Police Awards: National Medal – granted 28 May 1990 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1990 ( Sgt )
Born: Sunday 28 July 1946 in Sydney, NSW
Died on: Monday 12 December 2020
Age: 74 years, 4 months & 14 days
Cause: Cancer – ( Type = ? )
Back in May 2014, Mick suffered several strokes was was admitted to John Flynn Hospital, Gold Coast, Qld and his condition, at that time, was critical.
Event location: Tweed Heads District Hospital, NSW
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Monday 21 December 2020 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Tweed Valley Cemetery, 813 Eviron Rd, Eviron, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2020 )
Four young useless golfers from the 70s. Left to right, Grahame Fahey, Chris Duncan (RIP), John Marine and Mick Hayman, deceased this week (RIP).
MICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Notification of Death of former Incremental Sgt Michael HAYMAN, formerly of Kingscliff Police Station within the Tweed Heads District.
Mick passed away at Tweed Heads District Hospital last Saturday 12 December, 2020 from Cancer.
He will be cremated at the Tweed Heads Crematorium next Monday 21 December, 2020.
A service will be held at that Crematoriums Chapel, commencing 2.00pm Daylight saving time. Anyone interested in attending may do so and there will be a large screen video link of the service outside if there are more numbers than are permissible within the Chapel.
Briefly, Mick served with A.D.F, Royal Australian Engineers for six years with a tour of Vietnam in 1966 & two following consecutive tours of Malaya.
He later joined the N.S.W Police force in February 1970, being attached to Penrith, Broken Hill, Murwillumbah and Kingscliff before being discharged, H.O.D on 6 October 1999 and retired to Murwillumbah.
Mick unfortunately spent the last five years of his life in Buppa Nursing Home at Pottsville Beach after suffering a fall in his home resulting in brain trauma.
He is survived by three adult sons and a daughter.
Mick was a larger than life character and a pretty good operator. He enjoyed life when he was able to and played harder than possibly any other person I have met.
I have known a few A graders over the years but for consistency, Mick was definitely in a league of his own.
Lest we forget.
Brian John CASEY
| 22/12/2020
Brian John CASEY
AKA ?
Late of Aged Care facility, Redcliffe Peninsula, Qld – formerly of Clontarf, Qld
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 038
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7803
Rank: Commenced Training at ? College / Academy on Monday 16 August 1954 ( aged 23 years, 5 months, 15 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 27 September 1954 ( aged 23 years, 6 months, 26 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 27 September 1965
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 February 1970
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 25 September 1977
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Sergeant 1st Class
Retirement / Leaving age: 57 years, 30 days
Stations: ?, South District ( 1965 ), Blacktown ( early 1970s ), ?, Wagga Wagga ( Stationed at Junee ) ( Sgt 3/c )( 1971, 1972, 1973 ), Cobar ( 1977 Sgt 3/c, 1981 Sgt 2/c ), Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie – Retirement
Service: From 16 August 1954 to31 March 1988 = 33 years, 7 months, 15 days Service
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2020 )
RON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Hansen and Cole, Kembla Grange, NSW
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2020 )
TED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Dearly loved Father and Father-In-Law to Tina & Chris and Vicki & Steve.
Much loved Grandad to Jacob, Stella, Angus, Max and Flynn.
Forever In Our Hearts.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Funeral Service for TED to be held in the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen and Cole Funerals, 634 Northcliffe Drive, KEMBLA GRANGE on Thursday 10th December 2020 commencing at 10.00am.
……
Ted left this earth with much achieved for humanity, decency and fairness. A well remembered basketball coach. Again he’s with Glenice. RIP mate. Sympathy to his family.
Mick had just left “the job ” when offered the new superannuation scheme to get off pre 88 – his intention was to rejoin but Commander Wales knocked it back. Depression etc led to his suicide.
KEAN Michael John Death notice 21AUG2001 Death late of Lalor Park. Sydney Morning Herald
FURTHER INFORMATION NEEDED.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this man at the time of publication.
Cal
1st Published on 24 November 2014.
Updated 13 December 2020
Kevin MONK
| 22/12/2020
Kevin MONK
AKA Munky
Late of Flinders, NSW
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 243
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 26960
Rank: Commenced Training at Academy on 29 October 1989 ( aged 34 years, 17 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 27 April 1990 ( aged 34 years, 6 months, 15 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Leading Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Sutherland GDs ( 24 Division ), Kiama GDs, Warilla GDs ( Orange Team ), Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) GDs – Retirement
Service: From29 October 1989 to15 July 2016 = ? years Service
Send Off was on Friday 15 July 2016 @ Central Hotel, Shellharbour City, NSW
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – although
Commissioners Commendation – Granted on ? ? ?, together with Nathan Matthews & Chris St Clair for the successful rescue of a Psych. patient who went out past the breakers at Warilla Beach at 11.30pm on 28 January 2003.
Certificate of Merit, awarded by the Royal Humane Society of NSW, for actions involving sea rescue at Warilla Beach on 29 January 2003.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ? TBA
Buried at: ? TBA
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2020 )
KEV is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Family will be attending Hansen & Cole, Kembla Grange, today ( Wednesday 16 Dec 2020 ) to make the Funeral arrangements. When the time and date are known – I will update Kev’s Memorial page.
Cal
My deepest condolences to his adult daughters Rachel & Alissa ( Switzerland ), his son Andrew and his two adored grandsons.
Rachel arrived at Kev’s place and attempted CPR. You did your best Rach and we all thank you for that.
Cal
Kevin Monk, Renee Lee, Jeff Little
Peter Stefanjuk, Kevin Monk, Tinh Pham
Greg Callander, Kevin Monk, Tinh Pham
Renee Lee and Kevin Monk
Kevin Monk and Renee Lee
It is believed that Kevin was found, deceased, at his home this morning – possibly after a fall.
No suspicious circumstances.
I wish his two daughters, son, family and friends, my deepest condolences. Munky was a good bloke to work with on Orange Team – Warilla GDs.
Cal
John Andrew BYERS
| 22/12/2020
John Andrew BYERS BM
AKA JB
Late of Narooma – formerly of Balgownie, NSW
Father to Mark BYERS ( NSWPF # 31622 )
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 113
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 12889
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 11 December 1967 ( Aged 19 years, 1 month, 13 days )
Constable – appointed 11 January 1969 ( loss of 13 months Seniority )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 16 September 1993 ( SenCon )
Bravery Medal ( BM ) – granted 9 August 1989 – Disarmed an offender after a car chase ( SenCon )
Sergeant John A. BYERS was Awarded a Bronze Medal for actions involving a vehicle fire at Corrimal on the 22 July 1995 ( Royal Humane Society of NSW )
Senior Constable John Andrew BYERS was Awarded a Certificate of Merit for actions involving a submerged vehicle at Audley Weir on the 8 September 1983 ( Royal Humane Society of NSW )
Constable John Andrew BYERS was Awarded a Certificate of Merit for actions involving a suicide at Sydney Harbour Bridge on the 20 August 1969 ( Royal Humane Society of NSW )
Born: Thursday 28 October 1948
Died on: Sunday 6 December 2020 during the p.m.
Age: 72 years, 1 month, 8 days
Cause: “Possibly” a Heart Attack whilst sleeping.
Had previously been treated for Cancer of the Bowel and had both knees replaced in 2015 together with a hip operation.
Event location: Home
Event date: Sunday 6 December 2020 during the p.m.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
This morning I found out of the passing of a great mate and mentor, retired Senior Sergeant John ‘JB’ Byers BM.
I first met JB when I was a teenager and he was in the Rescue Squad with my old man ( Edward ‘Ted’ Doherty ).
I later worked with him at 24 Division when I graduated from the Academy.
JB was a hard as nails ‘old school’ cop, a true legend. I could not count the hours I have stood with him a crime scenes in the middle of the night. It was a running joke, if we got called out to any crime scene during the night we would always call JB for lighting regardless of if we needed it or not. We had some fun times over the years and drank many beers together. I’ll have one for you today mate.
All of the Doherty family’s thoughts and prayers are with JB’s beautiful wife Cath, his children Mark, Elizabeth and Karina and all of his grandchildren.
RIP mate.
John had both knees replaced in early 2015 and also had a hip replacement after that, together with a bout of Cancer of the Bowel.
Once he Retired from NSWPF, he moved to Narooma where he drove a taxi for many years.
He was a great bloke for a laugh, a great bloke to catch up with, a knowledgeable bastard who always had your back.
John – may you forever Rest In Peace mate.
Greg ‘Cal’ Callander
John is mentioned, in passing, in the book by Jason Byrnes – called:
Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal: An Extraordinary History
I went to a fatal with him once. He dived into the Hacking river at night and pulled two bodies out of a submerged car.
That took some guts.
He had multiple bravery awards.
No condolences please. Just know this hero lived.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Friday 19 May 1995, page 7
Injured bushwalker finally rescued
SYDNEY: The rescue of a 61-year-old bushwalker who had fractured her ankle while walking in the Morton National Park had turned into a large-scale operation which was hampered by bad weather and flooding.
Several attempts to reach the injured woman by air had failed due to cloud and heavy rain.
Swollen creeks had prevented an attempt to carry her out before she was airlifted to Nerriga with two of her rescuers at 2pm yesterday afternoon.
She was later taken to Shoalhaven Hospital.
Ulladulla police said yesterday that a further 30 rescuers had been sent to reach the rescue party with equipment to set up flying-foxes across the rivers and creeks.
The drama began on Tuesday, when the woman fell while walking with three companions on Mt Haughton in the Budawang Ranges.
A police spokesman said a South Coast Wilderness Society member had contacted Nowra police late that afternoon after he came across the party, and six rescuers walked in to meet them.
On Tuesday, Ulladulla police said the National Parks and Wildlife Service helicopter was unable to land in the area due to low cloud.
As a result, a further 13 rescuers joined the bushwalkers and the entire party attempted to walk out of the park late Wednesday.
Ulladulla police said the ground party managed to get about 1km because of swollen rivers and creeks.
They camped overnight and the 30 new rescuers tried to reach the party. The extra rescuers were to relieve some of the earlier crew and try to set up flying-foxes across the rivers.
A naval helicopter from Nowra airlifted 18 of the rescuers stranded by rising flood waters to Nerriga yesterday afternoon.
According to the rescue co-ordinator, Sergeant John Byers, the remaining rescuers would try to make their way out on foot.
On 30 March 1986 a number of police were called to apprehend a mentally disturbed man ( Horan ) who was driving a utility around Bathurst in a dangerous manner.
At the Perthville bridge there was a collision between a police truck and the utility and they became wedged on the approach.
The offender ( Horan ) got out holding a .303 rifle covered with material in his hands.
Senior Constable Byers crawled through the window and grappled with the offender.
He then fell to the ground and the offender broke free and fired at him.
The offender began to fire at the police, at which time Constable 1st Class Paul Mitchell Quinn was shot in the neck and killed instantly and Constable Ian Borland was seriously wounded.
Seeing him go to the back of his utility, Constable Byers fired back and got to his feet as the offender ran down the embankment and turned and fired again.
Constable Byers emptied his revolver, threw himself on the ground between the truck and the utility and reloaded.
The offender, Horan, was shot several times by police before being arrested and charged.
The offender threw his rifle aside and Constable Byers went to assist three other policemen as they arrested him.
By his actions, Senior Constable Byers displayed considerable bravery.
John Byers was not stationed in the area – but was rostered there for the Easter Mt Panorama Motor Cycle races and assisted other Police when this incident was happening.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Wednesday 19 December 1973, page 9
Policeman wins bravery award
SYDNEY, Tuesday.
Constable 1st Class John Andrew Byers, of Wollongong Police, has been awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.
The Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler, announced today that the Queen had approved the award.
On February 28, this year, Constable Byers and Senior Constable E. J. ( Ted ) Beaver ( # 10097 ) went to Gladstone Avenue, Wollongong, to investigate a disturbance and the firing of rifle shots.
They saw a man seated in front of a house with a .22 calibre rifle which he pointed in their direction.
Before the weapon could be cocked, Constable Byers ran up to the man and wrested the rifle from his possession.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ? TBA
Buried at: ? TBA
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2020 )
DALLAS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Our deepest condolences to his son, Zac, daughter Taylor, and wife Betty.
Dallas’ fundraiser for Bowel Cancer Australia
Fundraiser for Bowel Cancer Australia by Dallas Stirton
Please support Dallas’ family by supporting this cause.
Dallas fought his cancer for 8 years undergoing chemo, radiation and surgeries.
He would be thrilled to help prevent this disease devastating other families as we have been.
I’ve included information about Bowel Cancer Australia below.
Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.
Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit.
Clink on the below link – which will take you to the donation page.
Dallas STIRTON at Allianz Stadium watching the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs.
LEADERS WALK RELAY FOR LIFE
02 Nov 2011
Our school leaders, together with Taylor Stirton recently participated in the Central Coast Relay for Life at Mingara.
These students combined to walk for approx 18 hours to help raise funds for cancer research. They secured sponsorship and took on this enormous endeavour under the Toukley Public School name.
Betty and Dallas Stirton, parents of school captain Zac supported the students all the way through this adventure, including walking with them throughout the night.
Mr Stirton provided a football boot signed by legend Andrew (Joey) Johns to raffle toward this wonderful cause.
All who participated were very tired after the event, however they found the whole experience very rewarding.
I would like to acknowledge the following amazing students who as a collective group participated in the Central Coast Relay For Life at Mingara on the weekend.
These students combined to walk for approx 18 hours to help raise money for cancer research.
They secured sponsorship and took on an enormous endeavour under the Toukley Public School name.
I need to also acknowledge the outstanding work of Betty and Dallas Stirton who assisted our students all the way through this adventure, even walking with them throughout the night. Congratulations to Jonty Wood, Mary Cornish, Zac Stirton, Emily McBride, Amanda Purcell and Taylor Stirton.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ? TBA
Buried at: ? TBA
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2020 )
MARK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Earlier in the week I learnt of the sad passing of a good mate and a former top cop – Mark Bonavia (Bananas.)
He will be remembered for his great sense of humour, and his excellent driving skills that he put to good use in his many years of serving the community as a police officer attached to the legendary former E- District Highway Patrol (Ku- Ring Gai.)
Mark was a very kind and caring person with a heart, who in his job was a great and fair cop who would always go after the reckless hoons and drunk drivers and would always be reluctant to book the “working family man”, but rather give them a good talking to.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ? TBA
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2020 )
SHAKEY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
A wonderful man . Had so much respect for him when stationed at Manly.
Thank you Sergeant Geoff Shattles for your fine and dedicated Service to your Community and the New South Wales Police Force.
You really did make a difference, with your knowledge, patience, and understanding, in particular to the lives and service of numerous young Constables at your station.
December 13 1971… First day as Pros Ventry Lewis, John Williamson, Terry Cobby and I waltzed into Manly PS and, seeing a couple of blokes we knew, headed for the Muster Room where Bumper Farrell, Col Fitzroy and others were getting ready for the shift. Suddenly a voice roared behind us… “Are you the 3 new Pros?” Yes Sergeant we stammered. “Well when you come into MY station you will report ‘All Correct Sergeant!’ Nobody told us about that at the Academy. Over the years we came to respect and learn from Geoff.
Worked with Geoff as a young con stable at Manly and later when I was stationed at Forestville and Frenchs Forest. Was not afraid to leave Manly Station and come out to give help and advice one the more serious jobs. New his stuff and always prepared to impart it to the young bloke.
Very sorry to learn of the demise of Geoff Shattles as a probationary Constance at Manly I spent time as the PD driver with Geoff as the observer. He was an excellent officer for young officers to work with. He was an ethical/knowledgeable officer. I learned so much from him which stood me on good stead in the development of my career. He most probably did not realise the impact he had on my career, but I in no way diminished that impact. RIP Geoff thank you.
Teacher’s Pet podcast: from the archives, friend’s cry for justice for Lyn Dawson
A formal complaint from a friend of Lyn Dawson that NSW police were failing to investigate her suspicious disappearance from Sydney’s northern beaches has been discovered decades later in a sealed file in state archives.
Susan Strath was so disturbed by the inaction of police that she wrote to the NSW Ombudsman’s office and begged the independent government watchdog to intervene.
Ms Strath’s complaint of 1985, three years after Lyn went missing, documented her alarm that a woman could vanish without officers interviewing work colleagues or friends, or conducting any serious investigation.
She pointed out that shortly before Lyn went missing her husband Chris — a teacher and former star footballer — was widely known to be in an intense affair with a teenage schoolgirl who had been one of his students.
“Her husband was so sure she would not return, his girlfriend was moved in the following week,” she wrote.
“He has now married his schoolgirl lover, has a beautiful home and established family.
“Everything seems too easy. He got exactly what he wanted and his wife, who wasn’t up to standard, has vanished from the face of the earth, having no further contact with family or friends.
“It doesn’t seem possible that a person can be swept under the rug and forgotten.”
The ombudsman’s file on the complaint was discovered by The Australian in storage with NSW State Archives and Records after lengthy investigations for podcast series The Teacher’s Pet and is detailed in a new episode, released today.
The ombudsman’s office had said no trace of the complaint could be found and that records would have been destroyed.
But after archives staff located the file for The Australian, the ombudsman’s office agreed to waive restrictions that would have prevented the documents being released for 90 years from when they were created.
Among the documents was Mr Dawson’s long-lost handwritten statement to police of August 1982, in which he blamed his marital problems on his wife’s credit card spending but did not mention his teenage lover.
Mr Dawson’s statement had disappeared along with the rest of the separate police file in the 1990s and was not available to the former investigating officer, Damian Loone, or to two coroners who examined the case.
Despite Ms Strath’s complaint, neither police nor the ombudsman’s office interviewed Mr Dawson’s schoolgirl lover, Joanne Curtis, or numerous other witnesses including fellow teachers, neighbours, family members and friends at the time.
Senior police who were forwarded the complaint insisted there was a satisfactory investigation when Lyn disappeared and there was nothing to indicate foul play or suspicious circumstances.
It would be another five years before Sydney homicide detectives looked at the case, acting on information from Mr Dawson’s former teenage lover, Ms Curtis, after they split up.
The two coroners later found, in 2001 and 2003, that Mr Dawson murdered his wife. He has not been charged and maintains his innocence.
The sealed ombudsman’s file includes correspondence about Ms Strath’s 1985 complaint, showing Lyn’s disappearance was brought to the attention of the highest levels of the NSW police force.
Sue Thompson, an ombudsman investigator, referred Ms Strath’s complaint directly to then-police commissioner John Avery. The commissioner was kept informed of the progress of inquiries.
“This is a bit of a sensitive complaint. It’s about the alleged disappearance of a woman some three years ago and allegation that the police may have failed to properly investigate,” Ms Thompson wrote in a file note.
Ms Strath noted in her complaint that she last spoke to Lyn on Friday, January 8, 1982, at the childcare centre where they both worked. Lyn and her husband had returned from marriage counselling that day, with Lyn expressing excitement that their marital difficulties would be resolved, she wrote. Lyn disappeared the next day, without another word being heard from her.
“The next day what happened????” Ms Strath wrote.
She noted Lyn’s inability to drive, her exceptional devotion to her two young daughters, then aged four and two, and her love of her Bayview home, which was worth more than $250,000 when she vanished.
Ms Strath also noted Lyn had no interest in religion and didn’t attend church — this was a response to her husband’s claims that she apparently went off with a religious group.
“I would like to know what the police have done in the matter? Why weren’t her workmates interviewed as to her last 24 hours?
“I’m concerned that I was one of the last to see her on the Friday but was never questioned by the police. Can a person just disappear and it be accepted?”
A senior officer, Inspector Geoff Shattles ( # 7398 ), noted in response that Lyn’s parents, Helena and Len Simms, had not “ever hinted” at concerns of foul play.
“Further to this, the brother of the missing person is a senior constable in the NSW police force and he at no time contacted police at this station in regard to any suspicions.”
A chief superintendent wrote that he was “satisfied all avenues of investigation were covered at the time”.
The file shows that as a result of Ms Strath’s complaint, she was visited in 1985 by a detective, who also contacted one of her colleagues at the childcare centre. Inspector Shattles also spoke to Lyn’s mother.
But there was still no questioning of the former schoolgirl lover or many other key witnesses. In the course of its preliminary investigation, the ombudsman’s office had Mr Dawson’s 1982 handwritten statement to police about his wife’s disappearance, in which he lied about going away “to be by myself” over Christmas 1981 when he had gone to Queensland with Ms Curtis.
Mr Dawson at the end of his statement made an unusual comment — that he was “being advised on procedure by Sergeant Brian Gardner( #8841 ), Manly Detectives”.
Mr Gardner was an influential senior figure of the Belrose Rugby League Club, where Mr Dawson and his twin brother Paul were joint captains and coaches. Known to colleagues as “Smacka”, Brian has since died.
Ms Strath believed Mr Dawson’s celebrity status as a former Newtown Jets rugby league star protected him from scrutiny.
Ultimately the ombudsman’s office concluded “no further action is necessary” after informing Ms Strath of the police position.
NSW Ombudsman Michael Barnes yesterday said the office had limited jurisdiction and resources in 1985 and its response was “satisfactory”.
