of which was very full. She added a shoulder length veil, held in position with a curvette of roses, and carried a bouquet of roses, ranunculus and mignonette. The latter wore a dusty pink crepe frock with cape sleeves and a full le plum and skirt. Her matching shoulder veil was held in place with a curvette of sweet peas and carnations. She chose similar flowers for her bouquet. The only jewellery worn by the bride was a string of pearls, while the attendants wore pendants with matching ear-rings. Mr. Max Burnett, brother of the bride, carried out the duties of best man, and Mr. Vic Cooke, the bride’s brother-in-law, was groomsman.
A reception was held at the Lyric Hall, where the guests were received by Mrs. Burnett, who was dressed in black, with a shoulder spray of tiger lilies. She was assisted by Mrs. Paff, who was also in black relieved with pink. Chairman at the breakfast was Mr. Hoodless, uncle of the bride. The three-decker wedding cake was made and decorated by Mr. Doug Jackson. Soloist at the wedding was Miss Beryl Thomas, who sang ‘I’ll Walk Beside You.’
An amusing feature at the wedding was that Constable Jim Imber, friend of the groom, who was in the vicinity when the bride’s bouquet was being thrown, caught the bouquet.
The honeymoon is being spent on the North Coast. Their future home will be at Cowra, where the groom is a member of the Cowra Police Force.
Among the guests at the wedding of Miss Alma Burnett and Mr. Oscar Paff were Mr. and Mrs. Hoodless, of Ginjelli; Mr. and Mrs. Con’n. of Hill End; Mrs. Paff and Miss Coral Paff, of Taree; Mrs. Kimm, of Hill End; and Mr. Kevin Rodwell, of Parkes.
[alert_yellow]THOMAS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Front Inscription
On July 25th 1857, Senior Constable Thomas Cooke single-handedly faced down a rioting mob of several hundred miners at the Golden Point diggings.
The insurgents were on their way to destroy a camp of Chinese miners, who were at the time extremely unpopular on the gold-fields.
Probably no-one would have then blamed Constable Cooke if he had backed down and allowed the mob to pass, but through his courage and determination to see the rule of Law enforced, he prevented what would otherwise have been a shameful massacre.
Let his name be remembered in honour.
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Senior Constable Thomas Cooke
Senior Constable Thomas Cooke : 28-May-2011
Photographs supplied by Kent Watson
Plaque commemorates Senior Constable Thomas Cooke.
In 1857, Thomas Cooke, undoubtedly saved the lives of a number of Chinese miners from a public riot that could have had grave consequences for the young colony of Victoria. The foray commenced near the bottom of Golden Point, and out about a mile from the chief camp. The ringleaders of the affray tore down and destroyed mining equipment owned by the Chinese and the situation escalated.
Senior Constable Cooke boldly placed himself in front of the mob and by his presence of mind, tact and discretion, lives were probably saved, and the Chinese camp not destroyed. A compromise was reached, giving the Chinese permission to remain for several more days. On leaving the police force Cooke took up the running of The Panama store at Chewton and suicided by hanging on the 28 August 1882.
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Leslie Alfred TAYLOR
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Leslie Alfred TAYLOR
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7954
Rank: Senior Sergeant – retired
Stations: ?, Blacktown
Service: From ? ? 1955 to 3 September 1987 = 32 years Service
[alert_blue]LESLIE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Sydney Stevenson COOKE
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Sydney Stevenson COOKE
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 8871
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Taree
Service with NSW Police Force: From 12 August 1908to 9 May 1915
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Service with Australian Imperial Force ( A.I.F.): ( Volunteered ) From 18 August 1914 – 9 May 1915
Regiment attached to: First Infantry, Brigade Headquarters
Rank: Private
Regd. # 9
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Awards: British War Medal issued, 1914 /15 Star issued 14 February 1965, Victory Medal issued
Born: ? ? 1882in Stafford, Staffordshire, England
Died on: 9 May 1915
Cause: KIA on 9 May 1915
Death location: Dardanelles, Gallipoli peninsula
Age: 35
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Isolated Graves ANZAC. Inland from Bridges Rd, around McLaurins Hill, about 1/2 mile east of ANZAC Cover, Gallipoli Grave # 1
Memorial stone: Row B, Grave 9
[alert_blue]SYDNEY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Constable Sydney Stevenson COOKE was a Constable with the NSW Police Force when he voluntarily enlisted on the 18 August 1914, aged 32, to join the Australian Imperial Forces for the War. He gave his address, at enlistment, as the Police Depot, Sydney.
He sailed from Sydney aboard the ‘Euripides’ on the 20 October 1914 with the Rank of ‘Private’
Francis Andrew MURRAY
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Francis Andrew MURRAY
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Mounted Constable / Corporal 2 ALH
Stations: ?, Tamworth
Service: From ? to ?
Enlisted with A. I. F: 25 August 1914 at Lismore.
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1892 at Tamworth, NSW
Died on: 28 April 1917
Cause: Cancer
Location of Death: Randwick Medical Hospital, NSW
Age: 24
Funeral date: 1 May 1917
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Kootingal-Moonbi cemetery, 20 k’s north of Tamworth upon George St, Moonbi
[alert_blue]FRANCIS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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In Egypt in late 1916 sought medical treatment for a very painful left shoulder. Could not raise his arm above shoulder height. His condition worsened and was sent back to Australia arriving 21/2/1917 for treatment at the Randwick Medical Hospital. X-rays reveal that he had in-operable bone cancer of the left humerus ball joint and stem which had also affected his lungs.
Died 28/4/1917 at the Randwick Hospital. Funeral occurred on 01/05/1917 and is buried in the Moonbi cemetery, 20 k’s north of Tamworth.
Norman ROBERTS
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Norman ROBERTS
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. #
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, North Sydney Police Station
Service: From ? to ?
Joined the ? and went to war. Further information to come.
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: 25 April 1915
Location: Quinns Post, Gallipoli
Cause: ?
Age: 27
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: “Believed to be buried in” ?
Grave of Corporal Norman Roberts
[alert_blue]NORMAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Sandra Robyn KOVAC
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Sandra Robyn KOVAC – nee ROWLAND
New South Wales Police Force
Member of Class 114 – attested 1 April 1968
Regd. # ?
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, School Lecturing
Service: From ? to ?
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: Sunday 12 April 2015
Cause: Leukaemia
Age: 73
Funeral date: Friday 17 April 2015 @ 10am
Funeral location: White Lady Funerals, 270 Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove, Qld
Buried at: ?
MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Being held, Friday 24 April 2015 at the Cammeray Golf Club, Park Ave, Cammeray, NSW, from 11.30am – 2pm
Memorial Gathering location:
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[alert_blue]SANDRA is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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KOVAC, Sandra Robyn
(nee Rowland).
Sadly passed away on 12.04.2015
Aged 73 Years
Beloved wife of Steve. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Steven and Jane, and Michael and Kate. Adored Nan of Lucinda, Angus, Lachlan, Indigo, Ruby and Ede.
Will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
A Memorial Service for SANDRA will be held on the 24th of April from 11.30am to 2.30pm at Cammeray Golf Club, Park Avenue, Cammeray.
Kelvin Grove 3356 1784
An Australian Company
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Apr. 15, 2015
