PROBUS clubs are a world wide organisation and in Australia we come under the umbrella of Probus Centre-South Pacific. Clubs are sponsored by their local Rotary Club and are for retired men and women from professional and business backgrounds.
We are not a Service Club and do not participate in fund raising ventures.
A Brief Summary of The Men’s Probus Club of Morisset Inc
On the 22nd June, 1983 a meeting of interested persons was arranged by the Rotary Club of Morisset for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, to form a Mens’ Probus Club in Morisset.
The driving force behind this move was Les Norris, then Hon Secretary of the Morisset Rotary Club.
Les was very ably supported by Rotary President Henry Gerigh who hosted the meeting.
The twenty two local men present voted unanimously that those present and eligible and desiring to join become the Foundation members of Morisset Probus Club.
Of the original foundation members, only Les Norris remains an active member. Darrell Turnbull, an active member and Don Cameron, who attends when possible, both joined at the meeting after the inaugural meeting.
From this humble beginning the Club grew in strength and attained a membership of 80 plus members.
Unfortunately this membership no longer exists and our membership is now down to 36 members. The attendance at meetings is around 26 members and this is an acceptable ratio.
The Management Committee over the years have come up with a wonderful array of Speakers from diverse backgrounds with subjects of great interest to members.
Socially we have been able to meet up with members and their wives/partners at Bus outings, Barbecues, and our Dinner nights.
With the escalating cost of some of these outings, our small numbers makes it difficult to pursue some of these ventures.
Over our 25 years there are members who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Club, and been made Life Members. These Members are
At meetings held in APRIL-MAY OF 2010 it was proposed that our Club be re-birthed as a mixed Club. This was defeated and a drive for new members was instigated, with favourable results.
Ron Bracken
Stephen Glenn McCLURE
| 12/04/2019
Stephen Glenn McCLURE
AKA Steve / Stinky
Late of Illawarra
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 206
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 21701
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 24 September 1984 ( aged 24 years, 7 months, 0 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 7 December 1984 ( aged 24 years, 9 months, 13 days )
Constable – appointed 7 December 1985
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, Warilla GD’s, Albion Park GD’s, Pt Kembla GD’s, Police Dog Squad, VKG Warilla – Radio Technician, Radar Engineering, Workforce Safety – Retirement
Service: From 24 September 1984 to17 July 2014 = 29 years, 9 months, 23 days Service
Age at Retirement: 54 years, 4 months, 23 days
Time in Retirement: 4 years, 7 months, 20 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 30 August 2000 ( SenCon )
Weapons Instructors Course 1/1989 ( January 1989 ) NSW Police Academy, Goulburn Back Row ( L-R ) Phil CHARLIER, Jim FRIDAY, David WRIGHT, Gavin NICHOLSON, Peter WATSON, Peter GALLACHER, Alan PITT, Wayne HOFFMAN, Chris STONE, Peter CHAMINGS, Ray BLACKBURN, Scott IDE, Garry POWER, John LEE, Bill WHALLEY Centre Row Peter BERGERSEN, Greg SUTTON, Steve MARTIN, Peter STONE, Lindsay REGENTS, Ian LAUDER, Greg PALMER, Sonia McKELL, John ROGERS, Steve McCLURE, David MAGUIRE, Barry METZ, Dave TESTER, Paul BLOOD, Andrew NEW Front Row Tony PARSONS, Toni McMAHON, Michelle LANGERIES, Peter STARLING, Tom LUPTON, Ray JAMES, James BUNFIELD, Kerry SIMMONS, Andrew FISHER
Steve McClure – front and centre
‘Stinky’, you were a great bloke who always thought of others before yourself and were always ready to put your hand up for a great cause.
On behalf of all of us old Warilla Police, we wish you a safe journey and may you Forever, Rest In Peace.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Trish, Hugh and family.
POLICE SEND OFF FOR SERGEANT STEVE McCLURE AT THE BURDEKIN HOTEL, OXFORD ST, SYDNEY, FROM 5PM.
A VERY INFORMAL FUNCTION WITH ABOUT 40 PEOPLE THERE.
6″ SUBWAY SANDWICHES, CHIPS AND PIZZA WAS THE MEAL.
BUY YOUR OWN DRINKS & IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT.
Presentation at Steve’s Send Off
Mates: June 2018 Steve ‘Stinky’ McCLure & Harry ‘The Wasp’ Wawszkowicz – together again. May they both forever Rest In Peace.
Harry Wawszkowicz June 18, 2018 · Friends for life. How tome flies Hugh has grown into a fine young. with Stephen McClure and Tricia McClure.
Leigh Stewart Follow · June 17, 2018 · With Greg Costello, Vic Thestick, Stephen McClure, Brett Sergeant and David De Santi at City Diggers Wollongong.
Sunday 17 June 2018
City Diggers Club, cnr Church and Burelli St’s, Wollongong, for Cancer fundraiser for Wollongong Hospital which was Hosted by Retired Sgt Steve ‘Stinky’ McClure.
Steve is the frontman for his band, ‘The Humphreys’
Steve McClure – giving thanks at the Cancer fundraiser – Sunday 17 June 2018
The Humphreys ride again… with Stephen McClure, John Nichols and Greg Costello at Slacky Flat Bar.
Various other family and friends photos with Stinky McClure over the years.
George Lawrence BALDOCK
| 12/04/2019
George Lawrence BALDOCK
AKA Gorgeous George
Late of Minto
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 265J
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 30708
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 16 August 1996
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Police Stations: Sutherland, Liverpool (22 Division )( Feb – Aug 1997 ), Cabramatta ( 34 Division ), Wetherill Park Target Action Group ( TAG )( 34 Division )( Greater Hume Region ) – Resignation
Police Service: From 18 February 1996 to11 July 2002 = 6+ years Service
Fire & Rescue NSW Service: From? ? 2002 to 27 February 2019 = 17 years Service
NSWFR Service: Senior Fire Fighter – Service # 8352
Awards: No Find on It’s An Honour
Long Service & Good Conduct Medal – NSWFR ( 2013 )
Born: 28 January 1973
Died on: Wednesday 27 February 2019
Age: 46
Cause: A medical episode during a NSWFR training exercise – Heart attack?
The Commissioner ( Fire / Rescue ) would like to advise that the late Firefighter George Baldock (8352), who passed away while serving ( NSW Fire Rescue ) on the 27th February 2019, will be farewelled on Wednesday 13th March with a Full Brigade Funeral.
Funeral details are as follows:
Wednesday 13th March 2019, at 1030 hours
William Inglis Hotel
Sales Arena
155 Governor Macquarie Drive
Warwick Farm, NSW
Brigade members attending shall attend in uniform and form a Guard of Honour.
Dress Code: Full Dress Uniform, Galatea, Peak Cap, Tie and Medals
Paul Baxter
Commissioner ( NSW Fire / Rescue )
5 March 2019
Death on Duty – 8352 Senior Firefighter George BALDOCK:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform you of the passing of 8352 Senior Firefighter George Baldock.
George passed away in hospital today ( 270219 ) following a medical episode while on duty.
George has been with Fire and Rescue NSW for 17 years and worked within the Fire Safety Unit and Liverpool Fire Station.
George was a well-respected member of both his immediate team and a valued member of the wider Fire and Rescue NSW family.
We are in close contact with George’s immediate family and have directed all available resources to support his wife Bree and his three children ( who are all under 6 years old ) as well as those affected. I encourage anyone who is affected by George’s passing to utilise Fire and Rescue NSW’s Employee Assistance Program on 1300 360 364.
Some very sad news to report that one of our men has tragically passed.
George Baldock, known as Gorgeous George around our club, was on duty for the firies as he has been for 17 years when he suffered a medical episode.
George was a prolific wicket keeping all rounder for us but more importantly a great bloke and a genuine asset to any team.
Rest In Peace George. Gone way too soon
Some very sad news to report that one of our men has tragically passed.
George Baldock, known as Gorgeous George around our club, was on duty for the firies as he has been for 17 years when he suffered a medical episode.
George was a prolific wicket keeping all rounder for us but more importantly a great bloke and a genuine asset to any team.
Rest In Peace George. Gone way too soon.
George BALDOCK – Funeral pamphlet
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George, thank you for all your friendship, your kind heart, your sense of humour and your honesty. I will always cherish our friendship and you will be forever missed. Rest easy my friend and I will see you soon
Alex lit a candle for George Baldock
George you were great to work with and we used to have ‘frank’ talks in the truck at Liverpool Police Station. You were professional, knowledgeable and had a lot of patience when dealing with me and other junior police. Every shift your hair was done perfectly with not a strand out of place, you always insisted upon driving (perhaps because you were scared of my driving) and you used to try and talk me out of getting McDonalds on each occasion. You were a great mentor to have around. Hearing the eulogies today, it appears that everyone had as much respect for you as what I did and you will be dearly missed by all.
Peita Small lit a candle for George Baldock
Lisa STALEY added memorial of George Baldock to @heaven
You were taken away from us too young. You were very passionate in everything you did. I will never forget you. You will always remain in my heart. I’m so sorry I never got to say goodbye. My heart is broken. My you Rest in Peace.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 28 October 1957
Constable 1st Class – appointed 28 October 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 October 1973
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: Wagga Wagga HWP ( 1959 – 1964 ), South Coast District, Pt Kembla HWP, Warilla HWP, Wollongong HWP ( 1964 – ), attended the 1st ever BAS Course in Melbourne in 19?? with Dick Brook, Les Austen, Bert Hammond & Max Ebrill., Wollongong BAS – ( Breath Analysis Section ), Pt Kembla GD’s ( 1975 or 76 )( Sgt 3/c ), Traffic Office – Warilla 1980 ( Sgt 2/C ) until having a heart attack & going out HOD in 1982 or 1984.
After HOD, worked at Bramble Armoured division as a Security Guard in 1988 for 15 years.
Service: From? ? pre Oct 1957?to? ? 1982 or 1984? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 13 August 1937 – Wollongong
Died on: Thursday 7 February 2019 during the a.m. in Thrroul
Age: 81
Cause: Natural causes – Old age
Event location: the Links Palliative Care, Wollongong
Parso was a Supervising Sergeant at Warilla HWP during the late 1980’s – early 1990’s before his retirement which was brought on by a massive heart attack he suffered one day whilst rock fishing down Gerroa / Gerringong area.
Stemming from that heart attack, he ‘flat lined’ for a considerable time in the back of the Ambulance whilst being transported through Kiama and was brought back by Ambulance Officers.
In 2013 Parso had been unwell with further heart problems but it was ultimately Cancer which took his life.
We extend our condolences to Carol and family.
FUNERAL PHOTOS.
The power of social media demonstrates that friends will come from far and wide. The family didn’t expect this many to turn up for Parso’s funeral. They even came down from Qld. This is the respect that mates had for Parso.
Anyone wishing a copy of these photos in a higher resolution – contact Cal at the email at the bottom of the page. 87 photos in this collection.
Terrence Raymond McGLYNN
| 12/04/2019
Terrence Raymond McGLYNN
AKA TERRY & MAGGOTS
Late of NSW
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 159
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 17879
Rank: *Terrence was a Rejoinee having only done 1 month as a Probationary Constable
*Probationary Constable – appointed 26 June 1978
Constable – appointed 26 July 1978
Senior Constable – appointed 26 July 1986
Sergeant –
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Newtown ( 1970’s ), Marrickville ( early 1980’s ), Newtown ( Sgt – 1990’s ), ( Coach of the Newtown Jets Police Rugby League Football Club )
Service 1 NSWPF: From? ? ?to? ? pre June 1978? = 4 years Service
Between his 1st & 2nd Service with NSWPF, Terry worked as a Psych Nurse at Callan Park Psychiatric Ward. Terry originally left NSWPF due to the death of his 1st wife having passed away.
Service 2 NSWPF : From ? ? pre June 1978? to 8 November 2001 = total of 27 years Service
Class 159. Group D. Monday 26 June 1978. Back Row: ( L – R ) K.E. MOORE, P.J. NUNN, R.B. McLENNAN, B.R. MORRIS, J.W. NELSON, R.R. NEWMAN, T.J. O”NEILL, S.K. NAYLOR. Middle Row: R.J. MAUDE, P.L. O’BRIEN, R.G. NICHOLLS, M.H. OWEN, S.T. MUSCAT, P.D. PHILLIPS, N.J. NIXON, Robert N. NORVAL. Front Row: M.L. O’KEEFE, P.G. McINNESS, S.J. McGRATH, K.M. RYNNE, B.E. PARKER, Terrence Raymond McGLYNN ( R.I.P. ), C.M. PLUMMER, J.W. NEWSOME ( Missing: M. PETROVIC )
Peter NISSEN ( #18778 ) & Terry McGLYNN
Worked with Terry at Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital prior to us both joining the job. On the left of photo is Jeff Prentice ( # 14115 ) another ex Psychiatric nurse and NSW Police Officer, Terry in the middle and myself ( Phillip Brand # 14273 ) on right.
Terry is in second row in the middle, did not have his moustache then.
The Callan Park Rugby League team, probably late 1960’s.
Terry is in second row in the middle, did not have his moustache then.
TERRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral pamphlet
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
By all accounts, Terry appeared to be a great bloke and great policeman who had the respect of all whom worked with him.
He apparently joined the NSWPF some time prior to 1978 and Served for probably 4 years before ” pulling the pin ” and working as a Psychiatric Nurse at Callan Park where he was given the nickname of “Maggots” before eventually returning to the NSWPF where he apparently Served all of his Service at Newtown and Marrickville.
Terry Retired in November 2001 and eventually he and his 2nd wife, Fran, moved to warmer climes in far north NSW.
Terry suffered various conditions which required hospitalisation. These conditions caused the removal of a leg and also the removal of multiple large skin cancers off his face.
His funeral was recently attended by around 25 of his former mates from the old Newtown Police days.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
Cal
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
| 12/04/2019
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
AKA BAGGERS & SAMMY
Late of ?
Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
Australian Federal Police Force
Regd. # 10496
Rank: ?
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, IDG ( International Deployment Group ),
Service: From? ? ?to9 December 2018 = 15 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour – but
National Medal – granted ???
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Sunday 9 December 2018 a.m.
Age: 44
Cause: Depression – Suicide – Service weapon – shot
Event location: vault room of the AFP National Headquarters, Edmund Barton building, Canberra
Event date: Sunday 9 December 2018
Funeral date: Tuesday 18 December 2018 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley, Melbourne
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: White Lady Funerals, Essendon 93510788
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
SAMMY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Today we farewell our friend Sam Baglin-Limu aka “Baggers”.
There are still answers sought and comprehending how this all happened.
But today is not for that, today is to remember our friend, work mate, AFP agent in different roles, wife, daughter, sister, advocate, carer, support officer for others trauma, many, many roles she did.
Sam you will be missed, you will always be loved. We will continue through our work to give you a voice. You’ve left us too soon, our hearts broken, as yours must have been to for this to happen.
Sammy’s funeral is today at 2pm, in Melbourne.
An AFP remembrance service was also held at the AFP national headquarters in Canberra at the same time.
Rest now Sammy, your shift is over, your duty done. ❤
BAGLIN-LIMU, Samantha Jane
BAGLIN-LIMU.
The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Samantha Jane Baglin-Limu will be held at the Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Road, Glen Waverley on TUESDAY (Dec 18, 2018) commencing at 2.00 p.m.
Private Cremation will follow.
No flowers by request.
In lieu, donations to Beyond Blue would be appreciated.
Envelopes will be available at the Service or donate online to www.beyondblue.org.au
AFP has ‘blood on its hands’ over agent’s death
EXCLUSIVE
WARNING: Distressing.
A FEDERAL agent who provided crucial support to family members of flight MH17 victims has died in an apparent workplace suicide at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters.
Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, was found dead in the vault room at the Edmund Barton building in Canberra on Sunday morning. It comes just six weeks after Superintendent Richard Roberts also took his own life in the same place and less than two years after another two AFP agents separately died by suicide at the Melbourne headquarters.
Friends of Sgt Baglin told news.com.au that the AFP “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
An AFP spokesperson confirmed in a statement to news.com.au “that on Sunday, 9 December 2018, a member of the AFP appears to have taken her own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT coroner,” the spokesperson said.
The AFP did not respond to further questions regarding the matter.
Several AFP sources told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin was involved in the organisation’s Safe Place – a cultural reform initiative led by AFP commissioner Andrew Colvin amid widespread revelations of internal bullying and a spate of workplace suicides.
Those who knew Sgt Baglin described her as kind, with “a heart of gold”, and said she would make others “laugh to the point where we would suffer cramps”.
Sgt Baglin married just over a year ago but battled with work-related PTSD.
Former AFP agent and Australian of the Year finalist Katie Tonacia told news.com.au she was “shocked” and “devastated” over the loss of her close friend.
The pair met through Ms Tonacia’s organisation Picking up the Peaces, which provides support to uniformed service personnel struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), almost a decade ago.
“None of us saw this coming,” Ms Tonacia said.
“But she was upset in terms of a few things occurring in the workplace, and the fact she did this at work is such a statement to all of us.”
According to Ms Tonacia, Sgt Baglin was “desperate to see change within the organisation and wanted to see mental health education implemented”.
“If she’d identified as mentally unwell to the AFP it would have gone against her in her career and she loved her career,” she said.
“The stigma and lack of education about mental health at the top level of management just below the commissioner is rife and that’s why she came to us in 2009.”
Ms Tonacia’s husband David is medically retired from the AFP. He told news.com.au that the organisation “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
Sgt Baglin had an extensive policing career both in Australia and as part of the AFP’s International Deployment Group in which she served on overseas missions. She had also operated as a family liaison officer for the AFP and worked closely in Perth with the Maslin family, who lost their three children and their grandfather, in the flight MH17 disaster in 2014.
One close friend of Sgt Baglin’s, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, said she was “such a big-hearted and sensitive person” who “loved being a cop and loved helping people”.
“It was like a therapy for her to help other people in dealing with trauma,” he said. “She was especially good at it.”
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
Ms Tonacia told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin had recently expressed frustrations to her about the AFP having only two in-house qualified psychologists for the entire organisation of some 6000 members, as previously revealed by news.com.au.
“Wherever there’s smoke, there’s fire and by God it is blazing at that building right now,” Ms Tonacia said.
“The AFP has failed (Sgt Baglin) and so many others because they don’t trust the system.
“There needs to be a royal commission so we can get to the bottom of it and get all of those responsible out. We won’t let her death be in vain.”
Another AFP whistle-blower said it was “petty managerial and micro-managerial bulls**t breaking people devoted to their jobs” in the AFP.
“We can’t attribute all bad things to the AFP’s culture but one thing is for certain, had (Sgt Baglin) been a kindergarten teacher, or run her own business, we wouldn’t be talking about this,” he said.
“There is nothing worse than coming back to the office after a day of dealing with death or whatever, only to be counselled for not ticking the correct box in a case report, or something similar that is easily corrected and carries no operational consequence.”
One AFP source told news.com.au he was a friend and former colleague of Sgt Baglin’s and that “she didn’t deserve this”.
Six weeks prior to Sgt Baglin’s death, Superintendent Richard Roberts also walked into the AFP national headquarters and didn’t come out alive.
The Australian Federal Police Association revealed Supt Roberts “appears to have taken his own life” on October 27.
An AFP spokesman also confirmed at the time that “a member of the AFP” had died, in a statement to news.com.au. The AFP did not respond to further questions.
News.com.au understands Commissioner Colvin “spoke to troops” to inform them of Supt Roberts’ death in an email and video to colleagues nationwide. It’s a process he is likely to repeat sometime today.
The latest AFP workplace suicide is the fourth incident in which an officer appeared to take their own life inside one of the organisation’s buildings since the start of last year.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne building and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Colvin said at the time that it was “with great sadness I can confirm one of our police officers has died in Melbourne”.
“The male officer was found by colleagues in the AFP’s Melbourne Headquarters in La Trobe Street,” he said.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Jones had worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, previously told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
‘THIS JOB’S F***ED’
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF – this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
The source described the company’s external Employee Assistance Program as inadequate.
“If the Employee Assistance Program they always reference was adequate we wouldn’t have members falling like flies.”
There are more than 6000 AFP members – 3481 of those are in sworn roles – nationwide.
An AFP spokesperson previously said the organisation “acknowledges first responders are at higher risk of trauma-caused mental injury than almost any other profession”.
According to the AFP in 2017, the organisation employs two social workers, “5.6 full-time equivalent” psychologists and “4.4 full-time equivalent nurses” – all based in Canberra.
But AFP members outside of Canberra do not have face-to-face access to qualified psychologists through the organisation. They are instead given a number for an employee assistance program with over-the-phone support from any one of 658 outsourced psychologists and 132 registered social workers through Davidson Trahaire.
A Confidant Network made up of volunteers and AFP members is also in place to “provide guidance to staff on options for professional support if needed”. According to the AFP, it also employs seven chaplains across the country.
“There is also one part-time family support officer based in Canberra, who is available for families of members deployed with International Operations and ad hoc government response to large-scale disasters such as the downing of MH17,” an AFP statement read.
But many AFP agents have criticised the services, labelling them ineffective and impersonal. They say they need face-to-face access to qualified psychologists so they don’t have to “retell (their) stories to a different person every time (they) call”.
“We need someone to talk to in person who is qualified in psychology and who understands the nature of issues AFP agents deal with … it’s not that complicated,” a sworn member said.
In March this year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders – including emergency service workers and volunteers – prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The inquiry is expected to release its report on the matter in February 2019.
It came after almost 100 past and present AFP agents contacted news.com.au to report widespread mental health issues among first responders within the organisation, mismanagement of the issue and a disturbing internal bullying culture.
News.com.au exposed the issues in an investigative series, which prompted the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to audit the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation.
The report, released on March 7 this year, found that the “AFP lacks a comprehensive and consolidated organisational health and wellbeing framework to enable effective management and support of employee mental health”.
“While the AFP offers a variety of mental health support services, there is no evidence that these services are effective and they are not supported by sound governance, risk management, evaluation or an articulated business rationale,” the report read.
“The AFP does not currently have in place mechanisms or sufficient data to appropriately align resources with key mental health risks.”
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation” by mid-May this year.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation. It released its report earlier this year and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
But for some, it’s already proven too little, too late.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
For more information on how to support others who might need help and what warning signs to look for, visit: Conversations Matter
Peter IRBY, was a serving member of the NSW Police Force between 03/05/2002 and the 02/02/2012 where he attained the rank of Senior Constable. Peter performed general duties at Marrickville, Transit Police and Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command before being stationed at Richmond Local Area Command between 09/09/2007 and the 02/02/2012 where he performed duties at Nimbin Police Station.
Peter passed away in hospital on the 31/10/2018 after a lengthy but valiant fight with cancer. Peter was only 40 years old and had been a proud Police officer. He leaves behind his wife, Diona, their three young children, Henry, Darcy & Milah.
One of Peter’s last wishes was for Diona and the children to go to Disneyland. This is a very small wish for a man who dedicated himself to serving the people of NSW. It is hoped that we can raise some funds to assist Diona and their children at this difficult time.
Today we have the melancholy honour of launching the Peter Irby Fundraiser. Senior Constable Peter Irby served in the NSW Police Force for ten years. At the age of just 40 he lost his lengthy battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife and three young children. One of his final wishes was for his family to go to Disneyland in California, and this fundraiser seeks to help with that. Please help if you can, and please help spread the word: http://bit.ly/peterirby
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Peter attended Mullumbimby High School between 1990 – 1996 to Year 12.
In September 2014 he did the Introduction to Return to Work Co-ordinator Course.
In April 2015 he did the Cert IV training and Assessment for Diploma of work, health and safety.
In March 2015 he was a Student at the Southern Cross University.
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‘PETE IRBY – WHAT A TOP BLOKE ‘– If I had a dollar for every time I heard that comment made!! For all of us who love and adore him, Pete is that cheerful, loyal, fun loving guy who can always put a smile on your face with his wicked sense of humour!
Pete and his partner in crime Diona, have been married for over 12 years. Together they are raising the most wonderful little humans, Henry (11), Darcy (9) and Milah (7). Pete is the most amazing, devoted and loving father.
Pete has devoted his professional life to making a difference in the community and proudly served as a police officer attached to Marrickville LAC, Tuggerah Lakes LAC and Richmond LAC. It is a challenging environment and as his former Supervisor Mark said, “I was honoured to be his supervisor for several years of his service”. Pete is an outgoing and positive person with a strong desire to perform any role to the best of his ability. His perfectionist nature, empathy and willingness to help others selflessly are character traits we all admire in him. In keeping with Pete’s desire to help out his community, he is currently studying to be a nurse.
DIAGNOSIS
On Wednesday 7th of March 2018, Diona and Pete were given the heartbreaking news Pete was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. When he was diagnosed, Pete was also informed that the cancer had spread through to his Liver. Since then a PET scan has identified that the cancer has shown up in his colon as well. When cancer cells break away from the primary tumour in the bowel, they can travel around in the blood stream or in lymph fluid. There is a common pattern in the way that bowel cancer spreads in the body. The name given to this kind of bowel cancer is ‘metastatic’ and each new area of growth away from the primary tumour is known as a ‘metastasis’
Pete has endured numerous tests and procedures over the past week to ascertain what the best course of action is, along with his team of specialists. Pete will start chemo next week.
PURPOSE OF THIS PAGE
This go fund me page has been created to help Pete and Dee pay the mounting Medical bills that will come their way. After helping so many people professionally and personally it is fitting his colleagues, friends and community ‘have his back’ in this time of need.
This diagnosis has rocked all of Pete’s friends and family to our core. As Pete’s mate Fyshy said, “Last Thursday morning I woke to the news that my best mate had this hideous disease, absolutely broke my heart. Pete Irby is not my best mate he is my brother that’s how close we are, we were inseparable growing up, Pete’s family give us the nickname Fysh n Chips.
This is going to be a very long and tough journey for Pete and his beautiful family, and I hope we can help them all as much as we possibly can. There are so many things I can say about Pete, but the biggest thing is he needs each and everyone’s support in this shit time. “
Pete is determined to beat this hideous disease. Let’s get behind Pete and his family and try to ease some of the financial pressure for them.
Any contribution you can make is greatly appreciated. Please keep Pete and his family in your thoughts as he fights this insidious disease.
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