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Barry John PEARCE

Barry John PEARCE

AKA  The Black Duck

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 111

Class # 111 was the Last NSW Police Class to be issued with the Webley Scott semi auto pistol

 

Regd. # 12631

Uniform # ‘possibly’ 173

 

Rank:  Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 ( aged 20 years, 9 months, 19 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed Monday 26 June 1967 ( aged 20 years, 11 months, 0 days )

Constable – appointed 26 June 1968

Constable 1st Class – appointed 26 June 1972

Senior Constable – appointed 26 June 1976

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 2 April 1988

Senior Sergeant – death

 

Stations?, Pymble, Hornsby, Weapons Instructor at the underground range in the old Smith & Campbell St building ( C.I.B. ) – Surry Hills

 

Service:  From 15 May 1967  to 2 December 1999 = 32 years, 6 months, 17 days Service

Age at Retirement:  53 years, 4 months, 6 days

Years in Retirement:  15 years, 0 months, 25 days

 

Awards:  National Medal – granted 9 August 1983 ( SenCon )

1st Clasp to the National Medal – granted 16 June 1993 ( SenCon )

 

Born:  Friday  26 July 1946

Died on:  Saturday  27 December 2014

Cause:  Cancer

Age: 68 years  5 months  1 day

Barry John PEARCE

Funeral date:  Wednesday 31 December 2014 @ 11am

Funeral location:  Forster Catholic Church,  33 Lake St, Forster

Buried at:  Tuncurry Cemetery, Parr Rd, Tuncurry, NSW

Grave Location:  Lawn N 67

INSCRIPTION:IN LOVING MEMORY OFBARRY JOHN PEARCE26.7.1946 - 27.12.2014BELOVED SON OF BELLE AND ROYDEARLY LOVED FATHER AND POPPYOF MATTHEW, MARK, MICHAEL, NICOLEAND THEIR CHILDREN"IT'S JUST A FLESH WOUND"INSCRIPTION:IN LOVING MEMORY OFBARRY JOHN PEARCE26.7.1946 - 27.12.2014BELOVED SON OF BELLE AND ROYDEARLY LOVED FATHER AND POPPYOF MATTHEW, MARK, MICHAEL, NICOLEAND THEIR CHILDREN"IT'S JUST A FLESH WOUND"

Barry John PEARCE, Barry PEARCE

 

Grave: GPS:

S -32.16462184715184

E 152.4952575745773

 

   Barry is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED


 

 Barry John PEARCE, 68 old, former Regd,. No. 12631, a Member of the Manning Great Lakes Branch of the RPA.

Barry passed away on 27/12/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Wednesday 31st Instant at Forster Catholic Church, 33 Lake Street, FORSTER.


Location of Church Service


 

Some of Class 111 who commenced training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 and were Sworn In on Monday 26 June 1967. Rear row, 4th from left is Probationary Constable Barry John PEARCE # 12631Some of Class 111 who commenced training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 and were Sworn In on Monday 26 June 1967.Front Row ( L – R ) ?, ?, ?, Probationary Constable Barry John PEARCE # 12631, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?

Rear row ( L – R ) ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?,

 

 

picture of Class111 26th June, 1967. All the cyclists have the first of the white helmets. They didn't last long either', once they realised that the broken necks were coming from the bad design, where the back of the helmet sat at the perfect point to break your neck, if your head was snapped backwards. Second white helmets issued hurriedly, 'say no more'..!picture of Class111 26th June, 1967.All the cyclists have the first of the white helmets. They didn’t last long either’, once they realised that the broken necks were coming from the bad design, where the back of the helmet sat at the perfect point to break your neck, if your head was snapped backwards.

 

Second white helmets issued hurriedly, ‘say no more’..

 

 

 

Class 111 - those transferred to Penrith - 1967
Class 111 – those transferred to Penrith – 1967

 

 


 

 




William H. PEARCE

William H. PEARCE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  Scone, Coopernook, Merriwa

ServiceFrom  to  13 December 1898 = ? years Service

Awards?

Born:  about 1863

Died on:  Tuesday  13 December 1898

Cause:  Drowned

Age:  35

Funeral date:  Wednesday  14 December 1898

Funeral location?

Buried at:

Memorial location:  ?

 [alert_red]   William  is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red]  * BUT SHOULD BE

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Wednesday 13 December 1899, page 1


In Memoriam.

PEARCE.—- In fond and loving memory of my beloved husband, Constable W. H. Pearce, who was accidentally drowned at Merriwa, December 13th, 1898. Inserted by his loving wife and children.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article14219630.txt

 

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William H. PEARCE

Constable
Drowned
Merriwa
13 December, 1898

The constable was drowned in the Merriwa River, Merriwa after he had jumped into the river to rescue a drowning boy named Thomas Baker. The boy was also drowned.

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The Maitland Daily Mercury of 14 December, 1898 went into a little more depth.

Sad Drowning Fatality. “
A GALLANT POLICEMAN’S DEATH – MOURNFUL OCCURRENCE AT MERRIWA,

Merriwa, Wednesday – A sad drowning fatality occurred here yesterday evening. Constable W. H. Pearce was returning to town on horseback and after crossing Merriwa Bridge his attention was directed to a boy drowning in the river.

Pearce immediately dismounted and jumped into the river without undressing and attempted to rescue the boy, but being a bad swimmer both were, drowned.

The bodies were recovered after being about an hour under water. The funerals will take place this afternoon, also the magisterial inquiry.

Constable Pearce leaves a wife and six children. The boy was a son of Mr. A. W. Baker, custodian of the School of Arts. “

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The Goulburn Evening Post of 15 December, 1898 carried the following very brief account.

Double Drowning Fatality. – A Brave Man Lost.
MERRIWA, Tuesday – Constable Pearce and a boy named Thomas Baker were drowned in Merriwa River this evening. Pearce jumped into the river to rescue the boy. Both bodies were recovered.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/98676053

At the time of his death the constable was stationed at Merriwa.

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Scone Advocate (NSW : 1887 – 1954), Friday 16 December 1898, page 2


Constable Pearce Drowned.

BRAVE ATTEMPT TO RESCUE A BOY. BOTH HAVE A WATERY GRAVE.

A sad drowning fatality occurred at Merriwa on Tuesday evening. Constable W. H. Pearce was returning to town on horseback and after crossing Merriwa Bridge his attention was directed to a boy drawing in the river. Pearce immediately dismounted and jumped into the river without undressing and attempted to rescue the boy, but being a bad swimmer both were drowned.

The bodies were recovered after being about an hour under water. Countable Pearce leaves a wife and six children.. The boy was a son of Mr. A. G. Baker, custodian of the School of Arts at Merriwa.

Residents of Scone and district learn with deep sorrow of the sad, though brave end of Constable Pearce, who was stationed here a few years ago.

It is surprising that a man so smart in other respects should be unable to swim from a small pond such as this must have been. Possibly the brave constable got fastened in some way while under the water.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article156266015.txt

 

 

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The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser.

Tuesday  20 December 1898      page 2 of 4

Double Drowning Fatality.— The sad news reached Yass on Tuesday afternoon that Mr. William Pearce, brother of Mr. E. Pearce of Yass, was drowned at Merriwa that day. It appeals that Mr. Pearce, who was a mounted constable, was returning home from day duty and was crossing the bridge at Merriwa when he saw a boy named Thomas Baker drowning in the river. Pearce jumped off his horse and plunged     into the water with his clothes on. The boy appears to have got hold of Pearce, with the result that the unfortunate man who was doing a brave act was drowned. Mr. Pearce, who was a native of Yass, was 35 years of age, and leaves a wife and six children. Great regret was expressed in Yass when the news was received, as Pearce was a very popular and well behaved young man. Deceased is a brother of Mr. A. G. Pearce, of Adelong, who was formerly in the employ of Mr. Newman, of Tumut, and was bandmaster of the Tumut band.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/122743356

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Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), Wednesday 21 December 1898, page 2


Drowning Fatality at Merriwa,

DEATH OF CONSTABLE PEARCE.

A sad drowning fatality occurred at Merriwa on Tuesday evening, the 13th instant. Constable W. H. Pearce was returning to town on horseback, and after crossing Merriwa Bridge his attention was directed to a boy drowning in the river.

Pearce immediately dismounted, and jumped into the river without undressing, and attempted to rescue the boy, but being a bad swimmer both were drowned. The bodies were recovered after being about an hour under water.

The funerals took place the following afternoon, also the magisterial inquiry.

Constable Pearce leaves a wife and six children.

The boy was a son of Mr. A. W. Baker, custodian of the School of Arts.

[ Constable Pearce will be remembered as having been stationed for some time at Coopernook, in this district, where he made many friends. — Ed. ]

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article171612457.txt

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Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW : 1894 – 1931), Saturday 28 March 1896, page 10


Singleton District Court and Quarter Sessions.

The above Court was opened at the Courthouse at ten on Saturday morning before Judge Backhouse. Mr. H. J. Leary, District Court Register, who present. Mr. A. K. Watt was the only member of the bar present. The solicitors in attendance were — Messrs. R. W. Thompson, H. V. Howe, W. W. Robinson, A. B. Shaw, and E. P. Richards.

 

BREAKING AND ENTERING.

William Frost (17) and Joseph Harris (16) were charged with breaking and entering, on the 12th February, the house of Joseph Heath, at Merriwa. Both accused pleaded guilty. Constable W. H. Pearce, stationed at Merriwa, stated they were swagmen and strangers in his district.

In answer to his Honor, Frost said his people were living in Sydney, and Harris said he lived in Newcastle. His Honor ordered Senior-Sergeant Moylan to procure from the accused the address of their relations, and telegraph to them to find out anything connected with them, and then remanded the accused for sentence until next day. In answer to his Honor both the accused said they had given wrong names. Accused Frost said his proper name was William Fury, and Harris that his right name was Walter Hay. His Honor told Fury that from enquiries made he found that he had been convicted of larceny in 1887, and received four days in the lockup. It appeared from that that he was now 17 ; he had started his defalcations rather early. But, however, he would treat them both as being young, and sentence them each to four months’ hard labour in Maitland Gaol.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article132401406.txt

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Annette Vicki BROWN (nee Heather)

Annette Vicki BROWN ( nee Heather )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:   Unsworn – V.I.P.

Stations:  Mounted Unit, Redfern ( as a 16 year old ‘work experience’ )

V.I.P. ( Volunteer In Policing) – Camden L.A.C.

Service:  From  to  ?

Awards?

Born:  24 August 1964

Died on:  5 December 2012

Cause:  Illness – alcohol

Age: 48

Funeral date:  12 December 2012

Funeral location?

Buried at: Castlebrook cemetery, Rouse Hill

 

Annette Vicki BROWN
Annette Vicki BROWN

 

An unsworn officer that I thought I’d tell you about – my mum.
Her name is is Annette Vicki BROWN ( nee Heather ). Growing up she had some terrible things happen to her in her life and there was nothing more that she wanted than to help people.
She loved horses and with her two passions, she wanted to join the NSWP mounted unit.
In 1980/1981 she was 16 years old and undertook work experience with the NSWP Mounted Police. She thoroughly enjoyed her time and became friends with Wayne (?) from the unit.
It was during her time with the Police she was the victim of a crime. Still wanting to fulfil her dream she reapplied as an adult however was too thin for the old height and weight restrictions.
At 25 she got married and had her first born daughter, Michelle. At 33 she was re married and had her second and third daughters Caitlin and Lisa. Still never letting go of her dream she applied to be a Volunteer In Policing and worked for the Camden LAC.
She very much loved being part of the Police and was very interested in forensics. She learnt how to lift fingerprints and enjoyed pulling finger prints around the house.
She was the victim of a number of crimes in the latter part of her life and the post traumatic effects were more than she could handle. She self medicated with alcohol.
She was found deceased on December 5, 2012.
She had a big heart and was too kind in a cruel world. Everyone who met her would know how kind she was. She never forgot a birthday, and always went above and beyond for everyone. She loved her daughters and she will be missed forever.
Born 24.08.1964
died 5.12.12
aged 48 years
Michelle
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Charles Walter BRAYNE

Charles Walter  BRAYNE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Inspector – Retired around 1907

Stations:  Penrith ( 1880’s), Shoalhaven District ( Nowra – O.I.C. 1885 ),

Kiama ( 1899 ) then Braidwood

Awards:  ?

Service:  From  1873 to  1907

Born:  1846? – 1847?, Brighton, England

Died  22 December 1922 @ Braidwood

Age:  75

Cause: ?

Funeral date:  Sunday  24 December 1922 @ Braidwood

Funeral location: Braidwood Cemetery

Grave location:  Church of England section

 

[alert_yellow]C.W. is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]

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Brother to Sergeant George BRAYNE – deceased 5 November 1906, aged 56

Brother to Constable William Henry BRAYNE – deceased 8 August 1940, aged 66

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GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

The following notifications appear in yesterday’s Gazette –

APPOINTMENTSSergeant Charles W. Brayne as an inspector of magazines under the 34th section of the Gun-powder and explosive Consolidation Act of 1876 (40 Victoria No 1), for the purpose of laying complaints and taking legal proceedings as prescribed in the 58th section of such Act.

The Sydney Morning Herald       Saturday  5 July 1884       page 8 of 20

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The great Kiama fire

IN THE early hours of Sunday morning, October 1, 1899 a fire broke out that was to be the most extensive and destructive one that had ever visited the township of Kiama. It would also change the face of Terralong Street forever.

The fire started in the Wood Brothers general store and within minutes the place was ablaze. With the help of a strong southerly breeze, the fire spread to adjoining buildings and according to William H Bayley, author of Bluehaven: History of Kiama Municipality, “half the block of shops fronting Terralong Street from Collins Street towards Shoalhaven Street caught fire at 2am and was destroyed soon after dawn.”

The Sydney Morning Herald dated Monday, October, 2 1899, reported: “By the time the local police and many others were on the spot, and under the direction of Senior-Sergeant Brayne, Alderman Hindmarsh and others, many willing hands made great efforts to prevent the flames catching the Royal Hotel. In spite of their efforts the hotel soon ignited.

“This building being in part lath and plaster outside blocked the advance of the fire for a time: but ultimately the fire got hold of the place, and being a two-storey wooden structure it soon became a burning maze belching out tongues of fire against the adjoining building.”

Unfortunately there was no fire fighting equipment in Kiama at the time – hoses and tank water being the best on offer – so extinguishing the blaze became a huge problem. There are conflicting reports about how the fire was eventually stopped. No lives were lost but 12 families were left homeless, and 16 shops and the hotel were destroyed.

The total cost of the damage was estimated at between £5000 and £6000.

http://www.kiamaindependent.com.au/story/314816/the-great-kiama-fire/

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New South Wales Police Gazette – 1906   page 4

Brayne, Charles W., Sub-Inspector 2nd class, to be Sub-Inspector 1st class, 351  ( I ‘think’ 351 ‘might’ relate to a page number ?? )

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Nepean Times ( Penrith )                   Saturday  30 December 1922                            page 1 of 6

Obituary  

Mr. C. W. Brayne.

Mr. Charles Walter Brayne, who died at Braidwood on December 22 in his 75th year, was for many years in the Police Force, from which he retired some 15 years ago. As a young man he saw some of the stirring life of the goldfields days in the southern district,   and had good knowledge of the bushranging exploits which culminated in the execution in Sydney in 1867 of Tommy and Johnny Clarke. Joining the police in 1873, Mr. Brayne gained rapid promotion. He was stationed at Penrith as a trooper over 40 years ago, and was given charge of the Shoalhaven district in 1885, and remained at Nowra many years, being transferred to Kiama, and later to Braidwood as inspector. His wife pre-deceased him by some 15 years, and a daughter ( Mrs. A. E. Prott, of Nowra ) in July last, from which time he appeared to have broken down in health. The late Mr. Brayne leaves to(sic) daughters and one son, viz., Mrs. A. C. Upton (Penrith), Mrs. A. Coleman ( Condoblin ), and Mr. Charles Brayne ( Darlinghurst ).

Mrs. Upton spent the last week with her father. The funeral took place on Sunday and was headed by members of the Police Force.

trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/104678027?searchTerm=charles w. brayne&searchLimits=#pstart10735592

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Cemetery location




William Henry BRAYNE

William Henry BRAYNE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Sergeant

Stations:  Double Bay

Awards:  ?

Service:  From  ?   to  ?

Born:  1873? – 1874?, Brighton, England

Died  Thursday  8 August 1940 at Gloucester House

Age:  66

Cause: ?

Funeral date:  Friday  9 August 1940

Funeral location:  T. J. Andrews Funeral Chapel, 25 Enmore Rd, Newtown

Grave location:  Methodist Cemetery, Rookwood

 

[alert_yellow]C.W. is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]

brother to Sergeant George BRAYNE – deceased 5 November 1906, aged 56

brother to Inspector Charles William BRAYNE – deceased 22 December 1922, aged 75

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The Sydney Morning Herald                          Friday  9 August 1940                    page 6 of 12

BRAYNE – August 8 1940 at Gloucester House.  William Henry loved husband of Gentilla Brayne and father of C W Brayne. aged 66 years.

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BRAYNE.- The relatives and Friends of the late WILLIAM HENRY BRAYNE Late Police Sergeant, Fivedock, are invited to attend his funeral to leave T. J. Andrews’s Funeral Chapel, 25 Enmore Road, Newtown, THIS DAY, at 3.30 p.m., for Methodist Cemetery, Rookwood.

T. J ANDREWS, A.F.D A.,

21-25 Enmore Rd

Phones: L2373. etc. Newtown.

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George BRAYNE

George BRAYNE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Sergeant

Stations: Parramatta 1873 – 1880, Hill End, Tambaroora,

Bathurst, Mundooran, Denison Town 1885, Girilambone,

Rylstone, Wollar, Carcoar, Peak Hill  March 1901 – 5 November 1906

Awards?

Service:  From  1873   to  5 November 1906

Born:  1850? – 1851?, Brighton, England

Died:  Monday  5 November 1906

Age:  56

Cause: Pneumonia

Funeral date:  Tuesday  6 November 1906

Funeral location?

Grave location:  Peak Hill Cemetery,  Anglican Section, Row N, Lot 17

 

[alert_yellow]George is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]

George BRAYNE
George BRAYNE

George Brayne grave

George Brayne grave
George Brayne grave

OBITUARY.

Sergeant George Brayne.

The Peak Hill Express ( NSW )                 Friday  9 November 1906                          page 10 of 20

It is with feelings of the very deepest regret that we are called upon to announce the death of Sergeant George Brayne, which sad event took place shortly after midnight on Sunday. The deceased gentleman had long been a sufferer from asthma and heart trouble, but no one to see his stalwart and robust figure — Sergeant Brayne was a man of fine physique — a month or so ago would have thought that he was ever troubled with ill health, or that his hours had been numbered —

” In the midst of life we are in death. ”

A few weeks ago Sergeant Brayne received notice of his removal to the charge of Sunny Corner police station, and in consequence he disposed of his household furniture, &c., but while waiting to hand over his papers to his successor contracted pneumonia and was obliged to take to his bed. Mrs. Brayne was also taken seriously ill about the same time, but subsequently recovered. A private nurse ( Mrs. Thos. Golding ) tenderly nursed the sick officer, and Dr. Corfe was in attendance night and day, but it soon became apparent that there was little hope of a recovery. Sergeant Brayne lingered for a couple of weeks and passed away as stated, the immediate cause of death being heart failure.

Sergeant Brayne was a native of Brighton, England, and was 56 years of age at the time of his death. He was a son of the late Charles G. J. Brayne, at one time head gaoler at Dubbo, and who died some twenty years ago. When seven years of age young George Brayne came to New South Wales with his parents, and 33 years ago entered the police force, his first station being Parramatta. Seven years later he was appointed to the charge of a station, and proving himself a zealous and capable officer rose to the rank of Sergeant. During his career he was stationed at Hill End, Tambaroora, Bathurst, Mundooran, Denison Town, Girilambone, Rylstone, Wollar, Carcoar, and five years ago last March was appointed to succeed Sergeant O’Brien at Peak Hill. About a year ago Sergeant Brayne was offered the charge of Parkes police station, but preferred to remain at Peak Hill. Had the Sergeant lived another few years he would have been eligible to retire on a well-earned pension. In 1874 Sergeant Brayne married Miss Amelia Gallagher at Parramatta, daughter of the late Constable Gallagher of that city, and together they reared a family of two sons and six daughters — Messrs. George and Ernest, Mrs. Barton, and Misses Edith, Clara, Muriel, Victoria and Minnie. Deceased was a brother to Inspector C. W. Brayne of Braidwood, Constable W. H. Brayne, of Double Bay, and a brother of Mrs. S. Howlett, Parramatta.

Telegrams and letters sympathising with the bereaved widow and family were received from Mrs. Howlett and Miss L. Laver (Parramatta), Mrs. Wilson (Sydney), Mrs. Egan (Carcoar), Mrs. Coleman (The Oaks), Mrs. F. R. C. Hopkins (Carcoar), Mr. P. Mikkleson (Blayney), Mr. G. M. Links (Carcoar), Mr. J. W. Lees (Tomingley), Mr. A. W. Page (Carcoar), Mr. P. Gallagher (Sydney), Mr. C. Higgs (Carcoar), Mr. J. Bouchier (Narromine), Mr. H. Barton (Wollar), Mr. A. Davey (Parramatta), Mr. W. H. Brayne (Edgecliffe), Mr. C. W. Brayne (Braidwood), Mr. G. Fletcher (Canowindra), Mr. R. Gallagher (Woollahra), Mr. J. J. Pettingell (Kiama), Mrs. R. Long (Albion Park), Miss C. Barton (Randwick), Mrs. Brady (Carcoar), Mr. and Mrs. Petersen (Carcoar), Mrs. Hawkins (Carcoar), Mr. and Mrs. Tucker (Carcoar), Members Myalls-Peak Hill Band, Mr. and Mrs. Thos Ring, Mr. E. H. Allan, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Christophers, Dr. Hansard, Mrs. Wynne, Mr. and Mrs. E. Wooden, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Upton (Penrith), Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Clements and family.

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, and was very largely attended, the sad cortege being considerably over a quarter of a mile in length.

Sergeant McLeay, Constables Williams (Tomingley), Dixon (Alectown), Hill and Pope (Peak Hill) acted as pall-bearers, and in trooper’s uniform, and on horseback, preceded the hearse to the cemetery where the remains of their late comrade were laid to rest in the Church of England portion, the burial service being conducted by the Rev. H. G. Wiltson.

The lovely cedar casket was literally smothered with wreaths sent by Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wynne, Mrs. McAtamney and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Hartas, Mr. and Mrs. Franks and family, Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Fraser and Misses Jenner, Mrs. Williamson and family, Mrs. W. Oxley and family, Sisters of St. Joseph, Mrs. Brooks, Miss E. Golding, Misses Cavanagh, Miss T. Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Davey, Mrs. H. and Miss Stanford, Mr. and Mrs. A. Dow, Mrs G. Carrington, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. H. Williams and family, Mrs. H. Pears and Mrs. S. Hartin, Mr. J. Marks and family, Mr. and Mrs. G. Stanford and family, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. J. Barrett, Mrs. J. Matthews and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. McLean and family, Mr. and Mrs. D. McAuliffe, Mr. and Mrs. DeLacy, Mr. and Mrs. W. Norris, Peak Hill Police, Mr. and Mrs. S. Wildie, Mr. J. Harvey, and Mrs. Veitch and family.

The Express tenders its deepest sympathy with the bereaved widow and family in this, one of the greatest of earthly trials that they could be called upon to bear.

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Brother of Inspector Charles. William BRAYNE – deceased 22 December 1922, aged 75

Brother of Constable William Henry BRAYNE – deceased 8 August 1940, aged 66

 

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The Maitland Daily Mercury ( NSW )       Wednesday  7 November 1906      page 4 of 8

Sergeant George Brayne, who has been over 30 years in the police service of New South Wales, died at Peak Hill on Monday, after a month’s illness. The deceased officer, who was known to many of the old diggers of Araluen now resident in the Newcastle district, had just been transferred to Sunny Corner, but was unable to go to his new station, having contracted pneumonia. With his brother*, Sub-inspector C. W. Brayne, of Braidwood, he was previously a miner working in the claims at Araluen in the palmy days.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/124033458?searchTerm=Sergeant%20george%20brayne&searchLimits=#pstart12635776

* This article states that George & Charles were brothers, whilst other articles have them as father & son.

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The Braidwood Dispatch & Mining Journal ( NSW )        Saturday  17 November 1906    page 2 of 6

The Death of Sergeant Brayne – The Peak Hill Express says that the death of Sergeant George Brayne has been greatly lamented by all in that district. After lingering for a couple of weeks he passed away on Sunday week at the age of 56. He was a brother* of Sub Inspector Brayne, of Braidwood. He was a native of Brighton, England. He has been in the police force 33 years. A few weeks before his death he received notice of his removal to Sunny Corner, and in consequence had disposed of his personal effects, and was only waiting to hand over his papers to his successor when he was laid low with pneumonia, which rapidly took him off. His funeral was very largely attended, the cortege being considerably over a quarter of a mile long.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/130424112?searchTerm=Sergeant%20george%20brayne&searchLimits=#pstart10965825

 

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Molong Express and Western District Advertiser ( NSW )        Saturday  4 May 1901         page 1 of 12

Sergeant George Brayne has been appointed an Inspector, at Peak Hill, under the Liquor Act, 1898.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/140058061?searchTerm=Sergeant%20george%20brayne&searchLimits=#pstart16157192

 

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George PAYNE - Memorial post 1907
George PAYNE – Memorial post 1907 Peak Hill Express Friday 8 November 1907 page 10 of 20

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Location of cemetery

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the Cumberland Argus & Fruitgrowers Advocate ( Parramatta )     Wednesday  30 August 1939      page 11 of 12

The Widow

After a brief illness, Mrs. Amelia Brayne, of 108 Wigram-street, Harris Park, died at Parramatta District Hospital on Monday. She was aged 85 years. She was the widow of the late Police-Sergeant Geo. Brayne, of Peak Hill, and had resided at Harris Park for 32 years. She is survived by Mr. George Brayne (Harris Park) and Mr. Ernest Brayne (Punchbowl), sons, and Mrs. H. Barton (Westmead), Mrs. A. R. Warren (Rosehill), and Mrs. O. Rock (Concord), daughters.

The funeral left the parlors of Charles Innes and Son, Parramatta, on Tuesday afternoon for the Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood. Rev. G. F. B. Manning officiated. Numerous floral tributes were forwarded.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/106204943?searchTerm=Sergeant%20george%20brayne&searchLimits=#pstart10073547

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John LEE

John LEE

New South Wales Police Force – Mounted Police

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Sergeant

Stations:  ?

Awards:  ?

Service:  From  ?   to  ?

Born:  1802?

Died:  18 July 1851

Age:  49

Cause:  ?

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Grave location:  East Maitland Anglican Cemetery aka ‘ Glebe ‘ Cemetery

 

[alert_red]John is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red]

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS MAN.

Kevin Bannister looking into this man.

East Maitland Anglican Cemetery, was also know as ‘Glebe’ Cemetery. Came across an inscription (on another site) John LEE, Sgt Mounted Police. Died 18/7/1851 age 49.

Other inquiries show that he was in the Maitland area for some time in ‘the mounties‘.

At the time of his death he was the publican of the White Horse Inn at Maitland which is where he died. However, can’t find out if he had retired/resigned at the time of his death or if was still serving.

Regards.

Kevin Banister

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Sean Anthony BURNS

Sean Anthony BURNS

late of Castle Hill

New South Wales Police Force

Academy Class 250

Regd. # 28438

Rank:  Senior Constable

Stations:  Cabramatta ( 34 Division ), SPG Tactical Response, Blacktown ( 27 Division ), Castle Hill

ServiceFrom: 27 January 1992  to   ? ? ? ( Retirement – Medical discharge – PTSD ) =  ? years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour – although

National Medal, NSW Police Medal with 1st Clasp & 3 Commanders Commendations

Born:  6 May 1972

Died on:  27 January 2012 ( 20 years to the day he entered the Academy )

Age:  39

Cause:  PTSD – Suicide

Funeral date:  Monday  6 February 2012 @ 11am

Funeral location:  St Paul’s Anglican Church,  421 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill

Grave site location:  Castlebrook Memorial Park,

Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill, NSW

Location:  Calvary 1/2

Lat/Lng: -33.69364, 150.92201

Memorial location:

There is a memorial scholarship with Police Legacy in his name.

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS MEMBER

[alert_red]Sean is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red]

  • BUT SHOULD BE

 

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He was 39 when he passed and he had a lifetime of achievement including a successful career with the tactical response group ( T.R.G. ) of the police force and then retraining and rising to the top of the sport strength and conditioning field culminating in becoming the head trainer for an Australian professional NRL team (this was what he was doing when he passed).

His death stunned and impacted on many. He had been a leader of men and an inspiration to many. His legacy of giving everything in life 100 percent lives on in all those who knew him.

https://www.facebook.com/puttingafaceonsuicide/photos/a.411200978961948.98475.109654835783232/411594218922624/?type=3&theater

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Sean Anthony BURNS - NSWPF - Suicide 27 January 2012 - obituary

 

 

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BURNS, Sean Anthony
6.5.1972 – 27.1.2012
Dearly loved son of Terry and Kae. “Our Pride & Joy”
Missing from our lives, never from our hearts.
Rest In Peace Mate
In Memoriam
Published in The Daily Telegraph on 27/01/2015

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BURNS, Sean Anthony

BURNS, Sean Anthony
6.5.1972 – 27.1.2012
Forever missed and loved. Rest in peace mate. Love always Mum and Dad
In Memoriam
Published in The Daily Telegraph on 27/01/2016
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Belle Property Castle Hill

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sean-burns-memorial-scholar… Belle Property Castle Hills major fundraising initiative for 2016 is NSW Police Legacy and the Sean Burns Memorial Scholarships. We are delighted to be hosting a dinner and charity auction on Friday March 18th at Castle Hill RSL. Tickets are only $79 each and a fantastic night of food, live music and entertainment is guaranteed !  If you are unable to attend the event but are a business that is interested in donating an item for the auction we would love to hear from you !

Event Description

Sean Burns was a former member of the NSW Police Force who tragically passed away in 2012. He had been a highly regarded member of the force for 20 years across a range of areas culminating in several years with the elite tactical operations unit (TOU). He had a passion for sport and had been a representative swimmer, runner and rugby league player in his youth as well as completing tertiary studies in the areas of sports physiology and strength and conditioning. When he passed he was the Strength and Conditioning coach for Parramatta Eels NRL football team. The inaugural Sean Burns Memorial Scholarships were awarded this year to two young people whose deceased fathers had served with the NSW Police Force, to assist them in the pursuit of their sporting goals. These scholarships are administered through NSW Police Legacy who are an organisation that supports NSW Police and their families particularly in times of hardship and loss.

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Retirement of Sergeant Terence O’Rourke – 1924

Terence Joseph O’ROURKE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Sergeant ?

Stations:  Mounted Police, Newcastle District for several years.

Singleton – 7 years

Scone – 1896 ( four months duty here )

Denman – ?

Wyong – 1909 – 1911

Kempsey – 5.5 years

Wyong – ? – 1920

Scone ( Sergeant ) 1 December 1920 – Retirement date ?

Awards:  ?

Service:  From  August 1890  to ?

Born:  ?

Died:  18 January 1938, late of Artarmon,

formerly of Denman.

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried:  Macquarie Park Cemetery,

R.C., row G4, plot 0029 along with other family members

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[alert_yellow]Terrence is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] 

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Retirement of Sergeant Terrence O’Rourke.

EPISODES OF A LENGTHY SERVICE.

The Scone Advocate ( NSW )                     Tuesday  25 November 1924                      page 2 of 4

 

During the reign of Queen Victoria and several years before the birth of the Prince of Wales, there arrived in Australia fresh from   Erin’s Isle, a young man by the name of Terence O’Rourke. Having received his education at the Royal University, Dublin ( now known as the National University ), at which he obtained a first-class Exhibition in French, he entered Queen’s College, Galway, for the purpose of studying medicine, but the dissection room proved to be too great an ordeal for the nerves of a man who appreciated the healthy freedom of the open air, and he gave up the opportunity of becoming a guardian of the health of Her Majesty’s subjects for what proved to be the no less useful career of a keeper of the peace in the antipodes. The late Sir Thomas Moffat, L.L.D., was then president of the college, and the recommendation that the student received from that source was, to say the least, sufficiently inspiring to gratify the vanity and increase the energy of any ordinary young man. In short, Sir Thomas looked for great things from his erstwhile pupil. Only a few years previously, Mr. T. P. O’Connor, member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool, and the father of the House of Commons ‘ at the present time, graduated at the same college.

Shortly after his arrival in Australia, O’Rourke seized the opportunity to go to Noraville, near Nora Head, to become tutor of the three sons of Mr. Edmund Hammond Hargreaves, B.A. ( Sydney ), a member of the Church of England Synod of Newcastle, and a son of the first great gold discoverer of Australia. The impression created by close contact with the family was a pleasing introduction to   Australian life, for the new arrival found in his first employer a typical Australian and a broad-minded gentleman of kindly disposition. The intimacy then created with the sons is evidenced to-day in the friendship of Mr. Dudley Hargreaves, who is now resident at Noraville. Tasting not a little of the outdoor life at Noraville, young O’Rourke felt the need for more, and in August, 1890, he joined the mounted police and served in the Newcastle district for several years, during which time he attained some reputation during strikes. From Newcastle he went to Singleton, where he was stationed for seven years. His success in dealing with cattle stealers, not to mention sly-grog cases, earned for him the commendation of various Judges, and also brought him under the notice of the President of the Stock Stealing Prevention Association, Singleton, Mr. R. H. Dangar, who in his appeal to the Inspector General to prevent the constable’s transfer from Singleton, said that it would mean a great loss to the cattle owners.

 

SOLD IN SCONE.

It is interesting to note that while at Singleton Constable O’Rourke traced a man who had stolen a horse and buggy from Singleton to Scone, where the turnout had been sold through Messrs. Corbett and Simpson, auctioneers. The criminal escaped to Victoria, and it was several months before the trail led to Pentridge Gaol, where the culprit was found under going a sentence for larceny. A few days before Xmas, 1902, the prisoner was identified and brought by Constable O’Rourke to Singleton, where it was shown that the offender had served sentences in the various States of Australia aggregating 12 ½ years. ‘ At the Singleton Quarter Sessions in March, 1903, a further sentence of three years was imposed. At his own request, Constable O’Rourke was transferred from Singleton to Denman. Here, within a week, he received word that cattle had been stolen from the Baerami Estate, then the property of the Bank of N.S. Wales. In company with Constable Moore, he followed the tracks of the cattle for several days through the mountainous country towards Capertree where, in a basin of the mountains, the stock were found and driven back, although the offenders escaped. His good work on this occasion was warmly commented upon by the stock-owner and the Inspector General. An exciting incident in connection with a Chinaman took place when stationed at Denman.   It so happened that a serious burglary had occurred at Merriwa, and suspicion lighted upon a Chinaman who had just completed two ???s’ imprisonment. The cunning of the Celestial was evinced in that he smothered his footprints by wrapping his boots in strips of blanket.

 

GAGGED WITH REVOLVER.  

The senior constable, in plain clothes, came upon the foreigner at Dandy Hollow and, having learned the practical value of ” getting in first, “ lost no time, after his preliminary question, in dealing out unexpected justice upon the surprised heathen, who suddenly found himself on the broad of his back with a smoking revolver, which the constable had first fired into the ground, inserted like a throat spray between his teeth, causing his victim to squeal for mercy. For his misdemeanours the Chinaman served a sentence of three years at Newcastle Gaol. The two years following 1909 were spent in Wyong, after which he was given six months leave, which he made good use of by visiting the scenes of his youth in the Green Isle. On his return, he was sent to Kempsey, where again he put up a big record in obstructing the movements of cattle stealers, and here he received the commendation of Judge Edmunds for his generalship in capturing within a few hours of the theft, a burglar who had escaped from the Royal Hotel with booty to the value of £200. In the struggle that followed the arrest, the criminal had got rid of the bulk of the stolen articles but, strange enough, as the constable was passing the Convent grounds some time afterwards, he noticed a child’s handkerchief lying on the ground and going in to pick it up, found most of the missing goods actually lying on and close by the article.  After years at Kempsey, where it was remarked that his name would last as long as the Macleay, he was transferred at his own request to Wyong, where a cordial welcome awaited him. In 1920, he received a public farewell and the staunch friendships made there stand out pleasantly in his memory to-day.

 

WYONG’S APPRECIATION.

The ” Gosford Times ” said of him: ” There never had been stationed at Wyong an officer who was so fondly and regretfully farewelled by the people. The great success of Sergeant O’Rourke as a police officer lay in his tactful, firm, and gentlemanly demeanour, always doing the right thing in the right way and treating rich and poor alike. The pity is that Wyong is not graded high enough to retain the services of the sergeant. ” On December 1st, 1920, he took up his duties at Scone, where he had previously put in four months in 1896. To all who have had the pleasure of coming into contact with the kindly nature of Sergt. O’Rourke, it will not be surprising to learn that during the whole of his career he has never been assaulted or insulted. His humour — as alive today, despite his grey hairs — as it was in the nineties, proclaims a man of genuine heart and happy, youthful temperament; moreover, his conversation is that of a man who, despite his sanguinary battles with fate in the shape of desperate characters, has not lost heart in the ultimate good inherent in all, not excluding the outcast. To attract the best is better than to subjugate the worst, and it is very apparent that the aim of Sergeant O’Rourke was to construct rather than to destroy and, by so doing, he received the homage and trust of actually those whom it was his duty rigorously to defeat and bring to justice.

 

RETIRING TO DENMAN.

A well-earned holiday will preface his retirement to Denman, where in 1910, he acquired a very fine property from Mr. E. R. White, of Merton. The deal, one guesses, would not have been made, were it not that the retiring officer was held in high esteem by the seller, and it is only right to add that the sergeant himself speaks of the White family with a respect which finds expression in the words, ” They are men in the best sense of the word. I shall always be proud to salute the White family. ” All will join in the hope that Sergeant O’Rourke will find in his change of occupation all he requires, to make his future a happy and useful one, and that he will live long to enjoy what Robert Browning so ably defines as ” the last of life for which the first was made. ”

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/157139649?searchTerm=%22Constable%20moore%22%20AND%20kempsey&searchLimits=#pstart17299153

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*** Note ***

There was no mentioned of a wife or children in this article.

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Kristine WOODS

Kristine WOODS  nee BUTT

( late of Cherrybrook & Ryde )

New South Wales Police Force

Original Regd. # 25??? ( joined around 1988 )

Rejoinee Regd. # 33682 ( rejoined in 1998 )

Rank:  Senior Constable

Stations:  Eastwood

Service:  ( 1From  ???  to  ??? = ? years Service

( 2 ) Rejoinee – From ? ? 1998 to 21 March 2002 = ?  years Service

Awards? – Nil on It’s an Honour

Born29 January 1969

Died21 March 2002

Age:  33

Cause:  Suicide – Service pistol to chest – inside Eastwood Police Station

Funeral date:  Tuesday  26 March 2002 @ 1pm

Funeral location:  St Charles Catholic Church, 582 Victoria Rd, Ryde

Grave location?

 

Kristine is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance


]

 


 

 

 

List of the fallen should include all the victims

Date  
LETTERS
National Police Remembrance Day was commemorated in a service at the Remembrance Wall, The Domain.Lest we forget … Police Remembrance Day. Photo: Robert Pearce

Another week, another death of a citizen at the hands of the NSW Police (”High noon at Castle Hill”, September 30). It’s a week which saw the inquest into the police shooting of Adam Salter inside his own home; a week which saw a teenage victim of robbery shot in the stomach by another cop. And now we are led to believe that a man who apparently travelled to a police station needed to be pumped full of bullets in order to be subdued. Who goes towards a police station to make trouble?

All this in the same week that Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione led his officers in another Remembrance Day for his fallen comrades, the list of which is displayed on the NSW Police website as an honour roll. The list omits the name of Senior Constable Kristine Woods, who died by her own hand on duty at Eastwood Police Station. In fact, almost the only Google reference to Ms Woods is a Hansard entry.

The NSW Police don’t list the names of innocent citizens its own members have killed. When yet another member of the public is gunned down by a blue shirt, we hear that “the officer is receiving counselling and support”. No mention is ever made of any counselling offered to the family or friends of the real victim. The bitter juxtaposition of all these events seems to have also missed the media.

A decade after the police royal commission revealed systemic corruption, the NSW Police Force is now more powerful, more numerous and less accountable than ever.

Peter Maresch Lane Cove

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/letters/list-of-the-fallen-should-include-all-the-victims-20110930-1l1pn.html

v. KRISTINE WOODS  Constable Woods was stationed at Eastwood. In November 2001 Woods and her husband divorced and shared joint custody rights over their two children. In March 2002 Woods committed suicide at work.
http://unionsafe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NileInquirySubmission.doc

Eastwood Police Station

EPPING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Mr TINK (Epping) [3.38 p.m.]: I draw the attention of the House to the Epping Youth Development Group, otherwise known as the Shack. Following the compilation of a youth-at-risk study reflecting the needs of local Epping youth the Shack was found in 1992 by a group of concerned local residents, churches and businessmen. They have been operating from a disused scout hall that was converted into a counselling and recreation facility at that time. The Shack has to be seen to be believed—it is just that. There are exciting plans for a new building. The management committee, which meets monthly, comprises 10 members from the local community who voluntarily support the administration of the Shack.The Shack provides free and confidential service, home visits, counselling, family support, court support, resumé assistance, job board, youth and school liaison, health education, Centrelink assistance and referrals. The Manager of the Shack, Darlene Keenan, is an inspiration and is assisted by one other person. In the last 12 months the Shack has provided more than 800 hours of counselling for 385 people, 111 hours of court support to 44 people, 422 hours of home visits involving 127 people and many other sundry services. To try to move away from the statistics and into what the program is really about, I will read from what Darlene had to say in the annual report:

      • Family breakdown, separation from parents, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, sexual assault, suicide, teenage pregnancy, neglect, lack of education, unemployment and homelessness, and cultural beliefs are common issues affecting our young people in life altering ways. Behaviour is also very changeable and very real whilst any of these factors are alive.
      • High expectations in regard to education has seen many clients showing signs of stress where counselling has been necessary to keep self-esteem tuned. Young people suspended have further problems if they link with idle peers.
      • Intervention for our young showing suicidal tendencies has seen much progress in positive ways this year. Teenagers are scared, fragile and limited to rise above these very real emotions. Having positive referrals for extra support has proven to be a healing ingredient whilst temptations are being tested. Those wanting to resolve their fears and pain through suicide are just so entrenched with pain and overloaded with many challenges.

This lady and her supporters really work miracles. They are working at the very hard business end of youth at risk, so much so that their program is being copied elsewhere. The Rotary Club of Lindfield is setting up another Shack under the same program and principles. This is policing at its absolute best. I pay tribute to the links between Eastwood police and this operation. Constable Tim Drury, the Youth Liaison Officer from Eastwood police, has made a fantastic effort. Senior Constable Kristine Woods, who unfortunately took her own life at Eastwood police station, was an outstanding supporter of the Shack and did great work at all times with youth in the area. Senior Constable Rowena Thompson, Sergeant Jacky Lilley and Sergeant Bob Porter—who I understand is about to retire from the New South Wales Police Service—do magnificent work. It is an example of how our police and community workers can work together to make a difference for kids who are at high risk of ending up on the wrong side of the law.

It is important to note that the Shack would not be celebrating 10 years of effort in the community without the support of St Albans Church and Reverend John Cornish, and the tremendous support previously given by the former chairman, Mr Alan Gurman and Cathy Sanderson. The present chairman, Mr Ray Miles, from Associated Planners, provides unstinting support. The support through the church and its work in the area and a diverse range of clubs—the Rotary Club of Thornleigh, the Epping RSL and community club and all the voluntary groups and church groups throughout the area—for the operation must be seen to be believed. The Shack is presenting final plans to St Albans Church for approval for a rebuild. Preliminary approval for the plans has already been given to the initial sketches provided by the church. I wish the Shack well. I am delighted to be associated with it and with a program that really supports the kids at risk and, in doing so, takes some risks itself. It is to be commended for its work. [Time expired.]

Mr FACE (Charlestown—Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development) [3.43 p.m.]: I thank the honourable member for Epping for bringing this matter to the notice of the House. It reinforces what I said a few moments ago about volunteers, Charity Awareness Week, and people who put so much effort and time into serving other people within our community. Although I am not directly aware of the group’s activities, because it started towards the end of the time that I was the chairman of police youth clubs in this State, I know that it was one of the more diverse organisations that was helping kids, particularly recedivist kids and youth at risk that a lot of other organisations were not prepared to help. That was at a time when the police youth club movement was moving away, to some degree, from completely structured organisations and what the original youth clubs were set up for, which has been of considerable benefit.

This is another great effort of a community accepting its responsibility to ensure that it is able to contend with people who, in many cases, are less fortunate than others. They are not always people from lower socioeconomic circumstances. It can be a result of communication breakdowns regardless of where they sit in the social strata. During my time as chairman of the police youth clubs I became aware that many kids were lonely and in need of someone to put a hand out to them—some of them were from the so-called better areas of my electorate and other parts of this State. The Shack is doing a great deal of good work. The community is to be congratulated on its efforts.

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20020510016

Ryde Policing

 

RYDE POLICING
Page: 1119

The Hon. GREG PEARCE

    • [10.20 p.m.]: Tonight I speak on the dereliction of policing services in the Ryde area. While the Commissioner of Police, Peter Ryan, was seeing the sights of Athens, the people in the Ryde area were suffering from an ill-equipped police force and falling police numbers. The Minister for Police said that all police, including the commissioner, would be involved in regular street patrols, but while Commissioner Ryan takes time out to see the sights of Salt Lake City or to pay a visit to the Parthenon, the people of Ryde are being neglected with a diminishing police presence.
    On 6 March the

Northern District Times

    • reported that police would be having a three-day operation in the West Ryde area, getting to know the people and letting them know that they are out and about. For three days people in the West Ryde area got to know who some of the officers that served and protected them were, but a month later the question is: Where are they now? For three days in March the citizens of West Ryde got to see some police patrolling their streets but now they have been taken away, back to their desks perhaps or to other poorly equipped areas. Maybe the police were merely there for the show, to appease the community’s justified concerns about the level of crime. However, having a three-day operation does not show that the police are serious about maintaining a real presence on the streets.
    Late last month a 16-year-old boy walking through Boronia Park in Ryde was assaulted and had his mobile phone and wallet stolen by two men, one of whom punched him in the back of the head. On 28 March a security guard was badly beaten during a ram-raid at the Fujitsu warehouse in North Ryde. Perhaps Commissioner Ryan should spend less time on his passion of Olympic security consulting in Athens and visit the streets of West Ryde, where there is still a marked lack of police. Perhaps he will be sent there around the time of the next election for a day trip, but there needs to be a genuine lift in the level of service for the people of the Ryde area long before then.
    Police are desperately needed by the community, and after the tragic murder of Constable Glenn McEnallay and the suicide of Senior Constable Kristine Woods at Eastwood police station on 21 March, it is time for Commissioner Ryan to show some leadership and to help the police force get back to the basics of serving the community. Police are needed on the streets to fight crime, not for three-day operations that merely serve as a political stunt, similar to the stunt that was viewed by all in the Auburn by-election last year.
    On 12 December 2001, the West Ryde Chamber of Commerce wrote to the honourable member for Ryde regarding police numbers, the lack of patrols in the area and the physical remoteness of West Ryde from Gladesville police station—Gladesville being the station that serves the people of West Ryde. What was the result? Merely the three-day operation I have referred to that took place early in March, not a real commitment to increasing police numbers and improving the quality of service. The police Minister likes to make an announcement almost daily about his finesse in fighting crime, but when it comes down to it, when we see where the promises are allegedly being acted upon, the result is disappointment—like the disappointment for the people of the Ryde area.
    Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, who was appointed commander of Gladesville police station in January this year, is the sixth commander of the station in the past four years. Police in Gladesville must find it difficult to do an effective job with so many different commanders, no doubt all of whom have a different way of performing their job, different ideas and different ways of running the station. The residents of Ryde are being punished because of the commissioner’s inability to appoint a commander who will serve the community for a long period. Superintendent Katsogiannis has been appointed only until 31 December this year. Why has he not been given a longer contract? Clearly, Commissioner Ryan has very little faith in his local area commanders. This must be a terrible thing for police morale, prohibiting them from getting on with the job.

The people of the Ryde area need some stability and a serious police commitment on the streets so that levels of crime are reduced. People are still unsafe on the streets of Ryde. This clearly demonstrates that policing must be taken more seriously and that greater police numbers should be on the streets. There needs to be a genuine and substantial police presence in the Ryde area, not merely a passing show in the hope of buying a few votes for next year’s election.

 

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20020409045