Gwen was 1 of 3 NSW Police Women who obtained their Diploma in Criminology from Sydney University.
Gwen was accepted into the Detectives Training Course – later to become the 1st NSW Police Woman.
Gwen is reputed to have been a competitive Fencer ( Sword ) in her youth.
Class 082 where Sworn In on the 4 April 1960. They walked into Redfern Police Academy on Monday 29 February 1960 to start their Training. The infamous Sgt. Ben Hall can be seen in the front row. The first ever (N.S.W.P) female detective (Gwen Martin P/W 0041) was in this class. The other female in this Class was Carol TUBNOR nee Carol GARRAD – P/W 0040
Police Legacy – 16 October 2019
Yesterday we played host to a meeting of the Retired Police Association, and had the pleasure of being introduced to Inspector Gwen Martin (retd), a trailblazing policewoman who joined the NSW Police Force in 1960 – one of three women in a class of ninety.
She’s been retired for nearly thirty years now, but has many fond and colourful memories of her time in the Force (some of which we couldn’t possibly repeat in a public forum ????????)
Gwen worked in many different capacities – everything from traffic control to the drug squad – before undertaking the Detectives’ Training Course in 1971, finishing 4th in the class.
From there she moved to Parramatta, working her way up through the ranks before becoming the first female member of the Police Association to be elected to the Executive, and eventually attaining the rank of Inspector at the Police Internal Affairs Branch, remaining there until her retirement in 1990.
Gwen, we salute you, and the example you have given for so many young women joining the NSW Police Force!
PARRAMATTA DETECTIVES
Back Row ( L – R )
W.A. ALLEN # 14367, D. McMILLAN, D.W. WILLIAMS # 14959, I.W. HAMILTON # 10159, K.R. SHEENS # 11044, L. MELCHIOR # 9268, P. MAYGER # 17359
SYDNEY, Friday. — Sergeant Dell Fricker and Senior Constable Gwen Martin graduated today with 26 males after a three month course to become Sydney’s first women Detectives.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Female constable in her 20s takes her own life in regional WA
Support is being provided to the devastated family and colleagues following the tragedy.
less than 2 min read
February 22, 2024 – 7:54AM
NCA NewsWire
A police officer in her 20s has taken her own life in regional Western Australia.
The young female constable was found dead in her Albany home on Wednesday, about 400km south east of Perth.
She has not yet been named.
Support is being provided to the devastated family by the WA Police Union and said they extend their “sincerest condolences to the constable’s family, friends and colleagues at this time”.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we mourn the loss of a member of the blue family today,” the statement read.
“A serving police constable passed away this morning.”
Acting WA Police Chief Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said the death of the young officer was a “tragedy”.
“Family members and staff within the Great Southern Police District are in the process of being provided with support during this tragic time,” she wrote in a statement.
“I ask you to reach out if you need help… keep an eye on those around you and offer your personal support where needed.”
A report will be prepared by the coroner and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A police officer aged in her 20s has taken her own life in regional Western Australia.
The female constable, who has not yet been named, was found dead at her home in Albany, 418km south-east of Perth, on Wednesday
The WA Police Union is providing support to the officer’s heartbroken family, colleagues and friends.
‘It is with overwhelming sadness that we mourn the loss of a member of the blue family today,’ a statement read.
‘A serving police constable passed away this morning.
‘The WA Police Union extend our sincerest condolences to the constable’s family, friends and colleagues during this time.’
In a message to police officers, Acting WA Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said the officer’s passing was a tragedy.
‘Family members and staff within the Great Southern Police District are in the process of being provided with support during this tragic time,’ she wrote.
‘I ask you to reach out if you need help … keep an eye on those around you and offer your personal support where needed.’
The death of the young officer is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Several WA Police officers have taken their own lives in recent years, the West Australian reported.
In 2019, 53-year-old Senior Constable Dave Curtis took his own life.
Two years later, in mid-2021, two officers, including a sergeant who ran his own station, committed suicide within two weeks of each other.
One of those was Constable Cameron Fyfe, who was 27.
An inquest into his death held in 2023 heard that Const Fyfe hid his mental health problems from his bosses because he feared there would be repercussions if he spoke about it.
His death, and that of Sergeant Randall Moulden, led to then-police commissioner Chris Dawson to convene the first-ever police mental health forum in WA.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Ike ELLIS: 2023 wrote: Keith was my Sergeant at Kurri Kurri and we used to trick unsuspecting people to shake hands with him. Without a doubt he had the strongest handshake I experienced.
He and his wife, Terry a lovely but sad couple, having lost their only daughter ( Frances ) when she fell down a cliff near their home.
RIP Sir
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 20 August 1982 (No.110), page 3880
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.— Notice of intended distribution of estate.— Any person having any claim upon, the estate of KEITH ALLAN RILEY, late of Narara, police inspector, who died on 4th June, 1982, must send particulars to the Public Trustee at the address appearing below within two (2) calendar months from the date of publication hereof.
After that time the Public Trustee may distribute the assets of the estate, having regard only to the claims of which at the time of distribution he has notice. Election to administer the estate with the will dated 20th January, 1970, annexed, was filed by the Public Trustee on 11th August, 1982.
E. C. OSBORNE, Branch Manager, Public Trust Office, 1 Watt Street, Gosford. (4974)
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
‘Heartbreaking’: Suicide suspected reason for police officer death in South Australia
A respected female police officer was found dead at a police station. Now her cause of death has been revealed.
Sofia Dmitrieva
3 min read
January 10, 2024 – 4:19PM
A respected female police officer found dead at a police station in South Australia is believed to have taken her own life in the women’s bathroom of the building.
The officer was found at Port Adelaide police station on Monday afternoon and police have previously confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
The detective brevet sergeant, aged in her 30s, is believed to have taken her own life between 2pm and 3pm on Monday, 7News reports.
Online reports from eyewitnesses claim police officers inside the station at the time heard a loud bang within the building leading to the discovery of her body.
The Indigenous mother of two’s name and photos have not been revealed due to cultural reasons.
The woman moved from Whyalla to Adelaide, where she initially worked as a community constable. The role involved her helping police engage with First Nations and culturally diverse communities.
She was nominated for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s 2012 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards for her work within the First Nations community.
“(I) would like to help turn around the public’s perception of police officers from a negative to a positive,” she wrote as part of her nomination for the Person of the Year award.
“I love the variety in my work and I love getting the opportunity to help people by making the best out of a bad situation.
In her nomination blurb she also wrote about her passion for serving the community with her ultimate goal to see the Aboriginal community represented more in SA Police.
“She has shown a genuine concern and passion for the community in general and has had life experience which she shares openly with her peers,” the nomination reads.
“She stands up for what she believes in and is very passionate about her cultural heritage.”
In 2015 the woman was sworn in as a full-time police officer and was assigned to the family violence unit at Port Adelaide Police Station.
Four years later she married her wife, who is also a South Australian police officer.
The deceased police officer was the granddaughter of a celebrated Aboriginal writer and poet who had more than 61 works published throughout their career, Daily Mail Australia reports.
The grandmother is considered to be a “pioneer in First Nations Australia literature in South Australia”, becoming the first ever published Aboriginal female writer within the state, winning awards for her contribution to the arts.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said several tragedies had unfolded in South Australia recently and they were confronting.
“Anytime we see a tragedy of this nature involving anyone in our community it hurts,” Mr Malinauskas said.
Friends and fellow police officers have posted tributes to the officer on social media and expressing their shock over her sudden death.
“I just wish I could see and hear you one more time. You were loved by us all, miss you forever,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“R. I. P beautiful soul. If only we could hear her laugh again,” a second person said.
“Absolutely gutted … going to miss your bright bubbly face,” another said.
Condolences from strangers have also been coming in, with people thanking the police officer for her work.
“R.I.P. your shift is over, thank you for you service. Condolences to your family
I’m sorry, my thoughts and sympathies are with those grieving,” one person wrote
“My condolences to her family, friends and work colleagues…..Its sad to see a beautiful angel returning where she’s from. Hope her family, friends and colleagues are OK too,” another person commented.
The Acting Commissioner of Police Linda Williams has advised a Commissioner’s Inquiry will be undertaken into the circumstances surrounding this matter.
A coronial investigation also will be conducted into the tragedy.
A respected police officer told a colleague ‘everything would be ok’ just hours before she was found dead inside Port Adelaide‘s police station.
A police commissioner’s inquiry and a coronial investigation have now been launched after the officer died at the station, in the city’s northwest, between 2pm and 3pm on Monday.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal the female police officer was a mum of two and Aboriginal.
She married her wife, who is also a South Australian police officer, in late 2019.
Police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious but have not revealed the cause.
They have also requested media outlets not to publish the name or photos of the officer in question due to ‘cultural reasons’.
Reports from eyewitnesses online claim officers at the station heard a loud bang within the building before they discovered her body.
Devastated friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the tribute to the officer who was nominated for ‘Aboriginal Person of the Year’ in 2012 for her work within the First Nations community.
She was remembered as a ‘beautiful person’ who had an ‘infectious, loud laugh’ which could be heard ‘right across the station’.
One workmate said the officer told her ‘It will be OK, bestie’ during one of their last conversations on Monday.
‘You said it a thousand times to me over the years,’ her colleague wrote.
‘It doesn’t feel like anything will ever be OK again.
‘I am shattered. I loved you so much, but you knew that.
‘I will miss you forever.’
Another colleague recalled how kind she was when she first arrived at Port Adelaide and was struggling to adjust.
After the officer invited her out to socialise, they quickly bonded over their similarities – their ‘terrible memories, distractibility and having both lost their fathers.
‘The first day I met you your kindness and caring nature shone through. You went out of your way to make us and the kids feel welcome with invitations to kindergym and the park,’ she said.
‘I loved working in the same office as you. Your laugh, the lolly jar addiction, your big caring heart and your cracking sense of humour, always taking the piss.
‘I loved your passion for your people. You were a proud First Nations woman and I loved your stories of your beloved ‘Gary’.
‘I learnt so much from you. You were such a light in my life.
‘I wish you knew how much you are loved.’
A third cop said the officer affectionately dubbed her and another colleague as the ‘angels’.
She said she would miss the officer’s bright bubbly face and hearing her say ‘well, well, well… if it isn’t the angels’ when she would walk by.
A former colleague added the officer’s ‘pain is now gone’ and she will never be forgotten by those she left behind.
‘Fly high and free sister in blue,’ she said.
‘Big hugs and love to your heartbroken family, RIP lovely.’
The tragedy has rocked the South Australian police community, which is still reeling just two months on from the alleged on-duty fatal shooting of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and alleged hit-and-run death of SA Police Commissioner’s son, Charlie Stevens.
Counselling support services have been offered to the officer’s colleagues.
Acting Commissioner Linda Williams has announced the woman’s death will be subjected to a police inquiry as well as a coronial investigation.
‘The tragedy at Port Adelaide is something that will impact so many people – family and friends, but also the entire police family and indeed the wider community,’ South Australia Police Association president Mark Carroll said.
‘Our colleague’s death will be investigated so that we can understand the cause of this devastating incident.
The state’s Police Minister Joe Szakacs also shared his grief in a statement.
‘My heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer,’ Mr Szakacs said.
‘Her tragic passing will be felt deeply, and grieved widely. I ask everyone to keep the police family in their thoughts.’
Tributes poured out for police officer found dead at South Australian police station
Loved ones and co-workers of a female police officer found dead at a police station, prompting an inquiry.
Madeleine Achenza
less than 2 min read
January 9, 2024 – 2:14PM
Loved ones and colleagues have paid tribute to a female police officer who was found dead at a South Australian police station.
The officer was found at Port Adelaide police station on Tuesday afternoon and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Friends and fellow police officers have posted tributes to the officer on social media and expressing their shock over her sudden death.
“Absolutely gutted … going to miss your bright bubbly face,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“RIP you were such a lovely person, can’t believe it,” a second person said.
“You were so special, so kind and someone I truly cherished throughout my time in the job,” another said.
Police Minister Joe Szakacs said her death would be “felt deeply” and “grieved widely” by the policing community.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer,” he said.
“Her tragic passing will be felt deeply, and grieved widely.
SA police have described it as a “tragic incident” and support is being provided to all police employees.
The Acting Commissioner of Police has advised a Commissioner’s Inquiry will also be undertaken into the circumstances surrounding this matter.
This death will also be subject to a coronial investigation.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 23rd December 2023.
Beloved wife of the late Ron.
Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Terri and Tony, Brett and Toula.
Cherished Nan of Kiah, Jesse and Natalia, Erin and Tommy, Tyron and Brie and
great Nan of Jordan, Remie, and Valentina.
Aud will be sadly missed by her loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 84 Years
Forever in our Hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Aud’s funeral service to be held at H. Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Avenue Warilla on Tuesday, 9th January 2024 at 12noon.
Audrey FOSTER & Ron FOSTER – Friday 6 September 1985 – Warilla Police Social at Berrima Wool Shed, Berrima, NSW
THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 LAKE ILLAWARRA RETIRED POLICE DAY. 45 people turned out to Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station at 10am today for the Retired Police Day. 15 National Police Service Medals were awarded to various Police who live in and / or worked in the Lake Illawarra Area Command. These awards were presented by the current LA Commander, Zoran Dzevlan. Sgt Scott ABBOTT & Audrey FOSTER – Widow of Ron.
* Story behind any Nickname: Play on Christian name
You were a bloody good woman Audrey and it is sad to see you gone. May you now forever Rest In Peace together with Ron.
Cal
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Information would be appreciated with the Final Rank and Retirement date
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: ?, Moss Vale ( Inspector )( 1981 ),
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 26 May 1947 to ? ? ? = ? years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 26 May 1946to? ? ? = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system for any other National or State Award.
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct ( Imperial ) – granted 20 February 1973 ( Det Sgt 2/c )( in company of SenCon Robert John McNAMARA ) ( Apprehend an armed man )
Scenes at the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi today.A detective with a rifle at the scene of the siege, Det. Sgt. Herb Talarico.
Detective Sgt. H. Talarico and Det. Adrian Allingham are flying to Melbourne this morning with the bomb found at Sydney Airport.
September 11, 1969.
( Photo by Noel Harold Stubbs / Fairfax Media via Getty Images ).
Born: Wednesday 23 July 1924 in Hornsby, NSW
Died on: 1 October 2003 in Tuggerah Lakes, NSW
Age: 79 years, 2 months, 8 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? October 2003
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM ( N/A )
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2023 )
HERB 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.
Betty died on 6 March 2014 and her funeral was 13 March 2014.
They Married in 1924. Margaret was 19 old at time of Marriage.
An Australian Business Number ( ABN ) lookup reveals ABN 50 631 626 936 which appeared to be valid from September 2000 to 1 October 2003 when it was Cancelled.
An Ancestry.com.au search shows that Herbert died sometime in 2003.
02/10/2003: Herb Talarico passed away last night. Tuggerah Lakes Memorial Pistol Club, It’s committee and members express condolences to Herb’s family. Herb will be sorely missed.
Article, Article/Other article – The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia) – 2012
… of an eastern suburbs break-and-enter investigation led by the late and famous detective Herb … Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the infamous bank robber and prison escapee Darcy Dugan. Mr …
Article, Article/Other article – The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia) – 2012
… of an eastern suburbs break and enter investigation lead by the legendary late detective Herb … Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the Qantas bomb hoax extortionist Peter Macari and the infamous …
Access conditions apply
I am unable to access the above links.
From the Archives, 1969: Bondi siege ends peacefully
50 years ago, an armed man barricaded himself in a block of flats in Hastings Parade, Bondi. For Detective-Constable John Tracey, 24, it was a day to remember.
By Staff reporter
First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on September 10, 1969
For 30 minutes yesterday a Bondi detective sat on a garden fence with the barrel of a loaded, high-powered rifle pointed at him.
And talked, and talked.
Passers-by shelter behind fences near the scene of the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi on September 9, 1969Credit: Laurie Shea
And while he talked, all available police from the Eastern Suburbs, the Riot and Emergency Squads, armed with revolvers, rifles, shotguns, tear-gas and bullet proof shields, arrived to help him.
They surrounded a block of flats in Hastings Parade, Bondi, in which an armed man had barricaded himself and refused to come out.
For Detective-Constable John Tracey ( NSWPF # 11404 ), 24, it was a day to remember.
The man had fired one bullet through the front door of the ground floor flat and later fired four others into the garden.
Detective Tracey sat only eight feet away, the barrel of the .22 Magnum pointed at him.
So Detective Tracey talked. He asked the man what his troubles were, keeping him occupied until the other police arrived.
Police run forward to grab the rifle which had been dropped from the window by a man. September 9, 1969. Credit: Laurie Shea
After a siege that lasted 1 ½ hours the man was finally persuaded to drop the rifle, and was captured without police firing a shot.
The drama began at about 11.45 a.m. yesterday when Detective Tracey and Detective Robert Campbell, both of Bondi, were called to the flat.
As the two detectives approached the flat door, a man pointed a rifle over a windowsill.
It was then that Detective Tracey began talking. He lit a cigarette and gradually eased himself on to the sandstone garden fence.
The Riot and Emergency Squad men stayed at a distance, their weapons out of sight.
The man’s girl friend was brought to the scene and she spoke to him from the veranda of a nearby house.
Police spoke to him through a loud-hailer, urging him to give himself up.
About 1 o’clock the man seemed ready to do so.
Holding the rifle by the barrel, he pushed it through the open window.
Then, abruptly, he dragged it in again and fired four shots into the front garden.
A small crowd of sightseers at both ends of Hastings Parade retreated.
Then, at 1.16 p.m., the man dropped the rifle into the garden.
As he did so, a detective grabbed his wrist, while Detective-Sergeant R. Phillips( NSWPF # 7413 ) and Detective-Constables Nelson Chad( NSWPF # 8675 ) and D. Mussey ( possibly D.A. Mussing – NSWPF # 11476 )( No Mussey in 1968 – 1969 Stud Books ) rushed into the flat and overpowered him.
A man being carried by police from the scene of the siege on September 9, 1969. Credit: Laurie Shea
A 24-year-old man was later charged at Paddington police station with unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public street and with wilful damage to a flat door. He will appear in Paddington Court of Petty Sessions today.
Police riddle of who owns painting with a colourful past
By Rachel Olding
IT IS an enigmatic depiction of a voluptuous woman being tempted by a devilish satyr, but this steamy painting may turn into one of the police force’s coldest cases.
Woman with Satyr, a nude by Norman Lindsay, was discovered in 2010 gathering dust in the vaults of the Art Gallery of NSW, with scant details of its origin and date.
Woman with Satyr.
The oil painting had been lent to the gallery by the police in 1980, yet neither they nor the gallery had any records as to how it came to be in their possession.
After hitting several dead ends, the police’s search for the painting’s owner has taken a new twist with much of the artwork’s colourful past coming to light.
However, its owner may remain an enduring mystery, said the detective in charge of Operation Matisse, Tim Axtens ( NSWPF # 37860 ).
He has discovered that Woman with Satyr was taken to the Art Gallery of NSW by an exhibit officer from the former Criminal Investigation Bureau who was responsible for securing all seized drugs, firearms and valuable property in a vault beneath an old hat factory in Surry Hills.
Former Police Sergeant, Peter Chilton ( NSWPF # 07879 ) is now living at Mylestom. A former police officer now living at Mylestom has solved the mystery of how a Norman Lindsay nude painting, Woman with Satyr came to be in the Art Gallery of NSW. But the owner of the painting remains a mystery.
Peter Chilton, now 81 and living in Bellingen on the state’s north coast, said he stored the painting with the heroin and cannabis as it struck him as being unusual and very valuable.
He believes it was seized as part of an eastern suburbs break and enter investigation lead by the legendary late detective Herb Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the Qantas bomb hoax extortionist Peter Macari and the infamous bank robber and prison escape artist Darcy Dugan.
In 1980, the Surry Hills basement became infected with tobacco beetle and Mr Chilton had it sprayed with chlordane. Worried that the painting would be damaged, he obtained authority to transfer it to the art gallery ”for safe keeping”.
”The gallery didn’t even know it existed, they were very happy to take it,” he said. ”I expected that the police would carry on with their investigations to find the owner.”
From there, however, the painting quietly slipped between the cracks. The CIB disbanded, Detective Talarico was transferred out of Sydney, detectives either had no breakthroughs or forgot about its existence and the sensual nude went unloved for more than 30 years.
It was not until August 2010 that the gallery called the police to question the length of the loan, sparking a police investigation to not only determine how it came to be at the gallery but also return it to its rightful owner.
An inscription on the back of the painting reads ”A. Jewell/ Burraburra Ave/ Vaucluse/ f.u. 2962”. The code is an old telephone number for the Rose Bay exchange pre-World War II and Vaucluse post-World War II.
Albert Jewell was an avid and wealthy art collector who died in 1963. A surviving son in Tasmania, however, told police he believed his father was no longer in possession of the painting when it was seized in 1980 and may have even sold it before his death in 1963.
”That 17 years is an enormous gap to fill,” senior constable Axtens said. ”We’ve still got a few lines of inquiry but it may be very difficult to find the owner.”
Neither the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum nor Lindsay’s granddaughter, Helen Glad, an art historian, had come across the painting, which the Art Gallery of NSW said could fetch between $30,000 and $40,000 at auction.
Lindsay was a prolific artist, producing countless paintings, etchings, drawings, watercolours and sculptures until he died at 90, Ms Glad previously told the Herald.
”If it was an early work it could have been posed by my grandma Rose,” she said. ”But in the ’30s he used any number of models.”
If the painting’s owner can’t be found, senior constable Axtens would like it to be donated to a gallery for the public to enjoy.
Mr Chilton would like to see it donated to the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum at Faulconbridge.
”I had always hoped it would have gone there,” he said.
Foster parents … Linda Elliott and Stephen Payne with the Norman Lindsay painting they will exhibit at Wagga Wagga for the next 12 months.Credit: Addison Hamilton
HER owners will remain a mystery but at least she finally has a home – the first of a series of homes, actually.
A two-year search for the owners of a mysterious Norman Lindsay artwork has ended with few answers but the voluptuous nude will have a new home for the next 12 months on the walls of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Woman with Satyr was discovered gathering dust in the vaults of the Art Gallery of NSW in 2010, having been lent to the gallery by the police force in 1980.
With scant details about its origin and date and no record of how the police force came to possess it, or why it was in the gallery’s basement, detectives set about solving the decades-long cold case.
Along the way, much of the oil painting’s colourful past came to light, yet police say they will never know its true owner.
It was taken to the Art Gallery of NSW in 1980 by an exhibit officer from the former Criminal Investigation Bureau who was responsible for securing all seized drugs, firearms and valuable property in a vault beneath an old hat factory in Surry Hills.
Peter Chilton, now 81 and living in Bellingen on the state’s north coast, said he stored the painting with the heroin and cannabis as it struck him as being unusual and very valuable.
He believes it was seized as part of an eastern suburbs break-and-enter investigation led by the late and famous detective Herb Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the infamous bank robber and prison escapee Darcy Dugan.
Mr Chilton moved the painting to the gallery to protect it from a tobacco beetle infestation but it was then forgotten about for 30 years.
Detective Tim Axtens spoke to relatives of the late Albert Jewell, a Vaucluse art collector whose name was inscribed on the back of the painting, but it is believed he sold the painting before he died in 1963.
Unable to track down any other owners, police have decided to lend the artwork to NSW galleries for 12-month stints.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Saturday 24 June 1989, page 1
Is there something to hide?
VERY senior NSW and federal police have something to hide from an impartial inquiry into police involvement in cannabis plantations in the Bungendore area and the Federal Government knows this, according to NSW Independent MP John Hatton.
For several years, Mr Hatton has been quizzing the NSW Government about the plantations, and recently called for the establishment of a Royal commission.
He has also suggested that “untainted” Victorian police be invited to investigate NSW and Federal Police involvement in up to 14 separate cannabis plantations in southern NSW.
The AFP is not impressed with Mr Hatton’s suggestions that it has some thing to hide. While senior officers might privately admit their embarrassment over the Bungendore affair, they deny strongly any suggestion of illegality on their part. They point out, correctly, that their role was investigated by former National Crime Authority Chief Justice Donald Stewart and that their members were cleared of any criminality.
Again privately, senior AFP officers suggest they were duped by their NSW colleagues. They say they got involved in Operation Seville — the code name for the Bungendore plantations exercise — with the best of honourable intentions: to catch some of the Mr Bigs. They say they were entitled to accept that their interstate colleagues were on the level. If anyone had something to hide, it was the NSW Police.
The Bungendore plantations were established on private and Crown land between 1980 and 1983. Their existence and operation were sanctioned by senior members of the AFP and the NSW Police. The operation was dubbed Operation Seville.
Activities on the plantations — which saw millions of dollars of cannabis harvested and sold — ultimately led to several men being charged last year with conspiracy to supply cannabis. Four of the men were committed for trial, but the NSW authorities have since decided not to proceed with the charges because of the unreliability of the chief prosecution witness, Giuseppe Verducci. One of two Bungendore
crops was grown on Verducci’s property, Montebello. The other was on Crown land nearby.
Operation Seville turned into a monumental embarrassment for both police forces because cannabis worth millions of dollars came to be harvested and sold, despite the close watch police were meant to be keeping on activities. Some have since suggested that this occurred in spite of police involvement.
The whole purpose of the exercise was to catch the major players in the financing, distribution and selling side of organised cannabis growing. However, not one person of this type was arrested at the time. As mentioned above, several of those involved — including three men said to be important organisers — were charged last year by the NCA, but the charges against them have either been dismissed or dropped.
The AFP is quick to point out that Operation Seville had one very important outcome: the arrest of Gianfranco Tizzoni.
Police informer
Tizzoni was arrested with two other men in 1982 by Victorian police. One of the vehicles the men were travelling in to Melbourne was found to contain a large quantity of Bungendore cannabis. Tizzoni subsequently became a police informer. This led to the jailing of himself, James Bazley and George Joseph over the murder of Donald Mackay and of Bazley and Joseph over the murder of Mr Asia syndicate members Douglas and Isobel Wilson.
While the arrest of Tizzoni was a major breakthrough, the NSW and Federal police can take little credit for it. An AFP tip-off enabled the Victorians to arrest Tizzoni, but everything which followed was due to the efforts of the Victorian police. No one knew at the time what Tizzoni’s arrest would lead to.
According to Mr Hatton, police were also “associated” with several other cannabis crops during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These included: one in the Brindabellas ( in the ACT, west of Canberra ); another two
in the Bungendore area; three at Dalton ( near Gunning ); one at East Lynne ( west of Durras, on the South Coast ); one west of Eden ( on the far South Coast ); one at Michelago ( south of Canberra ); two in the Monga State Forest ( near Braidwood ); and one at Hoskinstown ( between Queanbeyan and Captains Flat ). Mr Hatton referred to only one plantation in the Brindabellas, but there were two.
Mr Hatton said he had given the National Crime Authority information about police involvement in southern NSW cannabis plantations two years ago but the NCA had not acted on it. He had also referred potential witnesses to the NCA.
Neither the NCA, because of its past record, nor the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, which was limited by state borders, could properly investigate the matter.
Both the Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, and the Minister for Justice, Senator Michael Tate, had rejected calls for a Royal commission. Mr Hatton wondered if the Government simply wanted to save the AFP from embarrassment or had some other reason for not wishing to pursue the matter.
Mr Hatton thought the involvement of corrupt police in cannabis growing could be proved, but nothing had been really done to investigate this. This was because too many senior police would be seriously embarrassed by the outcome.
On May 11, Mr Hatton placed a long list of questions on the notice paper of the NSW Parliament about cannabis plantations in southern NSW. Among other things, he has asked the Attorney-General, John Dowd, to detail the number of plantations observed by NSW police during Operation Seville and the duration of the operation. He wants to know the names of all police involved in the operation and whether any have been “charged” with incompetence because of their involvement.
Mr Hatton has also asked for details of all crops grown on the Southern Tablelands and South Coast between 1980 and 1985, including the size and value of crops, the amounts harvested
or “ripped of” during police surveillance, and whether any arrests were made. He wants to know who authorised the growing of the crops, what legal advice was obtained beforehand and who within the AFP and NCA knew about them.
None of the questions has so far been answered.
On May 14, Mr Hatton moved in State Parliament that a Royal Commission be established to investigate the growing of cannabis in the Monga State Forest and at Michelago and Bungendore. Among other things, he said the commission should investigate whether cannabis had been harvested and marketed from crops in the Bungendore area while these had been under surveillance.
Long report
Mr Hatton said the Royal Commission should investigate the roles played in these matters by the late Detective Inspector Bill Cullen ( formerly of Queanbeyan and Goulburn ), Detective-Sergeant George Slade, of the NSW Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, Superintendent Reg Martin, Superintendent Herbert Talarico, Executive Chief Superintendent Gallagher, Assistant Commissioner Bob Shepherd and former Commissioner Cec Abbott.
Messrs Cullen, Slade, Shepherd and Abbott were mentioned in evidence during the Bungendore committal hearing in February and March. Cullen — who died in Gosford last month — was the senior detective at Queanbeyan at the time of Operation Seville. He was closely involved with NSW Bureau of Criminal Intelligence officers taking part in the operation.
An NCA officer, Detective-Sergeant Robin Small, told the Queanbeyan Local Court that Commissioner Abbott, Assistant Commissioner Shepherd, and Detective Sergeant Slade were aware of the operation. Sergeant Slade, in fact, prepared a lengthy report on Operation Seville and this was tendered during the hearing. He is currently facing criminal charges unrelated to Operation Seville:
An application was made by defence counsel before Mr Justice Kerr and an ACT Supreme Court jury yesterday for the transcript of evidence of a Crown witness who could not be found to be tendered to the court.
The application was made in the case in which Nikola Talanga, 41, diamond driller, of Gibbes Street, Newtown, NSW, is standing trial on a charge of having feloniously and maliciously murdered Sofia Malovic in Canberra on September 28, 1968.
Mr K. Enderby, instructed by Mr M. Somes, of Gallen, Kelly and Dainer, for Talanga, said he consented to the transcript of evidence given before Canberra Petty Sessions by Antoni Eres being tendered. The transcript should be tendered by the Crown, as the evidence of Eres was not unimportant to the defence.
The Senior Crown Prosecutor, Mr A. R. Watson, said he declined to tender the transcript. Before February 24 the defence had been told that the Crown would not be calling Eres at the trial because he could not be found.
Even if Eres were present the Crown would not call him because his evidence did not advance the case any further.
Mr Justice Kerr said he would not make any observations at that stage, but suggested that if Mr Enderby wished to take the request further he could do so when the Crown case ended.
Earlier, Mr Watson tendered a transcript of evidence given before Canberra Petty Sessions by George Mestitz, who was absent from the Commonwealth.
Mr Enderby consented to the tender of this transcript, which was read out in court.
Rama Hadzic, of Minerva Road, Wedderburn, NSW, said that on the night of September 29 Talanga had come to his house.
When asked by Talanga if he had heard about what had happened in Canberra, he had said he had heard about it over the radio.
When he asked Talanga why he had done it, he had replied that he did not know. Talanga had said he had found Sofia after eight months.
Talanga had said that when he asked her to come out of the shop and talk things over she had refused.
Talanga alleged that Sofia had insulted him, so he had shot her.
Hadzic said that while Talanga was staying with him he (Talanga) could not sleep. He would wake up and jump out of bed and cry. He had threatened to kill himself.
Two wounds in head
Detective Constable John Radalj ( 09566 ), of the NSW Police, said that on October 6 he was with a group of ACT and NSW police who surrounded a house at Wedderburn.
After a gunshot had been heard from the house Detective Sergeant Herbert Talarico had rushed inside.
Constable Radalj said he also had entered the house and had seen Talanga lying on the floor, with two wounds in the head.
Constable Radalj said he had asked Talanga in the Yugoslav language if he had shot and killed Sofia Malovie in Canberra on September 28.
Talanga had replied, “Yes”.
When asked why, Talanga had said, “Because she did not want me”.
Detective Sergeant M. J. Robinson, of the Canberra CIB, said that Talanga had been extradited to Canberra from Sydney on November 7, 1968.
When being brought back to Canberra by car, after being warned by Detective Constable H. G. Harrison, of the Canberra CIB, Talanga had said that he had shot the woman a couple of times inside the shop and shot her again outside.
He had wanted her to come back and live with him. When she spat on him he had become angry and shot her.
Detective Sergeant Colin Victor Letherbarrow ( # 6383 ), of the scientific investigation bureau, Sydney, said that an examination of six fired cartridges revealed that they had been discharged from the rifle produced in court. A cartridge case recovered from a house at Wedderburn had been discharged from the same rifle.
SYDNEY, Friday. A man was fined £100 and had his licence suspended for 10 years by Mr. Meagher, S.M., in North Sydney Court to-day for driving a car while under the influence of liquor.
The man, Alfred de Visne Cornwell, 48, insurance broker, of Pacific Highway, Pymble, had prior driving convictions.
He pleaded “Not guilty” to driving under the influence at Gordon on July 1.
Constable Herbert Talarico said he followed Cornwell along the Pacific Highway at Killara. His car was swaying from side to side. Cornwell’s speech was thick and he smelt strongly of liquor.
Frederick Harold Morris, building contractor, of Kippax-street, Sydney, who was in the car with Cornwell, said Cornwell was not in a condition to drive.
Morris said he (Morris) drove the car until stopped near Gordon Council Chambers by Constable Talarico.
Mr. Meagher said he was satisfied that Constable Talarico was an honest witness.
“Cornwell, according to his own story, was badly under the influence of liquor,” the magistrate added.
SYDNEY, Thurs — A 20-year-old probationary constable, with only two months’ service, knocked out with the butt of his revolver a man who allegedly threatened him with an iron bar.
The constable, Herbert Talarico, saw a man acting suspiciously near the Eastwood post office about 2 a.m. yesterday.
Realising he had been seen, the man allegedly threw a stone on the roof of the post office to warn his mate inside and made off.
When Constable Talarico over took the man, he turned and brandished a piece of iron.
But Constable Talarico knocked him out with the butt of his revolver.
Police searched the Eastwood post office, and found a charge of gelignite plugged in the safe key hole, ready to be blown.
Then followed dashes to suburbs by the wireless patrol, culminating at 8 a.m. with a visit to a shop in Prince’s Highway, Tempe.
Police alleged that as they entered the shop a man thrust his hand, in his pocket, but was over powered and handcuffed. A fully-loaded revolver, was allegedly found in his pocket.
As a result of the night’s work, detectives believe they have put an end to a cycle of safe-blowing in the northern suburbs.
Mr. Barry Gulliver says he finds singing in Grand Opera uplifting after his rather sordid work.
In the daytime Mr. Gulliver works for the Taxation Department, investigating charges of dishonesty made in anonymous letters.
At night Mr. Gulliver is one of the chorus of demons in “Faust,” at the Conservatorium.
The demons sing hideous songs which drive Marguerita to madness and to killing her child.
We met Mr. Gulliver back stage at the Conservatorium this week during the opening scene of “Faust,” in which Mephistopheles tempts Faust.
Mr. Gulliver told us about his work as an investigator of anonymous letters, which the Federal Treasurer (Mr. Chifley) considers desirable.
He said that a lot of the people he had to interview in the course of his duties were rude. Some made use of the word “pimp.” Others used stronger language than this.
At this point there was a blinding flash as Mephistopheles leaped on to the stage. As Faust, the aged philosopher, was selling his immortal soul to Mephistopheles, Mr. Gulliver continued his narrative.
MR- GULLIVER said you would be surprised at the amount of deception and dishonesty that goes on in New South Wales.
Just then Mr. Curt Prerauer, the chorus-master, walked past to conduct the chorus of angels In his inner pocket Mr. Prerauer carries during the performance numerous watches and much jewellery and money which members of the chorus of angels leave with him so they won’t be stolen.
Mr. Gulliver says that when he was investigating some anonymous taxation letters at Wingham, near Taree, in 1938, a young woman was impressed with his voice and advised him to take up singing. He did so, and soon he was singing at church concerts at Wingham. “Opera is a wholesome change from investigating dishonesty,” he said.
At this stage Mephistopheles drew from a stage barrel water which the audience was led to believe was wine. Mr. Gulliver says that you meet interesting and ambitious people in opera companies.
ONE of the people Mr. Gulliver has met in the chorus is Mr. Herbert Talarico, Wahroonga barber.
Mr. Talarico‘s singing name is Lawrence Morrell.
Mr. Talarico is interested in the career of Mr. Joseph Schepsi, Melbourne’s singing barber, who charges £4/4/ for the Schepsi permanent wave and £4/4/ for a seat at his concerts.
Mr. Talarico charges only 1/6 for haircuts and receives the award rate of £5/7/ a week for his work in the opera chorus.
He says Schepsi must be a very interesting man. He would like to have a talk with him.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # DPP 17 ( Class 17 ) 290
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 40423
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 1 September 2003 ( aged 20 years, 5 months, 24 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 19 December 2003 ( aged 20 years, 9 months, 11 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? 2008 ( YES ) ( Came 2nd in her Course )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: Cabramatta ( 34 Division )( GDs )( ProCst ), Campbelltown( 35 Division ) Commuter Crimes Unit, City Sydney Street Policing Unit, Strike Force Setter @ Riverwood, Penrith / Nepean PAC Detectives (17 April 2007 – ? ), Strike Force Nethina re murder of Mac Moon ( Sept 2020 – Aug 2021 )( with Homicide Squad ), Sex Crimes Squad – State Crime Command ( 15 August 2021 – 8 December 2023 ) – Death
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 19 December 2003 to 8 December 2023 = 19 years, 11 months, 19 days
Service: From 1 September 2003to8 December 2023 = 20 years, 9 months, 11 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however received:
Region Commanders Unit Citation – granted 2004 re Meritorious Action at the Redfern Riots of 15 / 16 February 2004
Police Officer of the Month – Cabramatta Commander – granted 2008
Region Commanders Citation – granted 1 September 2015 – work on Strike Force Orkin
Ethical and Meritorious Police Service medal – granted
NSW Police Service Medal – granted
1st Clasp to the NSW Police Service Medal – granted
National Medal – granted
National Police Service medal – granted
Commissioner of Police Emergency Commendation – granted
Premiers Bushfire Citation medal ( 2019 – 2020 Bushfires ) – granted
Born: Tuesday 8 March 1983 at Sutherland, NSW
Died on: Friday 8 December 2023 during the morning, at home, with family by her side
Age: 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Cancer ( Type = ? )
Event location: at home with family by her side
Event / Diagnosis date: December 2022 ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 19 December 2023 @ 10am ( 20 years, to the day, from her Attestation at the Goulburn Police Academy )
Funeral location: The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW
Loving wife of Andrew and proud Mum of Liam and Charlie.
Daughter of Ken and Jane,
granddaughter of Roni, sister of Kel and her husband Matt.
Daughter-in-law of Barry and Liz, sister-in-law of Wes, Mark and Alison.
Aunt of Hamish, Ayla and Patrick.
Sadly missed by her Shire and Hawkesbury family and friends, and by her Police colleagues.
So Dearly Loved, So Sadly Missed
A celebration of Jo’s life will be held in its entirety at 10:00am on Tuesday 19th December 2023 in The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
* * *
Sandra Ramos
7 days ago
Sending my deepest sympathies to all of Jo’s family and friends.
RIP sweet girl.
Such a beautiful service.
Thinking of you all.
X
Amanda Saad Kharma
7 days ago
My dear Jo… thank God for memories because they will live on forever.
One of the sweetest and kindest people I have known… what a blessing to this Earth xx you will be forever missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends
xoxox
Lyndal and Chris Richardson
7 days ago
Rest in Peace Darling Girl.
Thanks for showing the world how to be kind. ????
Paul Rouillon
7 days ago
What an absolute privilege to have known Jo, lovely to see her remembered in such a beautiful celebration of her life.
Condolences to her family and friends who like me, will miss her every time we see her in brightness and joy in the world like…Read more
Tony and Catriona Steinborn
14 days ago
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and extended families on the loss of your beautiful Jo. Sending strength for the difficult days ahead. We will never forget Jo and her bubbly vibrant personality. RIP…Read more
Delina Buttigieg
14 days ago
Absolute beautiful soul indeed Miss Jo, heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers to all xx God bless ????????????
Scott Harris
It’s no surprise a common sentiment is how bright, happy, kind and energetic you were Jo. The way you carried yourself, even when you were sick is a testament to your enduring strength of character. I don’t think anyone who has met you will ever forget. My heart goes out to Andrew, the boys, and all Jo’s family. I sincerely hope you can eventually find peace and solace with Jo’s passing.
RIP Jo. 18 December 2023
Catriona & Tony Steinborn
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and families on the very sad passing of your beautiful Jo. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
RIP Jo, taken way too soon.
12 December 2023
Natalie Saad
Deepest condolences to the Travers family. You will be forever loved and missed xx
12 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. A life cut too short. In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Elizabeth Jackett
A beautiful soul who will be missed and loved by many.
Thank You for your 20 years of service.
You can rest easy now your duty is done.
19 December 2023
Matt Brophy
Dear Jelder,
Matt BROPHY & Joanne TRAVERS
I’ll always remember you as someone whose smile shone brightly. You were genuinely a beautiful soul. Those who were lucky enough to call you a friend were better people as a result. Thank you for making the footy club a better place with your vibrant presence. You’ll be sorely missed and never forgotten.
My heart goes out to Andrew, Liam and Charlie during this difficult time. Wrap yourselves around your loved ones and share stories of this wonderful human. Be there for each other and know that Jo will be with you every step of the way.
My thoughts and prayers to you all,
Oyster
Xoxox
14 December 2023
Billy
Your forever smile, your infectious laugh and your adoring voice of an angel will be sadly missed by so many. I don’t think any of us will truly understand why such a beautiful soul was taken way too soon. I pray for your family, your closest friends, your loving husband and your two handsome boys who you will forever embrace from the stars above and who will one day hold your hand again.
RIP little Joey xx
love Billy
18 December 2023
Shaun Cain
RIP Jo – Rest easy.
19 December 2023
Claire Hogan and Barbara Wagstaff
We will never forget Jo with her beautiful smile, rest in peace, thoughts are with the family at this time.
15 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest Sympathy to all the family..A life cut short..In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Rebecca Tutill and Malik Arici
Liam TRAVERS, ?, Charlie TRAVERS
It was such an honour to join your family, friends, fans and blue family today, to celebrate your life Jo.
Your three boys did you proud and held their heads high. You have given them the strength to live in your memory. Rest easy beautiful darling.
I will try to keep our boys together.
Thank you for being a part of my world, even just a little.
About 18 months ago, Jo started suffering from pains in her stomach that wouldn’t go away. Testing took place and it was discovered that Jo had bowel cancer that had already spread to her liver. Jo was found to have numerous lesions on her bowel and her liver was riddled with lesions.
Jo has been having extensive chemotherapy since this time and sadly, a recent scan has shown that her tumours have grown and the cancer has also spread to her lungs. Jo is not eligible for liver surgery, bowel surgery, or any type of transplant. It appears as though Jo’s body is no longer responding to chemotherapy. Jo has been informed that she is eligible to trial a brand new immunotherapy drug that has just been brought over from the USA. Unfortunately, this drug is not yet on our PBS and will cost $1900 per fortnight, capped at $27,000.
Regardless of this trial, Jo has been informed that her condition is completely incurable, and that the aim of any trial or medication from this point onwards is to solely prolong her life. About 18 months ago, Jo was given an estimated 3 years life expectancy. Jo has only just turned 40.
Jo is a mother of two beautiful beautiful boys ( aged 8 and 5 ), a wife to a supportive, loving husband and a friend to so many people. She has served the NSW state as a dedicated police officer and Detective over her 20-year policing career. Her shock diagnosis and cancer treatment has taken an enormous toll on her and her family. Despite all of this, Jo has remained so infectiously positive and upbeat which has been an inspiration to us all.
We recently held a fundraising event to raise money for Jo and her family to help make special memories for them. We are now trying to continue our fundraising efforts to raise enough money to cover her ongoing treatment and ease the financial pressure on Jo and her family. We would love Jo to spend as much precious, quality time with her boys as she can.
Police Chaplin – Reverend Susan AVERY leading Jo’s coffin at the completion of Jo’s Service.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Updated: 2 January 2024 with additional photos and Live Stream Service
Virginia Suzanne MacKIE
| 07/03/2024
Virginia Suzanne MacKIE
AKA ?
* Nickname: Ginny MacKIE, Mac
Late of Elderslie, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: Colin J. G. MacKIE, NSWPF # 6962 ( NO relation )
S. J. MacKIE, NSWPF # 24893?
NSW Goulburn Police Academy- Class # 222C
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst. # 97484
Regd. # 23041
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 18 August 1986 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 7 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 7 November 1986 ( aged 19 years, 2 months, 27 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Final Rank: = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Nowra, ?, Albury, ?, Liverpool ( 22 Division )( Detectives )( c1997 ), MacQuarie Fields ( 35 Division ), Camden ( 35 Division )( 1990s ), used to set up the ‘Minerva Rooms’ at Police HQ for Negotiator Training and LAC Critical Incident scenarios ( Education & Training Centre for Leadership & Management )( SenSgt )( c2009 ) – Retirement
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 18 August 1986 to 16 March 2012 = 25 years, 6 months, 27 days
Service: From 18 August 1986to 16 March 2012 = 25 years, 6 months, 27 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 44 years, 7 months, 5 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 11 years, 8 months, 4 days
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Friday 11 August 1967
Died on: Monday 20 November 2023 ( about 2.25pm )
Age: 56 years, 3 months, 9 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: MVA – Motor Cycle Rider
Event location: Bairnsdale-Dargo Road, Fernbank, Victoria, Australia
Event / Diagnosis date: Monday 20 November 2023 ( about 2.25pm )
Funeral date: Tuesday 5 December 2023 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Paul’s Catholic Church, John St, Camden, NSW
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
222 Group C photo. We attested on 7/11/86. Virginia MacKie is front row third from right.
Goulburn Police Academy Class 222 Group C photo. Attested on 7/11/86. Virginia MacKie is front row third from right.
Rob BOEG # 23001, Virginia MacKIE # 23041 & Grant SEDDON # 22994 at the front counter of Nowra Police Station on 10 November 1986 as new Probationary Constables.
USA Bike trip – 2016. A fun loving person. Dennis GEARSIDE # 15147, ?, Virginia MacKIE # 23041
Virginia MacKIE # 23041 & Dennis GEARSIDE # 15147 USA bike tour – 2016
Virginia MacKIE # 23041 & Dennis GEARSIDE # 15147 USA bike tour – 2016
Virginia MacKIE # 23041 & Dennis GEARSIDE # 15147 USA bike tour – 2016
Virginia MacKIE # 23041 USA bike tour – 2016
USA bike tour – 2016 ?, Virginia MacKIE # 23041, Dennis GEARSIDE # 15147 Grand Canyon
* Story behind any Nickname: A play on her surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Relations in ‘the job’: Phillip John CHILD, NSWPF # 5330 ( Passed in 2013 )
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # ? 057 or 058
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # P/W 0028 ( Police Woman )
Had the same Registered numbering system that applied to males been used instead of PW’s, Colleen would have sat between Peter SPRATT, NSWPF # 8922 & Ray WHITE, NSWPF # 8923 in the Seniority list.
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Special Constable- appointed 20 January 1958 ( aged 23 years, 5 months, 9 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 June 1976 ( Seniority date was 1 March 1974 )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 17 May 1981
Final Rank: = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, Plain Cloths – Police Womens Office ( is mentioned in the C.I.B. Centenary 1879 – 1979 book ), ?, Parramatta ( 18 Division )( 1980s ), ?
Time employed with NSW Police: From: Monday 20 January 1958 to Thursday 30 March 1989 = 31 years, 2 months, 10 days
Service: From Monday 20 January 1958to Thursday 30 March 1989 = 31 years, 2 months, 10 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 54 years, 7 months, 19 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 34 years, 6 months, 18 days
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
1986 NSW Police Games Narrabeen Fitness Centre Redfern Police Women’s Touch Football. Back row: Sue Williamson (2 Division), Tony Gleeson (1 Division), Chris Sullivan (2 Division), Wayne Baxter (2 Division), Narelle Benson. Middle row: Cheryl Goddard (Regent St), Lyn Russo (A Distinct Beats), John McCusker (2 Division), Dick Yannakis (2 Division). Front row: Carolyn Stewart (Regent St), Joanne Andrews (2 Division), Jenny Muldoon (Punchbowl), Kelly O’Grady (2 Division).
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
PARRAMATTA DETECTIVES
Scenes at the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi today.A detective with a rifle at the scene of the siege, Det. Sgt. Herb Talarico.
