Peter and Paul (right) Stefaniw. Since our program, sadly one of the twins, Paul Stefaniw, the Victorian policeman has died. He was 49. His twin brother, Peter, also a policeman, says that between them, the twins have given nearly 60 years of police service. As well as paying tribute to his brother, Peter has asked us to mention Beyond Blue which helps people struggling with depression. For memories of Paul click through to this page. For other support services: Lifeline http://www.lifeline.org.au/ 131 114 Mensline http://www.mensline.org.au/ 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ 1800 551 800 http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/webextra/606/Two-of-a-Kind
Paul had been going through a marriage breakdown leading up to his death and was on sick leave.
He spent time, leading up to his death, visiting various friends and family ( which was his way of saying his goodbye’s ) but no one was aware of the mental anguish that Paul was going through.
He spent time putting his ‘affairs’ into order before, eventually, going to a beach where he left three notes, to various people, and then shot himself.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate.
Cal
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STEFANIW. – The Funeral Service for the late Leading Senior Constable Paul Taras Stefaniw will be held at the Victoria Police Academy, Viewmount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (Dec. 10, 2012) at 10.00 a. m. followed by a Burial at Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Rd, Fawkner at 1.30 p. m. Vigil Prayers will be recited at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 91 Buckley St, Essendon on SUNDAY (Dec. 9) at 6.00 p. m.
– See more at: http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/archivenotice/3023621/view?random=1406736702268#sthash.JN8EWTYC.dpuf
STEFANIW. – The Funeral Service for the late Leading Senior Constable Paul Taras Stefaniw will be held at the Victoria Police Academy, Viewmount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (Dec. 10, 2012) at 10.00 a. m. followed by a Burial at Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Rd, Fawkner at 1.30 p. m. Vigil Prayers will be recited at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 91 Buckley St, Essendon on SUNDAY (Dec. 9) at 6.00 p. m.
My deepest condolences to the Stefaniw family… I met Peter and Paul at interstate Police basketball championships back in the 80’s… Both very lovely blokes… Very sad to hear this news… Felicity Harley
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Deepest sympathy for your sad loss. I went to kindergarten and primary school with Paul & Peter. His birthday was the first boys party Cheryl and I had been invited to. My thoughts are with Peter and his family. Carol
~
Carol Swayn,
Queensland
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
I am very sorry to here this on SBS Twins. Condolances to all who new Paul
~
Roby Gillman
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
I’m allways sad my dealest friend Paul isn’t here!Marietta
~
Marietta Steiger,
Luzern
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Miss you Paul, you were a wonderful person, I think of you often and will always remember your greeting to me in the office “Woof”, and our discussions about your dogs and cats.
~
Dilys Clarke,
Melbourne, Victoria
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Stef, still thinking of you mate and you are truly missed. I still cant believe you have left us!! A true friend and a top fella. Dont forget “its ok”.
~
a. badaracchi,
melbourne, Victoria
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Not a day goes past that I don’t think about you, missing you always x
~
Rhiannon Dipple,
Melbourne, Victoria
Monday, 7 January 2013
Paul, Since hearing the news of your passing, it has been very difficult, both with a heavy heart and with many tears shed, to write what I feel.
You have given me many fond memories in my life, from our many wonderful times during our years in Plast, as well as the times you visited Adelaide to celebrate birthdays or just for a visit. I will cherish these memories forever.
Today, our Christmas Day, I wanted you to know that you are sadly missed and that my thoughts and prayers and heart are with you, Peter, Roxy and your family.
Vichnaya Pamyat
~
Sonia Borysiuk,
Adelaide, South Australia
Monday, 24 December 2012
Thinking of the Stefaniw family during this difficult time especially on the eve of christmas. Its funny I never met Paul but felt like I knew him through hearing lovely positive stories about him from my mum and our friend who attended the same Church and through an ex partner who is also VicPol. I felt deeply saddened as a human being,a fellow ukrainian and an ex “plastunka” on hearing of his passing. Clearly a beautiful soul as evidenced by the tributes on this site and all that knew him. Gone too soon though Paul will live on in many hearts. Rest in Peace Paul. Love, Solace and Strength to your twin brother Peter, your beautiful children and all the Stefaniw family.
Le vent souffle
l’amour s’ecoule
le temps s’arréte
et avec toi, je reste
~
St Tre,
Ceduna, South Australia
Friday, 21 December 2012
Rest in Peace Paul! Mary
~
Mary Kohl,
New South Wales
Thursday, 20 December 2012
To Peter, my heart has been so sad since hearing of the death of lovely Paul. Such fond memories of good times with the two of you and in particular Pauls wonderful sense of humor and great smile that lit up the room. My heart hurts for you Peter and for Pauls family. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Beth (Possum) xx
~
Beth Thompson,
Melbourne, Victoria
Monday, 17 December 2012
Stef, thanks for all the laughs and the good times we had mate. You always made me happy with your police war stories and funny one liners!! I will never forget you and hope you are at peace now. Cheers my big friend with the big heart! Bye mate, AB.
~
A. Badaracchi,
Melb, Victoria
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Darling Paul,come back we miss you too much,-Detty x
Thursday, 13 December 2012
To my dearest friends who have entered condolences in this book. My sincere thanks to you all for your kind words in the passing of my dearest(twin) brother, Paul. I was born, lived and died with him. Your thoughts and prayers for him and my families have made grieving just that little easier. I hope Paul, you have now found peace and can rest your troubled heart. I know you are around me because i can feel you.
Dont worry, “its OK”
love, “the other half”
~
Peter STEFANIW,
Cheltenham, Vic
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
I’m so sorry I’ve just found out of the sad passing of Paul. My deepest sympathies to Maryanne, Leisa, Nicholas, Peter & families. I have been massaging Paul for over 13 years. His beaming smile & laugh will never be forgotten. Thank you for your friendship. Patrick Herft – pH MASSAGE
To our favourite Uki twins Pavlo and Petro.
You made out Plast days memorable.
Syl’no Krasno Oberezhno Bystro
We will only ever remember those beaming smiles.
Beautiful souls the pair of you.
Proud Ukrainians.
We will never forget you Pavle and always here for you Petre x
It’s a twin thing … Liana and Katya Slipetsky
I will miss when our families got together and went to the zoo or drive in often. The way you could just stand there and hold up a finger in front and you would make me laugh for hours. So many good memories that will never be forgotten RIP xx
~
Michelle Ewart,
Melbourne, Victoria
Monday, 10 December 2012
I will miss you calling me “Fraulein” and calling out “Auf Wiedersehen” when you left the office. Your were a good and kind man and police officer.I am thankful to have known and worked with you. Auf Wiedersehen.
~
Susanna,
Victoria
Monday, 10 December 2012
Peter, I met Paul more than 25 years ago and knew him to be a very kind and truely a gentleman. I was very sadened to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with your families at this time, my deepest sympathy
~
Diane Hall,
Sandringham, Victoria
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Stefaniw, PaulThe fond childhood memories of dear cousin Paul shall not pass away.
2 Corinthians 5:1- “…For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens…”
Our deepest condolences and prayers for Peter, Roxolana and their families. With love – cousin Nadia & Otto, Joelle & Ariel.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Paul,
For the time we have known each other has been great! From all the stories that Mama and Tato have told me to all the funny jokes you shared when you came to visit us in Canberra. It will never be forgotten, you have a heart of gold.
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. My dearest sympathy to Peter, Roxanne, Leisa, Nicholas and Maryanne. May you rest in peace.
Vichnaya Pamyt
~
Kristina Lutak,
Auckland
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Dear Peter, We were very shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of your twin Paul and also of hearing of the passing of your darling mother, who was part of our family for many years. We lost contact when we moved away, but often think of you all with fond memories, Love from Julie, John, Anthony, Cameron and Shannon Wallace
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Paul. A lovely human being. Gone too soon. My thoughts are with your twin brother Peter and your family. Police Life certainly loved the Stefaniw twins. Marilyn Miller
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Such a rare person – such a short life.
Sorry that we could not be there for you – you have always been there for us. Will miss you a lot. Rest in peace. Vichnaya pamyat’.
Taras and Maryana
My dear cousin Paul, your passing is a loss that we will feel eternally. You are nothing short of a gem of a man, with a heart of gold. You are now our diamond in the sky. Our deepest sympathy to Pete,Roxy,Lesia,Nicholas & Maryanne. I will be forever proud of my caring cousin Paul. With love from Andre, Lane, Maggie & Grace Kozaczynsky XX
My Dearest Godson Paul, may you rest in peace. Dear Roxolana, Peter and the whole Stefaniw family I offer my deepest sympathy. Love Teta Marcella
~
Marcella Kozaczynsky
Friday, 7 December 2012
Paul, I feel so privileged to call you my cousin. Forever a gentleman. Rest in Peace. Love Tania
~
Tania Kozaczynsky-Edwards
Friday, 7 December 2012
I always looked forward to seeing your smiling face at Police functions. I’ll miss ya mate!
Julie Leder
Victoria Police Band
~
Julie Leder
Friday, 7 December 2012
Stef The pleasure was definatley all mine to have known you twice. You had the biggest marshmallow heart and were such a giver. I always loved you and will never loose that love for you. Some words you sent to me once, I now need to send back to you (thanks for the mwahs..they arrived with a tail wind last night and did wonders…)I know that you are still boxing on Stef… oh and I do!
Friday, 7 December 2012
Paul. remembering yo is easy, I do it every day, but missing you is still a heartache that never goes away. Forever in my heart. mar
~
Mar Steig,
Sydney, New South Wales
Friday, 7 December 2012
Paul, what a pleasure to briefly know you. You made us most welcome in your home on a couple of our visits to meet our “lost” relatives in Melbourne. Nothing was too much trouble for you.You were charming, funny and a pleasure to meet. May you rest in peace. xx Des, Angela and Leon Fedasch
~
Des and Angela Fedasch,
Bourne, England
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. A tender thought that brings a tear, A silent wish that you were here. xo (There ’tis.) Deepest sympathy to Peter and the Stefaniw family. – Linda.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Thank you for sharing a lifetime of good and happy memories. We will miss you – Mr and Mrs D, Lee, Deb and Mike.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Peter and members of the Stefaniw family on the passing of Paul. We have lost a loyal friend, and the community, a dedicated member of its Police Force.
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. “Big Kahuna” One of the nicest guys in the job. Gone Fishing – Dr Smith.
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Deepest sympathy and condolences to Pete and family on the tragic loss of Paul. – Past and Present Members of the Specialist Response Division (Water Police, Search and Rescue, Police Air Wing).
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. A great man and an even greater friend. We will miss your regular holidays here with us. Forever in our hearts – John and Di.
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. The Management and Staff at the Traffic Camera Office mourn the passing of their work colleague Leading Senior Constable Paul Stefaniw 25440. Paul was a long- standing member at the TCO and was a valued friend and colleague to all. Our deepest condolences to Maryanne, Lesia, Nick and his family. (Goodbye Big Kahuna)
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Stefaniw and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Our long time friend and associate Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and children. – Sarah and Paul, Jessica and Robbie Williams and Neil Gloster. Sadly Missed
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. L/S/C 25440 Members of the Kingston CIU would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Peter and members of the Stefaniw family on the loss of a respected member of the Victoria Police.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Dearest Paul, you are an amazing person, and an even better uncle. Love – Rhiannon.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Darling Paul, memories of you are endless. Love and miss you. – ‘Detty’.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. Uncle Paul, I will miss you forever. – Adam. Rest in Peace ‘Les Mykyta’
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. The Office of the Assistant Commissioner of the Road Policing Command is deeply saddened by the loss of leading Senior Constable Paul Stefaniw. The Road Policing Command send their condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul Taras. Leading Senior Constable 25440 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul LSC 25440. My dearest brother Paul, your tour of duty has now concluded. Rest gently in peace so your heart can relax. You were born, lived and died in my heart. What an honour to know you. All my love ‘Big Kahuna’ – Pete.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. My dearest brother and friend, my rare and precious gift. Love – Roxolana.
Published in: Herald Sun
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul. My loving uncle and Godfather, I always looked up to you. Now you’re even higher. Say hi to Buc. Love – Valiska.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 6 December 2012
STEFANIW. – Paul Taras. My Dear Husband Paul, Thank you for all the wonderful memories we shared over the years. Thank you for the beautiful children we have. The emptiness that is now left can never be filled. I pray you find serenity in your ‘perfect world’. Rest in peace -Maryanne. My Loving Dad, Thank you for every moment you made me happy. I will continue to carry out my duties and never stop our activities of camping and fishing. I will make you a very proud father, for I know you will be looking down from above helping and cheering me on. Rest in peace. Gone fishin’ – Nicholas. To Dad, There aren’t enough words in the world to say how much I love you and how much I will miss you. Thank you for every day in which you made me laugh. I wish you were here with us. Give Busia a big hug. Love always – Lesia. Forever yours – Kyrka.
PETER: When you’re growing up, people think you have a telepathic connection to your twin, but it doesn’t always work out that way; we’re not mind readers.
Though once we went to the same (police) job and I managed to get to the house at the same time as Paul, just as the (criminal) disappeared towards the back of the house. It’s almost as if I sent Paul a mental fax: “Go round the back”. And Paul has high-tailed it and managed to get there in time and have the guy run straight into him.
We cuffed him and the guy couldn’t work out how I got from the front to the back so fast. He looked at us and said something like, “I think I got a bad batch (of drugs) today”. Another time, there was a colleague killed on duty and Paul was the first one there, and I could just feel the vibe from him; it was almost like a radiant heat wall, a wave of depression. You can read the body play and language.
People do have a sense of curiosity, especially when you walk into a room, two policemen. And my wife is a triplet; they’re not identical, but the line you get is, “If you have kids, are you going to have quintuplets?” To a certain degree you can take being an identical twin for granted, but we like it.
PAUL: People still perceive you to be half of another person, yet you are an individual. You ham it up, you make the most of what it is.
Growing up it’s like a novelty, then as you get older it starts wearing thin – year after year the same lines, jokes, catchphrases. It’s good fun at school – there were a few problems with girlfriends or perceived friends who mistook us. Once I went on a date with a girl who had brown hair and we went to this particular restaurant; after that Peter and his blonde girlfriend went there and this waitress threw the meal down on the table.
It was not until we went on a double-date there that the waitress realised there were two of us; she thought one of us was dating two and doing the dirty, and she’d taken the woman’s perspective – “Here’s your bloody spaghetti”. She was so apologetic.
I was in the water police at the time Peter was a police helicopter observer. One time he was out on a search for a young girl in Wangaratta, and I was getting ready to go to work. Out of the blue I just stopped and called out his name, loudly, “Peter”, and then just went to work. On a patrol later that afternoon I was pulled aside and told by my boss that the helicopter crashed and Peter was in it, and almost killed.
That moment (when I called out his name) was when it happened. That was weird. Twins will relate to that telepathy thing. Overall, being an identical twin is a plus. If you don’t know any different, it’s a bonus. It’s Mother Nature’s gift.
My deepest condolences to the Stefaniw family… I met Peter and Paul at interstate Police basketball championships back in the 80’s… Both very lovely blokes… Very sad to hear this news… Felicity Harley
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Deepest sympathy for your sad loss.I went to kindergarten and primary school with Paul & Peter.His birthday was the first boys party Cheryl and I had been invited to.My thoughts are with Peter and his family. Carol
~
Carol Swayn,
Queensland
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
I am very sorry to here this on SBS Twins. Condolances to all who new Paul
~
Roby Gillman
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
I’m allways sad my dealest friend Paul isn’t here!Marietta
~
Marietta Steiger,
Luzern
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Miss you Paul, you were a wonderful person, I think of you often and will always remember your greeting to me in the office “Woof”, and our discussions about your dogs and cats.
~
Dilys Clarke,
Melbourne, Victoria
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Stef, still thinking of you mate and you are truly missed. I still cant believe you have left us!! A true friend and a top fella. Dont forget “its ok”.
~
a. badaracchi,
melbourne, Victoria
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Not a day goes past that I don’t think about you, missing you always x
~
Rhiannon Dipple,
Melbourne, Victoria
Monday, 7 January 2013
Paul, Since hearing the news of your passing, it has been very difficult, both with a heavy heart and with many tears shed, to write what I feel.
You have given me many fond memories in my life, from our many wonderful times during our years in Plast, as well as the times you visited Adelaide to celebrate birthdays or just for a visit. I will cherish these memories forever.
Today, our Christmas Day, I wanted you to know that you are sadly missed and that my thoughts and prayers and heart are with you, Peter, Roxy and your family.
Vichnaya Pamyat
~
Sonia Borysiuk,
Adelaide, South Australia
Monday, 24 December 2012
Thinking of the Stefaniw family during this difficult time especially on the eve of christmas. Its funny I never met Paul but felt like I knew him through hearing lovely positive stories about him from my mum and our friend who attended the same Church and through an ex partner who is also VicPol. I felt deeply saddened as a human being,a fellow ukrainian and an ex “plastunka” on hearing of his passing. Clearly a beautiful soul as evidenced by the tributes on this site and all that knew him. Gone too soon though Paul will live on in many hearts. Rest in Peace Paul. Love, Solace and Strength to your twin brother Peter, your beautiful children and all the Stefaniw family.
Le vent souffle
l’amour s’ecoule
le temps s’arréte
et avec toi, je reste
~
St Tre,
Ceduna, South Australia
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/heraldsun-au/paul-stefaniw-condolences/161446933#sthash.uw0TN08I.dpuf
John McNALLY
| 30/07/2014
John McNALLY
( the First Victorian Policeman killed ‘ on duty ” )
Victoria Police Force
Sergeant
Murdered – shot
Born 1826
Died 16 October 1856
30 old
McNally, John (1826–1856)
Intelligence was received on Saturday morning last, at the Detective Office, that on the preceding Thursday, the 16th inst., two of the mounted police force, Sergeant [John] McNally and Constable Moore, proceeded at seven o’clock on the night in question to a tent believed to be occupied by the notorious William Turner, alias Gipsy Smith, who stands charged with various acts of highway robbery, and with dismounting a constable from his horse near Castlemaine several months ago, and with escaping from custody.
On approaching the tent, the officers recognised Turner, who attempted to make his escape. The officers immediately closed with him, and, during the struggle, shots were fired from the tent, one of which entered the breast of Sergeant McNally, who fell dead on the spot. Several other shots were fired, and wounded the constable (Moore) severely in the face and other parts of the body.
As soon as the intelligence reached the Camp at Mount Ararat, the police went in search of the bushrangers, who, however, succeeded in eluding their vigilance. A woman was arrested in the tent. An active search is in progress, and it is thought the criminals cannot long escape detection. The gang, supposed to be under the leadership of Turner, is, without doubt, the same as that which committed the late daring acts of bushranging near Moliagul.
Sergeant John McNally became the first member of the Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Cathcart diggings on 16th October, 1856.
Whilst trying to arrest a suspect (Gypsy Smith) over a string of armed robberies, an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. The two offenders then made their escape. Seven days later, the pair were arrested near Amherst and charged with the murder of McNally. One of the offenders was hanged in 1857 and the other received a sentence of fifteen years hard labour.
The offender, William Smith (Gypsy Smith) was transported to Botany Bay at the age of 15 for stealing a handkerchief. He went on to become a hardened bush ranger who, between the years of 1852 and 1856, became the notorious ‘Gypsy Smith’, a subject of fascination for the newspapers and police as he and his gang of desperate convicts created fear among the gold diggings of Victoria.
Sergeant McNally is buried in Cathcart Cemetery on a hill known as McNally’ Hill. The Cemetery is in a natural bushland setting and is very well maintained.
The emergency department at Ararat Hospital is known as the John McNally Emergency Department.
Cathcart is approx. 4.6 km from Ararat and is approx. 345 m above sea level. There is no town at Cathcart, it is only an area. It was a large attraction for Gold Miners in the early 1800′s. People from England, Ireland, Scotland, America, Switzerland, Germany, France, Russia and China descended on Cathcart to look for gold. Also many other from Australia took their families there as well.
There were many stories about horse thieves and murderers in the old days and these were dealt with tough justice by a self-established vigilante committee.
After the first rush the lead was lost and most miners moved on to other diggings except one of the original party J. P. Rodd who was in partnership with an American Negro Richard Davis (alias Black Harry). They traced the gold deeper and hit another lead calling it Blackman Lead. This attracted 3,000 diggers to the area, other leads were discovered each causing a new rush of miners.
The general area became known as Cathcart and with time the name was given to the Township where stores, school, hall and hotels had sprung up. There were many tents and lean-to shanties.
Today there is little evidence of the hustle and bustle of the frenzied gold diggers and their lively community of dreamers. Except maybe the Cemetery, which is on the Ararat- Pomonal Rd.
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Sergeant John McNally: The system of registered number for police hadn’t been introduced when Sergeant John McNally was murdered on the Mt Ararat goldfield in 1856. He had joined the Victoria Police Force the previous year after service with the Royal Irish Constabulary.
On October 16, 1856 Sergeant McNally and Constable John Moore where told that William Turner, a wanted robber was staying in a tent in a camp about two miles away. Turner tired to flee but the police wrestled him to the ground. Turner called for help from his associate, William Twigham. Also known as Cockney Bill, Twigham came out of the tent armed with a double-barrelled shotgun. He fired, killing Sergeant McNally and wounding Constable Moore.
Turner and Twigham escaped and a reward of £400 was offered for their arrest. They were arrested a week later at the Adelaide diggings after being recognised by a shopkeeper.
After a trial held at Castlemaine, Twigham was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. he was hanged at the Melbourne Gaol on March 11, 1857.
Turner pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years hard labour on the roads and other public works.
[divider_dotted]
Life of Sergeant John McNally’s murderer subject of new book
ARARAT – A book chronicling the life and times of the man responsible for the murder of police sergeant John McNally in 1856 is nearing completion.
The text, which is yet to be titled, tells the story of William Sydenham Smith and how his life of crime led to him crossing paths with Sergeant McNally.
Sergeant McNally was the first member of the Victorian Police force to be slain in the line of duty.
The research team of Marion McAdie, Greg Vivian, and Ian Batty along with author Laurie Moore have spent over 12 months on the book.
Mrs McAdie said she along with the genealogical society wanted to find the facts surrounding the murder of Sergeant McNally.
“Unfortunately, after much research we still know little about McNally or his partner Constable John Moore, who was wounded in the same incident,” she said.
The book uses Smith’s history to provide a broader context to the death of McNally.
“Like the public perception of most Australian bush rangers, Smith comes across in most accounts as a one-dimensional person,” Mrs McAdie said.
“His origins from England as a transported convict at the age of fifteen, his brutal treatment for minor misdemeanours at the hands of a ruthless system, his heroism in saving lives during his imprisonment, and his eventual participation as a free man in colonial New South Wales and Victoria, have never been mentioned before.
“As in many cases of murder by bush rangers, the victim hardly rates a mention and we hope that this book may help recognise the heroism and positive contributions made by the early police on the goldfields.”
Mrs McAdie said she believes it is an important story because it tells of how a young William Smith was transported to Botany Bay at the age of 15 for stealing a handkerchief.
“It traces his experiences as a convict around Sydney, Norfolk Island and Tasmania before he escaped in a whale boat from Tasmania,” she said.
The book goes on to show how the young boy became a hardened bush ranger who, between the years of 1852 and 1856, became the notorious ‘Gypsey Smith’, a subject of fascination for the newspapers and police as he and his gang of desperate convicts created fear among the gold diggings of Victoria.
The story culminates in the events at Cathcart diggings on October 16, 1856 when the bush rangers were confronted by Sergeant McNally and Constable Moore, leaving one dead and the other wounded.
“After the eventual capture of the bush rangers near Maryborough, Smith’s mate was hanged but a strange fate awaited Smith, and this is detailed in the forthcoming book,” Mrs McAdie said.
Although the story revolves around a bush ranger, it is set among the goldfields of 1850s’ Victoria.
It touches on the lives of many ordinary people, the legal system, the squatters, and the impacts of convicts who came in large numbers to look for gold and rob and terrorise the infant community.
“It is a good read and one that is set in Sydney, Norfolk Island, Tasmania, Melbourne, Yackandandah, Moliagul, Maryborough, Amherst, Beaufort, Ararat, Cathcart and Hay in New South Wales,” Mrs McAdie said.
The book’s author, Laurie Moore retired from Sydney to live in Western Victoria thirteen years ago.
Mr Moore’s first book involved nearly ten years of research by Mr Moore and his wife Dianne.
It told the story of the last declared outlaw in Australia, Jimmy Governor, who was the fictional character, Jimmie Blacksmith, in the book written by Thomas Keneally.
Since then he has written ‘Shot for Gold’, a bush ranging story that happened near Smythesdale, a draft for a book on the Clark Gang of Braidwood, and has now put together the history of the killing of the policeman, Sergeant John McNally, and the convict and bush ranging events that led to his death in October 1856 at Cathcart.
Mrs McAdie said despite all the hours of research the team still can’t place an exact location of the burial site of sergeant McNally.
“We would love to hear from people about the exact location,” she said.
“We think the site is located in the north west corner of the now Cathcart cemetery.”
The team hope to have the book finished by the 157th anniversary of the event on October 16 this year.
Plaque at gravesite commemorates Police Sergeant John Mc Nally who was murdered whilst on duty in October 1854.
Sergeant John McNally became the first member of Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Mt Ararat goldfields on 16th October, 1856. Whilst trying to arrest a suspect over a string of armed robberies an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. The two offenders then made their escape. Seven days later, the pair were arrested near Amherst and charged with the murder of McNally. One of the offenders was hanged in 1857 and the other received a sentence of fifteen years hard labour.
Front Inscription
In memory Sgt. John McNally who was murdered whilst in the execution of his duty 16-10-1854. Erected by Victoria Police Department 1974.
Source: MA,RHSV
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia – www.monumentaustralia.org.au
The John McNally Medical Imaging Unit at Ararat Hospital
With substantial donations from the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation the Ararat Hospital was able to purchase an image intensifier for its surgical department and new X-Ray equipment for the Medical Imaging Unit. This was a joint project between the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the local community through the Ararat Branch and was dedicated as a Police Memorial in memory of Sergeant John McNally who was murdered at the Mt Ararat Goldfields in 1856.
The John McNally Emergency Department at Ararat Hospital
In 2003 works commenced on a complete redevelopment of the Ararat Hospital and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation was able to contribute to the re-building of the emergency department. This was completed as a joint project in partnership with the local community through the Ararat Barnch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Today the Ararat Hospital Emergency Department can provide state of the art emergency & trauma care to the people of Ararat and surrounding districts. This project, commissioned as a Police Memorial in May 2004, was the first stage in a continuing relationship with the community of Ararat and their public hospital.
Sergeant John McNally became the first member of Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Mt Ararat goldfields on 16th October, 1856. Whilst trying to arrest a suspect over a string of armed robberies an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. Sergeant McNally’s sacrifice is acknowledged through this an other projects installed at the Ararat Hospital.
The Chief Inspector of Police at Brisbane has received a telegram intimating that on the 4th instant Constable E. F. T. Crampton who was stationed at Yeulba, entered his ofiice and shot himself with his revolver. The district inspector has gone to Yeulba to investigate. Constable Crampton who was a married man with a wife and family had been transferred to Yeulba a few days ago from the Charleville district where he had been doing relieving duty.
The Brisbane Courier ( Qld ) Saturday 7 September 1907 page 4 of 16
As inquiry was held before Mr. Wm. Harris, P.M., at Yeulba on Friday into the death of Constable Crampton, who committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver on Thursday morning last.
The evidence of George Howe, a contractor at Yeulba, was to the effect that he had been occupied about a week repairing the police buildings, and that deceased arrived there on 27th August. Deceased appeared low spirited, and complained of having no sleep. In the middle of a conversation he would get up and walk away. On the 3rd, deceased picked up a cartridge, which he put in his mouth, exclaiming “Bang.” On the 4th, a man in Howe’s employ told Howe the constable was walking about with a revolver in his hand. Howe went to the constable and asked him what he wanted to be playing with the revolver for, and Crampton remarked, ” It is very tempting being under my nose.” Later he put the revolver in a pigeon hole. That was the last time he saw Crampton alive. The following morning Howe and Darr found him dead on the floor of his room.
Masy Crampton, widow of deceased, deposed that her husband had been very worried over business matters. He had left the police and gone into business at Oakey, but bad lost money and rejoined the force. Later he was transferred to Charleville and Yeulba. In his letters to her he complained of the idea of having to take his family to Charlevill, also of having no sleep. He was a temperate man.
Henry Darr, H. McLoughlin, J.P., Constable Joyce, Dr. Pratt (Government medical officer), and several others gave evidence.
The Argus ( Melbourne, Vic. ) Monday 9 October 1893 page 6 of 8
SUICIDE AT THE RUSSELL STREET BARRACKS.
SERGEANT DERRY SHOOTS HIMSELF.
On Saturday morning Sergeant F. C. Derry, who acted as clerk to Superintendent Sadlier, committed suicide by shooting himself at the Russell street barracks. No reason can be assigned for his act. He was happy in his domestic relations was well advanced in grade in the force, held a comfortable position as clerk to the inspecting superintendent, and was almost, if not quite, a total abstainer from intoxicants. In these circumstances and the additional favourable features of good health and a happy temperament, the members of the force have been compelled to the opinion that his act was the result of some sudden impulse which cannot be explained. Derry was 38 years of age, and a married man with a wife and two children. He entered the Permanent Artillery in 1874, and a year later joined the police force. In May, 1887, he was promoted to the rank of senior constable, and in February, 1892, to a second class sergeant. His clerical ability which in 1884 carried him with honours through the officers examination, marked him as specially suitable for a position on the office staff, and when Sergeant Crampton was promoted to the rank of sub- inspector and left the office of the inspecting superintendent, Derry was appointed to take his place as chief clerk. In his new position Derry worked untiringly and with much success, and having a talent for organisation he devoted himself to the task of making a success of the police brass band, of the committee of which he was chairman. His efforts and the efforts of those associated with him were an unqualified success as the record of two years, during which £5OO or so has been raised by the band for charities testifies. On Saturday morning Derry seemed in his usual health and spirits, but soon after he had entered his office Constable McGuinness heard a pistol shot, and upon running into Derry’s room he found him lying on the floor with a smoking pistol in his hand. Sergeant Byrne was called, and though he saw that the pistol bullet having entered the sergeants mouth, was still embedded in his brain, and had undoubtedly caused instant death, he ordered the body to be at once removed to the Melbourne Hospital. This was done, and Dr Desailly examined the patient but his examination confirmed the opinion of Sergent Byrne. The bullet had evidently been fired while the pistol was held in the mouth, and it had caused immediate death. Mr Sadleir examined the sergeants papers and found them correct in every particular, and he then communicated the fact of his death to the chief commissioner. An inquest will be held to day at noon.
The Commissioner of Police ( W.A. ) and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague Lee Collard registered number 82753. Deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
Guest book:
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
COLLARD (Stanley ): To our beautiful brother and uncle, you were taken from us far too soon. Our hearts are broken that you’re no longer here. We will miss your wicked sense of humour and gorgeous face. We know you are no longer in pain but we will carry your memory with us and miss you every day until we see you again.
Melissa, Brooke, Georgia and Shakhari
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
COLLARD
Stanley Malcolm (Lee):
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague Lee Collard registered number 82753. Deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
Published in: The West Australian
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewest-au/stanley-collard-condolences/171883196?cid=full#sthash.UE9VY48t.dpuf
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
COLLARD ( Stanley ): To our beautiful brother and uncle, you were taken from us far too soon. Our hearts are broken that you’re no longer here. We will miss your wicked sense of humour and gorgeous face. We know you are no longer in pain but we will carry your memory with us and miss you every day until we see you again.
Melissa, Brooke, Georgia and Shakhari
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
COLLARD
Stanley Malcolm (Lee):
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague Lee Collard registered number 82753. Deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
With regret I advise the death of John Charles DUFF, 76 old, former Regd. No. 11262, not an RPA member of Rylstone.
John passed away on 24/07/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Thursday 31st Instant at St James Anglican Church, 45 Mudgee Street, RYLSTONE.
Duff, John Charles (“J.D.”). 24th July, 2014 peacefully at Rylstone Hospital, late of Piper Street, Rylstone and formerly of Orange. Beloved husband of Beverley, much loved father and father-in-law of Donna & Peter, Brandon & Tracey, cherished grandfather of Alicia, Mia, Cooper and Tamarah, and adored brother of Pat, Terry, David, Raymond and Lorraine.
Aged 76 years
“One of Natures True Gentleman”
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Service for The Late John Duff, which will take place at 11.00am on Thursday 31st July, 2014 at St James Anglican Church, Rylstone, thence for Rylstone General Cemetery for interment. Members of Rylstone Bowling Club are especially invited to attend.
By special request, donations in lieu of floral tributes may be made, at the Service, to Rylstone Hospital.
DUFF, John Charles (“J.D.”) . 24th July, 2014 peacefully at Rylstone Hospital, late of Piper Street, Rylstone and formerely of Orange. Beloved husband of Beverley, much loved father and father-in-law of Donna & Peter, Brandon & Tracey, cherished grandfather of Alicia, Mia, Cooper and Tamarah, and adored brother of Pat, Terry, David, Raymond and Lorraine.
Aged 76 years
“One of Natures True Gentleman”
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Service for The Late John Duff, which will take place at 11.00am on Thursday 31st July, 2014 at St James Anglican Church, Rylstone, thence for Rylstone General Cemetery for interment. Members of Rylstone Bowling CLub are especially invited to attend.
By special request, donations in lieu of floral tributes may be made, at the Service, to Rylstone Hospital
MACQUARIE VALLEY FUNERALS
Members of the N.F.D.A. and The F.D.A. of N.S.W.
& Monumental Mason’s Assoc of NSW
118 Market Street, Mudgee
Telephone: 6372 2331 All Hours
ANNOUNCEMENTS : DEATH NOTICES
28/07/2014 Mudgee Guardian
Around an hour ago I received a telephone call from the wife of a very close friend and ex Officer that I shared duties with at Gunning [Cullerin Range Area] where we attended in excess of 200 fatal accidents together, over a period of five years, John Duff, Reg No 11262 has been suffering from cancer in both lungs and a tumor on his spine, Beverley informs me that John was admitted to the Rylstone Hospital this afternoon and not expected to last the night out, very sad that it is moments like this that make us realize just how close we have become and take for granted,
Dennis GearsideFriends are hard to come by and it’s even more difficult when you are faced with losing them. His peace may give your peace. Memories are forever.
Len BalkKerry it’s a really sad situation mate and good on you for making the journey but remember to look after yourself as well because you are important to others also.
Phillip Stubbs-MillsIt is sad how even operational Police cause problems.. Example one of my Coast Roads Constable was first car on the scene of a double fatal at the BP at Clybucca. A young Americain couple had bee on a honeymoon in Cairns decided to drive down to Syd…See More
Paul DaviesGreat song choice Paul, really says it all. We all try to reflect on lives of our friends or families in these times when the end is near but when it’s all said and done it’s just a rotten mtime to go through as I and many of you guys have had to endure it more times than we care to remember.
Peter CameronA couple of Crashies suicided from those bus crashes Phillip Stubbs-Mills. I did a couple of years in the AIS at Ballina and for me it was just a job and I could put it aside. Having said that, I can still remember fatals I went to when I first joine…See More
Ian BorlandPeter you are so right. No matter which field of poling you work the support from the Dept is abysmal. Some bosses who get it can be extremely supportive and ensure an even distribution of work and exposure. That said, the exposure as we we’ll know …See More
Peter CameronIan, no need to apologise for the length of the post. You have more reasons than most on here to bang on about this. What I havn’t told you before is that we met after Paul Quinn’s murder in ’86. I was stationed at Casino with him before that tragic incident. I often reflected on how that must have affected you but you put your boots back on and batted on for years in the job.
Paul DaviesIan I remember that horrible incident you were involved in something we all prayed we would never be confronted with. At the time of your nightmare shift I was at Blacktown tracking down the Anita Cobby killers. I was glad to be doing what I was doing and not being in your shoes . Very brave and I dip my hat to you, and long live the memory of your partner.
Ian BorlandI didn’t know anything else, and the support from my workmates helped beyond words I could use to describe. That seems to have gone by the wayside, and the good old bosses we had that were mostly returned servicemen who really “got it” were leaving in…See More
Peter CameronSpot on Ian, it made all the difference with a good solid boss backing you up. Also the old fashioned debriefs with mates out the back of the Station worked wonders. Then some bright prick stopped that.
Bill FortierAgreed, we spent more time with each other than our own families. Just like x servicemen who have seen it all they do not talk to others. They talk to those who have been there done that who know how it feels and what to do to fix problems. They could make decisions on the run and we all followed because we believed in them.
Ian BorlandYou would not believe it but the solution to all this was put to the Dept. In 1988 by a committee I was involved in with Don Fudensein Jnr. Naturally all looked good until one of the dunces that was a Deputy a Commissioner made the most despicable com…See More
Bill FortierMarvellous things books, they teach all the theory on any topic you wish to name. But when it comes to practical application of the theories and models put forward sometimes the real world never reflects what one has spent learning from pages. The university of life is the best learning institute for front line policing without doubt.
Bill FortierMy professor at the university was Bumper Farrell. No compromises or mistakes were tolerated. No pain permitted. Now we have all the new rules. The Dept is now legally bound to take of all under the Work, Health Safety laws. Has it helped?
Glen Thompson11 years ago after an incident at Goulburn I was directed by the Welfare Branch to speak to a ‘counsellor’ for six sessions. He and I got on well and he suggested some more time together. I had to see a GP for a referral. My normal long term GP was …See More
Glen ThompsonPerhaps it is time that the NSW Government / Police Force looked at a military style program of tenure. sign up for X number of years, be regualraly assessed psychologically, supported when certain types of jobs are attended etc. We all know why they won’t do it. It’s way too expensive.
Ian BorlandI’ll put this out, however it may well be known to you all already. When you are sent to psychologists and psychiatrists they give you the interview etc then get around to your family history. The question usually couched as, “does anyone in your fam…See More
Ian BorlandYou told the truth, but that was his cross to bear, it could not be construed as endogenous depression. I hope that the root cause was extracted at the time of the assessment Greg. As you can see it’s an easy slight of hand to play.
Ian BorlandGlen I totally agree, but I think we need to include naively in there too. As cops we did our job straight down the line. We dealt in black and white with no time for grey area. We trust others to do likewise towards us but unfortunately there are always hidden agendas we are unaware of.
With regret I advise the death of Frank NEWMAN, 81 old, former Regd. No. 7908, non-member of RPA.
Frank passed away on 24/07/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 10.30am on Thursday 31st Instant at St Michaels Catholic Church, Chapel Lane, BAULKHAM HILLS.
Service: Commonwealth Police / Australian Federal Police: From ? to ? ? 1996
AFP Regd. # ?
Awards: Member of the Order of Australia ( AM ) – granted 26 January 1982 in recognition of service to the AFP
National Medal – granted 3 September 1985
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 1 May 1987
Born: ?
Died on: Tuesday 22 July 2014
Cause: Cancer
Age: ?
Funeral date: Saturday 26 July 2014
Funeral location: Chapel of Fred Ward (Brindabella) Gardens, Curtin
Buried at: Cremated
[alert_blue]BARRIE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
Barrie John BROWN, age unknown, former Regd. No. 10118.
Barrie resigned from NSW Police in 1969 and joined the Commonwealth Police and later the AFP where he served until 1996.
He regularly met with retired NSW Police in the RPA (ACT) Social Luncheon group. His funeral has been held.
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Obituary
Printed: Saturday 2 August 2014
BARRIE JOHN BROWN AM
Passed away peacefully on 22.7.2014 surrounded by his loving family.
Adored husband of Jann, loved so much as a father and friend by his children Caryn and Stephen and their partners.
Amazing and devoted, proud grandfather to Kaela and Alana.
Special mate to brother Dennis and his family.
Supportive friend to many, with a great heart.
Barrie never lost his gentle, caring manner through two years of fighting cancer.
He was a much respected police officer, volunteer and car racing enthusiast.
His private cremation took place last Saturday, followed by a celebration of his
life, with good friends present in the Chapel of Fred Ward (Brindabella) Gardens, Curtin.
Douglas Edward CRAMPTON, 86 old, former Regd. No. 8579, Uniform No. 3265, a Veteran member of the Hornsby & District Branch of the RPA.
Douglas passed away on 26/07/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Friday 1st August at Thornleigh Baptist Church, Duffy Avenue, THORNLEIGH.
Beloved husband of Doreen (deceased). Loving father and father-in-law of Roslyn and Warick, Virginia and Robert. Adored Grandy to Matthew, Claire, Elsie, Julia and Sophie.Aged 86 years
In God’s Care
Following a Private Cremation family and friends are warmly invited to attend DOUG’s Thanksgiving Service to be held at Thornleigh Community Baptist Church, corner of Duffy Avenue and The Esplanade, Thornleigh, on Friday (August 1, 2014) at 11a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Care, envelopes will be available at the Church.
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Douglas married Doreen Mary TYSON, at Bankstown, in 1953. Marriage Registration No. 4172/1953
In Loving Memory of LOMAS, Kevin George ” Lofty “ 25 March 1936 – 21 July 2012
MARRIAGE NSW Births deaths and Marriages 25647/1961 LOMAS KEVIN GEORGE married MITCHELL ROSLYN FRANCES district HURSTVILLE
RESIDENCE Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 for Kevin George Lomas, New South Wales 1968 Hume Tumut (living at the Police House Talbingo as a Police Constable with wife Roslyn)
DEATH The Ryerson Index to death notices and obituaries in Australian newspapers LOMAS Kevin George (Lofty) Death notice 21 JUL 2012 Death 76 at Batlow Canberra Times 24 JUL 2012
Sergeant Kevin Lomas, officer in charge of Wilsons Valley police station, checks a car buried in snow at the roadside between Wilsons Valley and Smiggin Holes. He is holding the aerial.
Snow and ice build up on the new Perisher Valley Hotel yesterday. The hotel, which opens today, has accommodation for 50 guests, ranging up to a penthouse costing $200 a person a day.
Two Australian Federal Police recruit classes graduated yesterday at the Weston Police Training College, including two constables whose fathers are well-known policemen in the district.
The 41 graduates took to the parade square at 8.45am to music provided by the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. They were reviewed by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr John Johnson, who told the graduates their parade performance was the best he had seen.
Thirty-six of the new officers will be posted to general duties in the ACT, beginning on Monday. The others will take up postings throughout Australia.
One of the graduates was Constable John Dillon, 20, son of Superintendent Ron Dillon, who has been an officer with the AFP and former ACT Police since 1961.
Superintendent Dillon became well known for his TV presentations of ‘Police Seven’ and the police column in The Canberra Times. He is now the officer-in-charge of the AFP’s special branch.
Constable Dillon said he could hardly wait to begin work on Monday, but was a bit nervous about it. He ultimately wished to move into detective work, perhaps following his father’s footsteps by working in the special branch. He would like to do a number of years in general policing first.
Another proud father was Sergeant Kevin Lomas, of the NSW Police, who has been stationed at Queanbeyan for the past two years. His daughter Leanne, 19, was one of the graduates yesterday. Another daughter, Glenda, 20, is training at the college and expects to graduate in June.
Sergeant Lomas said it was a proud day for him. He was pleased that both daughters had chosen a police career.
He has two other children still at school, “one of whom is thinking about joining the Air Force, but I wouldn’t be surprised if all of them joined the police”, he said.
Constable Leanne Lomas said she had been posted to the city station. She hoped to be posted to Darwin later this year.
The dux of recruit training course 2/82 was Constable Tim Dahlstrom and the runner-up for the most improved was Constable Craig Henry.
The dux of course 3/82 was Constable Romi Gyergyak and the runner-up was Constable Stephen McTackett. All were presented with trophies by Mr Johnson.
From Jindabyne tunnel and round Island Bend
We boys go to Cooma, our money to spend
And we’ll buy youse some beer there if you happen to see
Four Italians, three Germans, two Yugoslavs and me
We’ll pull up in Sharpe Street by the Alpine Hotel
If you’ve been to Cooma you’ll know this place well
And before we’re inside our order rings out
Four vinos, three schnappses, two slivovitz, one stout
From the song ‘Cooma Cavaliers’ by Ulick O’Boyle and The Settlers.
If there was one theme which bound the lives of all Snowy workers, it was alcohol. It was the elixir for camaraderie and the balm for fear, boredom, homesickness and loneliness.
The wet canteens in the mountains and hotels and nightclubs in Cooma were eventually open twenty-four hours a day to cater for men working the different shifts. Violence and trouble could occur at any hour.
Managing the aftermath of long drinking sessions fell on the shoulders of the handful of policemen scattered through the mountains and on the Authority’s patrol officers. The odds against them were sometimes frightening. More than one policeman was transferred out a broken man.
The lot of a Snowy law enforcer, often working alone among populations of hard-drinking, hard living men, many of whom believed the law was an irrelevance in the mountain frontier, was never easy.
Those who did survive in the tough, knock-about world of the construction camps and towns and who earned their stripes in the Snowy hall of fame were men like Fred ‘Careless Hands’ Chapman, detective Bill ‘Homocide’ Holmes, Brian Shultz, Bill ‘Chubby’ Keefe, Harold Etheridge, Kevin ‘Lofty’ Lomas, detective Bob Blissett, Bill Graham, Lionel Whitney, Bill Head, Bruce ‘Bags’ Durrant, Rod Murray, Bev Wales and ‘The Admiral’, Ron Davey. All could handle themselves — Careless Hands and Ron Davey had both been champion wrestlers — and all were colourful characters who fitted into the unconventional way of life in the mountains.
Many were regarded as the central characters in the communities over which they presided. They were men who lived by their wits, rather than the rule book.
The mix of nationalities, the language problem and many of the migrant workers’ backgrounds created unique circumstances that sometimes required a swift belt behind the ear and, at other times, sensitivity.
Frank Rodwell, a long-serving patrol officer with the Authority often found peace could be restored after a bloody brawl simply by lending a sympathetic shoulder: “I learned quickly that some of these fellows had gone through hell and were living on a razor edge. One time I was called to a fight caused by a Polish fellow who was drunk. As I dragged him away he started screaming, ‘they’re all dead … all dead’. His whole family had been killed in the war and he missed them terribly.
“I had another similar experience with a Yugoslav who had opened a mass grave with his bare hands to try to find his mother … who wouldn’t drink and go a bit crazy after something like that?
Working alone and unarmed the patrol officers often found themselves in hostile and dangerous situations: “But it was the job you had to do … and if you couldn’t do it then you were no good to anybody.”
At Sue City, the workers took great delight in the antics of their local policeman, Ron Davey and his cherished boxer dog … whose name was Boxer.
In the late afternoon just when Ron would be about to taste his first cold beer at the end of a long, arduous day, the valley would echo with the Boxer’s plaintive wail. To the delight of the regular drinkers, who had come to know the ritual, Ron would storm from the wet canteen, grab a spade and start to climb the steep valley slopes, following the direction of the wailing.
Somewhere up on the mountain, as everybody had come to know, Boxer had tried to chase another wombat into its hole. The dog would always get stuck about a metre inside and then tell the whole world of its predicament. On locating the animal, Ron would dig it out, slap it furiously across its rump with his trouser belt, then drag it unceremoniously by the collar back to his house where he tied it up.
After three or four days Ron started to feel sorry for the animal, “his mate”, moping on the end of its leash. In a flood of affection would let it off for a run. As sure as Monday followed Sunday, on the day the dog was free again Ron would be about to enjoy his first cold ale when the valley would once again echo … Whoooooooooo.
Of all the men who policed the construction camps, only one man, however, became universally regarded as a legend in his own time … Constable Bev Wales.
Bev Wales was renowned as being totally and utterly fearless. In 1955, after three years in Cooma, Bev began nurturing the idea of taking over a one-man station up in the mountains. He was about to marry the daughter of one of the Cooma sergeants and didn’t want to stay too close to home.
Also, while conceding he had learned more about real police work in a month at Cooma than he would have in five years in Sydney, Cooma too was starting to become routine … paper work and more paperwork and always to do with the same things — brawls and road accidents.
“The locals and the ‘wogs’ as they were called were still feeling each other out. The local lads were toey. They didn’t like the young foreigners coming down from the mountains with all their money. The migrant fellows didn’t want trouble but they were only prepared to take so much. So there were hundreds of brawls and if a non-Australian was involved, it meant double the paperwork.
“And alcohol, speed, poor roads and extreme weather conditions meant a lot of pretty horrible accidents. Plenty of cars, often loaded with blokes, left the road in places where they’d drop hundreds of feet.”
Bev wanted a beat where he took on all work. In December 1955 he sought and was happily granted, the job as replacement constable at Happy Jacks which had the reputation as the roughest camp on the Snowy. The workers there had grown accustomed to being a law unto themselves and had virtually driven out the previous constable.
Bev put a lot of thought into how he would approach his new assignment, his first lone command. From the start he decided he would not wear a uniform as his predecessor had done. He also realised he had to earn the men’s respect using the only language they understood. It was a question of his own survival.
On the drive from Cooma to take up his new position he stopped at the wet canteen at Junction Shaft, which was on his new beat and was where a lot of the Happy Jacks’ workers drank.
There were a dozen or so fellows drinking. Bev stood, framed in the doorway, until he had their attention: “My name’s Bev Wales. I’m the new constable,” he said simply.
For a moment the men looked as though they hadn’t heard him clearly, then responded with a chorus of whistling and cat-calls.
“So if there’s anyone here who thinks he can stop me, then he had better try it now before I unpack my Landrover.”
The wolf whistles and jeers got even louder and four solidly built Australians slid off their stools. It wasn’t every day a copper actually asked to be punched. They approached the young constable, leering, savouring the moment. They paused just beyond an arm’s length, then moved in swinging.
Every account of the incident is the same. Bev Wales used four, maybe five punches to lay the four men out on the floor. He bundled them into the back of his Landrover and continued on to Happy Jacks to lock them up for the night.
“They got a bit of a surprise,” Bev said later. Everybody did. Within hours the incident was being recountered throughout the surrounding camps. Happy Jacks had won a package deal, a new constable and prisoners in the one delivery.
By the end of his first month Bev Wales had locked up forty men, most of whom spent several nights in a cell nursing bruised jaws and foreheads.
“Over the years they had gone berserk. There was no law and order whatsoever. Living up in the mountains they thought they were beyond the law. The lawlessness had to stop and I was the one sent to do it,” Bev said.
He rarely worked less than sixteen hours a day. His patrol ranged from Eucumbene Portal near Adaminaby (the entrance to the Eucumbene – Tumut tunnel), to Tolbar Camp, up to Happy Jacks, Cabramurra, Kiandra, Kenny’s Knob, Tumut Pond, Tooma camp and all areas in between. He was a lone policeman among six thousand workers and the only link between most of the camps on his beat were rough bulldozer tracks.
Bev Wales backed away from no situation, even when he was out-numbered. When brawling men were told Bev was on the way, his reputation preceded him like a bow wave, often quelling disturbance before he arrived. Bev spent sixteen years in the mountains while the Snowy was under construction. He survived through a mixture of police field-craft and bush psychology shaped by the instincts of a boy from the bush.
He attributes his success in handling the men to his decision not to wear a uniform and not to carry a baton: “Bring out a baton in a brawl and you would put everyone offside. But take a man on with just your fists and the others respected you. If you did get into trouble they’d even help you … but belt one of their mates with a baton and they’d kill you.”
What most endeared Bev Wales to law abider and offender alike was that it became apparent at an early stage that he cared for people. He often preferred to allow bush justice to be dealt, rather than invoke officialdom by which a man might lose his job.
“Often I’d arrest a bloke and he’d say: ‘Let me fight you Mr Wales. If I win you let me go, eh?’
“The fellows were afraid of losing their jobs so I’d say okay. We’d pair up in the lockup, exchange a few blows till I gave him a good thump and it was over. It was summary justice, something you couldn’t do today but it kept the peace there.
“They had no respect for anybody who was soft. They were tough fellows and they expected you to be the same. You had to meet them on equal terms.”
But Bev Wales didn’t spend all his time thumping recalcitrant construction workers. The biggest workload for all policemen in the mountains arose from the horrific death toll, both on the roads and at the construction sites.
“At Khancoban alone I handled ninety inquests and no death was clean. Men were cut in half, decapitated, blown to pieces, or squashed by huge boulders.
“Death was frequent and it was part of my job. Tunnels collapsed, air hoses burst, truck brakes failed and bulldozers and trucks and cars toppled into ravines. You had to handle a lot of grief and tragedy.”
WE’RE hearing plenty of tales about silent cops, the metal domes which sat at intersections acting like a roundabout.
Kevin says there was one in Dean St, Albury, in the early 1960s.
“There was a very tall policeman called `Lofty’ Lomas and he was lairising on his motorbike in front of some girls when his bike clipped the silent cop.
“About five minutes later all you could see of him was his fett hanging out the back of an ambulance.”
And Jeannette says she grew up in Sydney suburb where there were many silent cops.
“My mother, a highly articulate and well-spoken lady, refused to use any language or vocabulary that sounded remotely like slang and she expected the same standard of her children.
“She always referred to silent cops as `silent policemen’.”
STEFANIW. – Paul. Members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Peter and members of the Stefaniw family on the passing of Paul. We have lost a loyal friend, and the community, a dedicated member of its Police Force.
STEFANIW. – Paul. Deepest sympathy and condolences to Pete and family on the tragic loss of Paul. – Past and Present Members of the Specialist Response Division (Water Police, Search and Rescue, Police Air Wing).
STEFANIW. – Paul. The Management and Staff at the Traffic Camera Office mourn the passing of their work colleague Leading Senior Constable Paul Stefaniw 25440. Paul was a long- standing member at the TCO and was a valued friend and colleague to all. Our deepest condolences to Maryanne, Lesia, Nick and his family. (Goodbye Big Kahuna)
STEFANIW. – Paul. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Stefaniw and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
STEFANIW. – Paul. L/S/C 25440 Members of the Kingston CIU would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Peter and members of the Stefaniw family on the loss of a respected member of the Victoria Police.
STEFANIW. – Paul. The Office of the Assistant Commissioner of the Road Policing Command is deeply saddened by the loss of leading Senior Constable Paul Stefaniw. The Road Policing Command send their condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
STEFANIW. – Paul Taras. Leading Senior Constable 25440 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
COLLARD (Stanley ): To our beautiful brother and uncle, you were taken from us far too soon. Our hearts are broken that you’re no longer here. We will miss your wicked sense of humour and gorgeous face. We know you are no longer in pain but we will carry your memory with us and miss you every day until we see you again.
