Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 17 February 1995
Senior Constable – appointed August 1999
Stations: Mill Park ( 17 February 1995 ), Transit ( April 1977 ), Northcote ( March 1999 ) – death
Service: From? ? ?pre 17 February 1995 to 20 May 2000 = 5+ years Service
Awards: posthumous Victoria Police Star – Awarded on 19 July 2005
Born: ? ? 1969
Died on: Saturday 20 May 2000 @ 2.20am
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – killed instantly
Age: 31
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: the Fiona Robinson Treatment Room, Children’s Ward, Geelong Hospital, Victoria
James St, Northcote – Northcote Police Stn. Front Inscription Donated by the Northcote R.S.L. in memory of Senior Constable Mark Anthony Bateman 30810 and Senior Constable Fiona Frances Robinson 30507 tragically killed in the line of duty 20 May, 2000 Lest We Forget
[alert_green]FIONAIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
At approximately 2.20am on Saturday 20th May, 2000Senior Constable Robinson and Senior Constable Mark Bateman were travelling along High Street, Northcote with emergency lights activated in response to an emergency call. At the intersection of Dennis & High Streets the divisional van they were driving collided with another vehicle before coming to rest against a traffic control signal and electricity pole. Both members were killed instantly.
Today the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation will dedicate a Police Memorial to honour Senior Constable Fiona ROBINSON at the Geelong Hospital.
The ceremony, to dedicate the Fiona Robinson Treatment Room in the Children’s Ward, is to be conducted in the presence of senior police, representatives from the hospital and the Blue Ribbon Foundation plus members of Senior Constable Robinson’s family. Many of S/C Robinson’s former colleagues, who were stationed at Northcote in May 2000, will also be attending.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has donated $250,000 for the specialised Treatment Room at Geelong Hospital with nearly half being raised in the Geelong community.
The Fiona Robinson Treatment Room forms part of the recently redeveloped children’s area of the Geelong Hospital where more than $8 million was raised to create the Cotton On Foundation Children’s Ward.
Fiona’s Treatment Room is specially equipped to give primary care and treatment to children as well as new-born babies and their mothers.
Fiona Robinson completed her training at the Police Academy and graduated as Constable Fiona De Leuuw (30507) on 17th February, 1995. Her initial posting was at Mill Park police station before transferring to Transit in April, 1997. In March 1999 she was posted to the Uniform Division at Northcote and earned her promotion to Senior Constable in August the same year.
In early 2000 Fiona married Trevor Robinson but this happy union was cut short by tragedy, just three months later.
At approximately 2.20am on Saturday 20th May, 2000Senior Constable Robinson and Senior Constable Mark Bateman were travelling along High Street, Northcote with emergency lights activated in response to an emergency call. At the intersection of Dennis & High Streets the divisional van they were driving collided with another vehicle before coming to rest against a traffic control signal and electricity pole. Both members were killed instantly. Fiona was 30 years of age.
Fiona DeLeeuw was an energetic, happy young girl that spent much of her childhood living around the Romsey area with mother Shirley, father Ernie and her two brothers Andrew & Matthew. Ernie was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years and became the first Sergeant to be stationed at Wallan.
Fiona was a keen horse rider and excellent goal shooter in netball. After leaving school Fiona started her working career as a teller with the Commonwealth Bank but after serving at Lancefield, Kilmore and the Melbourne branches she opted to follow in her father’s footsteps and join Victoria Police
A posthumous Victoria Police Star was awarded to Constable Robinson’s family on 19th July, 2005.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is a community-based organisation that perpetuates the memory of fallen police officers through the support of worthwhile community projects within Victoria.
The dedication of this latest facility will bring to 29 the number of hospital units funded by the Foundation in Victoria, mostly in the areas of emergency and trauma treatment.
Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO, Neil Soullier said;
“Senior Constable Robinson died while answering an emergency call from a member of the public and she paid the ultimate price. Our view is that members who have fallen in the line of duty shall forever remain on duty and now, through this specialised Treatment Room, Senior Constable Robinson is serving the people of Geelong”.
What: Police Memorial Dedication
Fiona Robinson Treatment Room at Geelong Hospital
Where: Geelong Clinical School – Deakin University & Barwon Health
285 Ryrie Street, Geelong – enter via Kitchener House
12-11-2001
Vic: Police car type did not contribute to officers’ deaths
A coroner has found the deaths of two policemen in a car accident in Melbourne were not influenced by the van in which they were travelling.
Senior Constable MARK BATEMAN, aged 30, and 31-year-old Senior Constable FIONA ROBINSON died from multiple injuries after their divisional van rolled when it side-swiped another car in suburban Northcote on May 20 last year.
Coroner PHILLIP GOLDBERG said the two police officers were en route to a burglary in progress and were trying to overtake the slower moving car.
He said a subsequent police investigation revealed that the Holden Commodore in which they were travelling had a higher potential to roll over than the previous model Ford.
The Commodore divisional vans are no longer used by police.
But Mr GOLDBERG says the Commodore’s greater risk of rolling did not aggravate the circumstances of the two police officers deaths.
Trevor Robinson stood before about 150 people and declared that for the rest of his life he would love the wife he lost in tragic circumstances 10 years earlier.
At the same time, he told of his love for Tina Robinson, whom he has since married, and the two daughters they have together.
The words were spoken at a memorial service where it was said that not only are Senior Constable Fiona Robinson, and the colleague who died with her, Senior
Constable Mark Bateman, loved and not forgotten, but also that life has moved on
in some positive ways.
The service was held 10 years to the day since the two Northcote police officers
were killed in a divisional van accident as they were heading to a reported holdup.
After being hit by another vehicle, the van partially overturned and crashed into an
electricity pole.
The deaths sparked a review of police van safety and led to the introduction of the
Crewman vehicle, which was designed to reduce the risk of rolling over. In September last year, the government announced that new vans, each featuring six airbags and an Electronic Stability Program, are being introduced in a phased rollout that will replace the Crewman vehicles.
Family, friends and representatives of the Victoria Police Force and The Police
Association attended the memorial, where Mark Bateman’s widow, Deb Bateman,
recalled the night she had “a visit from the police that a police family truly dreads”.
She had a two-year old son, Jack, and a baby daughter, Daisy. Trevor and Fiona Robinson had been married only three months.
Deb told how in 10 years, Jack has enjoyed school success, Daisy shines in basketball and she herself has completed a PhD. Life has gone on, she said, even as they continue to miss Mark.
An approach from Northcote Police, suggesting a commemoration of the 10th
anniversary of the tragedy, is an example of Deb’s assertion that the police community has never deserted her and her family.
Police Legacy organised a Perth holiday for the children last year. They have flown in a police helicopter with the Chief Commissioner thanks to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
“Today is a very special day in the coming together of all those really important
police organisations that keep us connected,” said Deb.
“My children have a very strong sense that they belong somewhere within the police
Officers at the tightly knit Northcote police station in Melbourne’s inner north are today mourning the deaths of two of their colleagues in a road accident early yesterday. Senior Constable Mark Bateman, 30, and his 31-year-old friend and colleague Senior Constable Fiona Robinson who was married just 11 weeks ago were killed when their divisional van hit a pole after colliding with a car in High Street, Northcote, about 2.20am.
One of the- two officers was believed to have swapped a shift with a colleague and was not originally rostered to work on Friday night.
Acting Chief Commissioner Neil O’Loughlin said he was deeply saddened by the accident, which highlighted the dangers police faced. “It’s tragic that these members died whilst serving the community,” he said.
The officers were described by the officer-in-charge at Northcote, Senior Sergeant Rick McIntosh, as “happy-go-lucky characters”. “Fiona would always have a smile on her face, even when she was working under pressure,” he said. “She had only recently been married.”
Senior Constable Bateman was also married, with a two-year-old son, Jack, and a daughter, Daisy, three months. “Mark loved work and was dedicated to his family,” Senior Sergeant McIntosh said.
Police spokesman Kevin Loomes said the 40 officers stationed at Northcote were receiving counselling. He said some of them had arrived at work yesterday unaware their friends had been killed.
The assistant secretary of the Police Association, Senior Sergeant Paul Mullett, said the deaths of the two officers would be deeply felt among their colleagues and in the community. “
They certainly enjoyed a good reputation, a very good reputation,” he said. “They’re both renowned for their dedication . . . They are two respected members within their own workplace, and they had a reputation of respect among their local community.”
Yesterday, Northcote residents and police paid their respects by dropping flowers off at the police station. Bunches of flowers were also taped to a pole at the accident scene. Mr Loomes said the accident occurred while the two officers were driving north along High St.
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Noel Richard DAWSON
| 02/08/2016
Noel Richard DAWSON
( late of Stratton )
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # 2588
Rank: ?
Stations: ?
Service: From? ? ? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 25 December 1930 at Carnarvon
Died on: Thursday 21 July 2016 in Midland, WA
Cause: ?
Age: 85
Funeral date: Wednesday 3 August 2016 @ 11am
Funeral location: PINNAROO Valley Memorial Park, ( West Chapel ) Whitfords Ave & Gibson Ave, Padbury, W.A., 6025
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]NOEL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
DAWSON:
WA POLICE UNION
Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late retired member Noel Richard Dawson 2588 at PINNAROO Valley Memorial Park on WEDNESDAY (03.08.2016) at 11.00am.
DAWSON (Noel Richard):
The members of Guildford Bassendean Lodge No. 16 WAC extend their condolences to the family on the passing of Noel, an esteemed member of the Lodge.
DAWSON (Noel Richard):
Noel Richard Dawson Passed away on 21st July 2016.
Forever in our hearts.
I love you my beautiful Granddaddy and i miss you every second of every day.
Lavinia Dawson lit a candle
Sydney, Australia
5 days ago via mobile
Part of my hart is now forever gone, but know you are back with Gran and Mum waiting till we all meet again. Miss you so much Granddad love you always.
Miss Sue-Ann Patricia Dawson lit a candle
STRATTON, Australia
7 days ago
Will always remember my ‘extra Dad’ who took me for my driving test, and arranged a pony for me to ride for a wonderful fun-filled Pony Club day. I always felt so loved and accepted by Noel and Pat. Lots of love always, Jane
About 1000 people attended the funeral of policeman Ray McNish in Echuca – Moama on Friday. A huge cortege started outside the Echuca police station in Dickson St, led by mounted police, a lone piper and with Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton taking the salute as the hearse passed through an honour guard of uniformed and plain clothes officers. The service was held at Dungula Function Centre to accommodate the massive crowd. Full story on pages 4 and 5.
[alert_yellow]RAY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Photo: Married couple Wendy and Raymond McNish (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
A grieving Victorian widow has taken the state’s police to court in an attempt to prove her husband’s suicide was work-related.
Wendy McNish has spoken out for the first-time about the suicide of her husband Raymond McNish at Moama early last year.
The New South Wales Coroner has been examining the case but Mrs McNish has also taken legal action against Victoria Police.
Her lawyer Travis Fewster from Maurice Blackburn said his client was trying to prove Mr McNish’s psychological disturbance came about because of employment stress.
“We will be saying that at the time he took his life, he just did not know where to turn, what to do,” Mr Fewster said.
“It was absolutely work-related,” he said.
Mr Fewster said a medical report from a GP suggested Mr McNish had lost faith in society and was disenchanted.
“We have also got a suicide note that said he could no longer have any fun, he could not laugh and he was not smiling anymore,” he said.
“So we have got those things put together as well as the trauma he saw day and in day out and what we consider is a lack of support from some of the parties involved,” Mr Fewster said.
A country copper
Photo: Senior Constable Ray McNish spent almost 12 years as a police officer. (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
A great country copper was how Wendy McNish described her late husband.
“He was a very diligent, thorough worker and he found he had put his hand up for help and that was not there,” she said.
He took his own life in February last year aged 50.
He was a senior constable based at Echuca in northern Victoria.
Victoria Police rejected Mrs McNish’s initial application for compensation, denying liability in December last year. Now she has taken on the force and hopes it can make changes to better support staff and their families.
[code]“He felt alone and unsupported within his job,” Mrs McNish said.[/code]
She said she wanted the force to be more open-minded about mental health measures it could implement.
“Anything that helps them to cope with what they are seeing every-time they close their eyes has got to be a benefit and help them be more balanced,” she said.
“I’m not the only one out there that this is happening too,” she said.
“If I can help in any way I can then I will,” she said.
She said Mr McNish was affected by what he saw during his almost 12 years in the force.
Police tackle mental health issues
Victoria Police unveiled its three-year mental health strategy in August, which included a cultural leadership program.
Commissioner Graham Ashton said he wanted the force to do everything to protect, promote and preserve employees’ wellbeing.
Mr Ashton announced last month he was suffering from a fatigue-related illness and was taking sick leave.
At that time, he said he had always encouraged staff to speak up if they were struggling and to seek support as early as possible.
The Police Association, the union representing Victorian officers, said it was looking at how to encourage members facing a stigma to speak up. The secretary Wayne Gatt said he wanted to break down culture that stopped police from seeking help.
[code]”The stress that builds up over a long and challenging career makes for the perfect environment for mental health injuries to take hold,” he said.[/code]
“The Victorian Police has also been strengthening its support services that are available to our members and has the Police Association in terms of physical resources and people we can send out to assist members when they need help.
Wayne Gatt said some members had taken their own lives this year.
“I’ve been to two funerals this year of members who have lost their lives,” he said.
“It’s so critically important that we have adequate ways of providing appropriate diagnosis, delivering appropriate support services and getting help to members as soon as they put their hand up,” he said.
Mrs McNish acknowledged Victoria Police had some focus on mental health but she said she was unsure if it was on the right path.
Photo: Wendy McNish and her lawyer Travis Fewster are taking legal action. (ABC Central Victoria: Stephanie Corsetti)
“For me, I don’t think counselling and psychology is the only answer,” she said.
“I think there is more than one avenue that can be taken with regard to mental health,” Mrs McNish said.
“I look at natural therapies because that’s where I’ve got the main healing and benefits for me,” she said.
She said she just wanted acknowledgement from Victoria Police.
“I think they need to speak with widows and families who have lost and find if there are some common threads in there that we can pull together … so changes can be made in the right direction because like I said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” she said. Mrs McNish also said treatment options could go further.
[code]”The counselling side of things and the support that is there, is really only just ticking the boxes,” she said.[/code]
She said conversations about suicide were becoming more widespread but there was still work to be done.
“I’ve seen people shy away from me,” Mrs McNish said.
“Even friends of 10 years have crossed the street who are work colleagues of Ray’s, you know that’s disappointing,” she said.
“I don’t want to normalise it, I just want to open the doors so that the conversations can flow and people can be understood,” she said.
“That’s been a real difficult thing for me to understand that people don’t want to or are not prepared to talk about it,” Mrs McNish.
“The more we get it out there, it just makes it easier for people,” she said.
“Sadly I’m not going to be the last one that goes through this,” Mrs McNish said.
“If you can’t open up to people and for them to at least hear you out, it makes it really difficult to move forward,” she said.
Victoria Police said in recent years, it had completed an organisation-wide mental health review and done significant work to improve the culture and support services around mental health.
THE widow of an Echuca policeman who took his own life a year ago is suing the Victoria Police.
In a writ lodged in the Country Court Wendy McNish is claiming her husband “sustained personal injury and death” throughout his career, which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Leading Senior Constable McNish had always wanted to be a policeman but did not actually begin his career until he was 39.
Eleven years later he was dead after a career which saw him work in stations around the Campaspe region, in undercover and had been the key investigator in recovering more than $1 million in stolen farming machinery.
The issue of mental health among officers made headlines in February last year after three Victoria Police members committed suicide in the first six weeks of 2016, including Ray McNish.
Now his widow is seeking compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, claiming she was dependent on her husband’s earnings at the time he died.
Mrs McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
The Herald Sun reports today that since 2000 five officers have died in the line of duty – but 19 more have died at their own hand.
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, Ray McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with family violence through “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
The paper said between July 2010 and June 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was a born copper. He worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him — to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
At the time of his death the Riverine Herald reported Ray McNish was the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency services frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on our behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either/or, baling out of careers they love before they checked out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are forced to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy, which in Ray McNish’s case, was played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre last February.
Wife of Echuca cop who died in tragic circumstances sues Victoria Police
PETER MICKELBUROUGH, Herald Sun
Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy/Riverine Herald
THE wife of a well-loved country cop who died in tragic circumstances a year ago is suing Victoria Police.
Wendy McNish, whose “soulmate”, Leading Senior Constable Ray McNish, 50, died on February 8 last year, accuses the force of breaching its duty to her husband, who took his own life.
In a writ lodged in the County Court, Ms McNish claims her husband “sustained personal injury and death throughout” his career which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Ms McNish is claiming compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, saying she was dependant on her husband’s earnings at the time of his death.
Ms McNish and her lawyer declined to comment on Tuesday. The action is the latest by grieving families of dead police, with the Herald Sun revealing last April that the fiancée of another officer ( Robert John SMITH ) was suing after her partner shot himself at Boronia Police Station with his service firearm after complaining of being bullied and harassed.
Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 19 more have died by their own hand.
It is understood Leading Senior Constable McNish’s death did not occur at workor involve a police firearm.
Based at Echuca, he was a popular officer on both sides of the Murray River and was farewelled with a police guard of honour in the presence of Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton.
“No farewells were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it. And only God knows why. Forever in our hearts, love you always. Until we meet again. Your suffering is now over”, a family death notice read.
Victoria Police officers form a guard of honour at Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy /Riverine Herald
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, then-Senior Constable McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence, through his “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents”.
A colleague from NSW paid tribute to “not only a fellow police officer but a mate & a true loving caring person”.
He posted: “To my very close friend Wendy my heart breaks for you, you & Ray have been true friends to me helping me with my PTSD I just wish I could have known Ray’s pain so I could have been there for Ray.”
Ms McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
A police spokeswoman said the force took the welfare of its employees seriously and had made a priority of addressing mental health issues, including adopting all 39 recommendations from a mental health review last year.
Between July, 2010 and June, 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500, including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.
A WorkSafe spokesman said: “WorkSafe is continuing its inquiries into the death of Mr McNish. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Over the past five years, 1037 mental injury claims have been made by Victoria Police members.
A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel in 2015 found that of the of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.
A 2015 Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.
If this article causes you distress or if you require help or information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on (03) 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
Ray McNish waited until he was 39 to fulfil a childhood dream – and become a policeman.
Barely 11 years later about 1000 people, many of them police and former police, alongside family and friends, gathered in Echuca – Moama to attend his funeral.
The man affectionately dubbed Dissa ( as in disarray ) had taken his own life.
He had lived the dream, and he loved the job. Everyone said so, and they all meant it.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was born copper. he worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him – to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
A state which, in true Dissa style, he largely kept from those who knew him best, those who loved him most.
Ray McNish is the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency service frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on hour behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either / or, bailing out of careers they love before they check out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are force to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy finally played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre on Friday – and the ripples keep on spreading.
A 55-year-old man has been charged with stealing farm machinery from properties in northern Victoria.
Detectives say they found about $500,000 worth of stolen equipment when they searched five properties in the Bamawm region, south of Echuca, on Tuesday.
Senior Constable Ray McNish says the investigation has been a focus for local police.
“It certainly has. It’s been probably well over 12 months now and it’s still an ongoing investigation at this stage,” he said.
A Bamawm man was arrested and charged with theft and handling stolen goods.
He was released on bail and is due to face the Echuca Magistrates Court in April.
Victorian police have increased their focus on farm thefts in recent months, with the establishment of rural crime taskforce.
A MELBOURNE man who police allege drove to Echuca, bound his father’s partner with duct tape, assaulted her and robbed the house, was granted bail yesterday.Mustafa Hadis, 20, of Meadow Heights, faced the Bendigo Magistrates Court on several charges, including intentionally causing serious injury and theft yesterday.
The court heard Hadis had been estranged from his father since the age of two and had recent attempts at contact rebuffed.
Detective Senior Constable Ray McNish said Hadis had attended his father’s house twice in the week leading up to the attack. The first time he was told his father wished to have no further contact with him, the second his father was not home. Detective McNish said two days later, on January 18, Hadis and two co-accused attached stolen number plates to a car and again drove to Echuca, parking some distance from the victim’s address. “The victim was home alone in bed and at about 7am was awoken to see Hadis standing outside her bedroom window,” he said. Detective McNish said when the 58-year-old victim went outside to confront Hadis, he grabbed her and tried to pull her back inside, causing her to fall to the ground. He said Hadis then called out for help from his co-accused and they dragged the victim inside where they struck her face and arms with a rubber mallet. “Once inside, the victim’s hands were bound with packing tape, she also had her mouth and head covered to quell her screaming,” Detective McNish said. He said Hadis and the two co-accused then stole a large amount of jewellery and two mobile phones. He said the victim feared for her life, especially when one of Hadis’ co-accused took a knife from the kitchen. “The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to her head requiring stitches, severe swelling to her hand and bruising to her arms and legs,” he said. Detective McNish said the attack was a “premeditated act” with the men pre-packing the tape, mallet, screwdrivers and gloves. The court heard Hadis made full admissions when later arrested and interviewed by police, saying he felt hurt by his father and “emotionally rejected”. Hadis’ bail application was opposed by police, but his defence counsel said it was important her client was released as he was the sole carer of his mother. Hadis was bailed, with strict conditions, to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court for a committal mention on April 4.
Police honoured for work in combatting family violence
Release date: Sat 28 October 2006
Last updated: Wed 1 November 2006
Five police members were honoured on Friday for their efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence.
The 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence Awards were presented by Assistant Commissioner (Region 3) Ken Lay.
The awards are the result of a recommendation from the Region 3 Family Violence Reference Group that police members who excel in their approach in responding to family violence should be recognised. The Family Violence Reference Group comprises police members and representatives from other government departments and family violence services.
The awards were divided into two categories: Leadership and Practise.
Leadership awards are for members displaying outstanding initiative and leadership, which have positively motivated and influenced others in response to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Leadership awards are:
• Sergeant Phil Nash from Broadmeadows police station for excellence in managing Family Violence Liaison Officer portfolio in an area of high numbers of family violence incidents.
• Constable Donna Rundle from Kyneton police station for outstanding leadership in addressing Family Violence within Macedon Ranges.
Practise awards are for members exhibiting exemplary characteristics that have added significant value to the manner in which police act when responding to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Practise awards are:
• Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti from Tatura police station for a consistently high level of response, outstanding victim support and negotiation skills.
• Senior Constable John Lal from Epping police station for a highly professional and ethical approach, adhering to the principles and policies of the Victoria Police Code of Practice for Investigating Family Violence and consistent referrals to NARTT.
• Senior Constable Ray McNish from Swan Hill police station for exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told forum attendees that family violence affects all communities.
“The unfortunate and stark reality of family violence is that it affects all of our communities”, Mr Lay said.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said that police attendance at incidents of family violence had decreased in Region 3 in the 2005/2006 financial year compared to the 2004/2005 financial year.
He said that in the 2005/2006 financial year police in Region 3 attended 5955 incidents of family violence, compared to the 2004/2005 financial year where police in Region 3 attended 6367 incidents.
“Reporting incidents to the police is the crucial step needed to ensure that victims of family violence are supported and the crime attached to family violence is addressed,” Mr Lay said.
“Although the figures suggest that family violence incidents have decreased, it is still possible that incidents go unreported. I hope that the example set by all police members in Region 3 nominated for the ‘Excellence in Policing Family Violence’ awards encourages more victims of family violence to seek support.”
Police response to family violence can mean the difference between life and death; about half the homicides in Victoria over recent years have been the result of family violence.
New Victims’ legislation, the ‘Victims’ Charter Act 2006’ comes into effect on Wednesday 1 November. This legislation will further ensure that all police members deliver a quality service to victims of crime, treating victims with courtesy, respect and dignity. As part of the Act, police will distribute a new booklet ‘A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System’ to all victims of crime.
Unnamed male who suicided the week pre 11 February 2016.
This officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
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Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week
Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston
Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.
As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.
In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.
The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
The other officer( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.
Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.
“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.
“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.
“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”
Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.
“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.
“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.
“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”
In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.
It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.
He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.
Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.
But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.
The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.
It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.
The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.
Dear Wendy , Matt & family, it it with the deepest sadness that we write our condolences to you on the tragic passing of a dear and wonderful person – our friend Ray. It has been some years since we have caught up, but he was always in our mind and hearts and we just picked up where we left off – true friend ! We have fond memories of our friendship and wish you and Matt the strength to carry on. Please if you are in the area, call in and see us, we will miss him dearly – Love from Rene and Roger xoxo
Sue, Dot and Ray and families, my arms are wrapped around you at this impossibly difficult time. You are in my thoughts and heart. I immediately remember Raymond’s warm, infectious smile. Hold each other tight. Love to you, Kruse xxx
Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, My sincerest condolences for the passing of Ray. A great bloke who made growing up in Gippsland all the more worthwhile. regards, Bill
Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, and your families, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ray’s death. What a bloody waste. My thoughts and mental hugs go out to you at a time when every thing must seem so senseless. If I can’t make it tomorrow, I will be thinking of you all with much love. Regards, Jenny
Alan Rugless on a Triumph. This would have been taken in 1964, at Ulmarra, when Alan was stationed at Grafton. On Allen’s lap is his son, Paul – who also joined the NSWPF.
Alan’s wife, Lyn, passed away on Friday 6 May 2022 from the effects of Lung Cancer ( diagnosed only two months prior ).
Alan is currently in a Nursing Home and a sufferer of Dementia and would not be aware of the death of his wife.
As of Tuesday 26 July 2016:
Update on Allen Rugless who is currently in St George Hospital. He has been moved into an Intensive Care Ward. Suffering from Influenza virus A and pneumonia. His condition at this time is the same has made no improvement so neither stepped forward or back. Is getting the right treatment so lets hope he continues to battle on.
Bunny Warren
As of Friday 29 July 2016, Ruggo is now in a Critical condition but stable.
Some good news people, just got information that Allen Rugless is on the mend he is 100% from what he was from admission to the hospital. Lyn says that the improvement from last night to today is remarkable. He has most of the machines taken off him is giving cheek to the nursing staff this morning.
Lets hope he continues to improve but it looks at this time that he is over the rough part of it. I asked if he is able to have visitors and she said he can but only two at a time. So there you go people latest update on the little bloke.
John Robert HUTCHINGS
| 02/08/2016
John Robert HUTCHINGS
father of Mark – 19731
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9681[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 30 May 1960
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 14 March 1976
Detective Chief Inspector – appointed 6 April 1988 – retirement
Stations: ?, Internal Affairs – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre 30 May 1960 to 13 December 1993 = 33+ years Service
John passed away during the afternoon of Thursday 28 July 2016 in Gosford Hospital.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
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Retired Detective Chief Inspector John Hutchings update
Geoff Talbot called into Gosford Hospital this morning ( Wednesday 27 July 2016 ) and spent some time with Johns wife Verna who has been at his bedside for just on 2 weeks. Today is day 13 since John consumed any food and is mostly in a state of unconsciousness. His family and close friends are regular visitors being support for his wife. I mentioned the comments here on FB and Verna asked me to thank those members who have John in their thoughts and prayers.
If you know John or Verna and you are in the Gosford area – you may wish to visit and offer your support.
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May John forever Rest In Peace.
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Austin William MANN
| 02/08/2016
Austin William MANN
aka Aussie / Ozzy
( late of Eltham )
Victoria Police Force
Academy Squad 21 of 2005
Regd. # 35360
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Diamond Creek, NWM Division 5 HQ, Heidelberg Police Station, Diamond Creek SOCIT
Service: From 3 October 2005to 19 July 2016=10+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ?
Died on: Tuesday 19 July 2016
Cause: ? Possible Suicide ?
Age: 34
Funeral date: Monday 1 August 2016 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Victorian Police Academy Chapel, View Mount Road, Glen Waverley
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]AUSTIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
MANN
A Service celebrating the life of Senior Constable Austin William Mann will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (August 1st, 2016) at 10.30 am.
A Private Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beyondblue in memory of Austin. Envelopes at the service.
MANN. Austin. On behalf of the Committee and Members of the North Eltham Wanderers Cricket Club, we wish to express our sincere condolences to Austin’s family. An excellent Vice President who made an outstanding contribution to our Club. Will always be remembered At Rest
MANN. Austin. On behalf of all members of the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub Branch, we express our sympathy and condolences to our member Paul Mann and his wife Jan on their sad loss.
The Officers and members of Diamond Creek Fire Brigade wish to offer our sincere condolences to Austin’s family, friends, colleagues, members of Diamond Creek Police Station. Rest in Peace mate
MANN. Austin. Senior Constable 35360 Sadly missed by your colleagues but never forgotten. Our sincere sympathy to your loving family and friends. May you rest in peace. Staff at Diamond Creek Police.
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.
The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Mann and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
On behalf of all Members of Diamond Creek SOCIT we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Austin’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be sadly missed.
MANN. Austin. Aussie, to us you were someone special. We will always remember your generous nature, unwavering support and friendship. Always in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Mann family.
Cable, Shayna, Taygen, Tully and Judith Sage, and Flyn Loughlin.
MANN. Austin. Austin will be remembered as a kind and loving friend who worked tirelessly for the Eltham North Wanderers Cricket Club. Our memories of Austin will live on in our hearts forever, his laughter rings in our ears.
Deepest sympathy to Jan, Paul, Alistair, Jarrod and Pete and families at the loss of your beloved son, brother and uncle.
MANN. Austin. Aus, you were always there no matter what. You always had a cold beer and a hug when I needed it. You always made me laugh. You took so little and gave a lifetime of memories. You were a generous soul and felt everything so deeply my friend. Rest peacefully. I miss you Aus. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to to Jan, Paul, Al, Pete and Jabba.
The NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club would like to thank everyone for their well-wishes and support during such a tough time. The tragic loss of our Vice-President Austin Mann has rocked us, and it truly is comforting to be a part of such a supportive community in the toughest of times.
As per the Herald Sun today, funeral information is as follows:
“A Service celebrating the life of Senior Constable Austin Mann will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount RD, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (August 1, 2016) at 10:30am. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beyond Blue, in memory of Austin. Envelopes are available at the Service”
It is with sadness that Macleod Cricket Club extends its condolences to the Mann family and NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club on the sudden passing of Austin Mann.
Aussie was the most competitive of opponents and a gentleman of the game, always keen for a beer and a chat amongst rivals.
His selfless work in the cricket community and wider community will see benefits for others for years to come.
RIP Aus.
The Riverside Cricket Club wishes to pass on its sincerest condolences to the NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club and the Mann family upon the passing of Austin.
Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. RIP Austin Mann
On behalf of all of our members and supporters the Lalor Stars Cricket Club Committee extends our heartfelt condolences to the NorthElthamWanderers Cricket Club on the tragic passing of Austin Mann. We hold the Mann family and all at NEWCC in our hearts and thoughts at this sad time.
Joseph Sylvester Vinson Thompson was born at Manilla, NSW in 1884, the third and youngest son of four children born to Henry John and Margaret Elizabeth (nee Hagan) Thompson. At the age of 31 years he enlisted in the AIF (Regimental Number 2883A) on the 9th of July 1915 at Brisbane, stating that his occupation was as a Police Constable at Bell, Queensland. He listed his mother, Margaret Elizabeth Thompson of Sandringham, Barraba, New South Wales, as his next of kin.
Initially he was posted at the rank of Private to the 25th Battalion/6th Reinforcements at Enoggera near Brisbane. On the 21st of October 1915 at Pinkenba, Brisbane he embarked on the HMAT A48 Seang Bee bound for active service, arriving at Suez on the 28th of November 1915. Upon arrival it appears that he was assigned to the 7th Training Battalion at Zeitoun.
On the 27th of February 1916 he was allotted to and proceeded to join the 9th Battalion. The next day he joined the 9th Battalion “D” Company at Gebel Habieta, about 12 miles (20 km) east of the Suez Canal. There is no record of when he received his promotion however when he transferred to the 9th Battalion he reverted to the ranks but was immediately afterwards promoted to the rank of Corporal in his new unit.
On the 27th of March 1916 he was with troops who embarked at Alexandria on the HMT Saxonia and sailed to join the British Expeditionary Force, disembarking in Marseille, France on the 3rd of April. He’d have gone by train to northern France and from there he would have been posted to active duty on the western front in the Somme.
Corporal Joseph Thompson was killed in action while fighting near Pozieres in the Somme, France on the 22nd of July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France.