( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Wake location: Macarthur Grange Country Club, Raby Rd, Kearns, NSW
Wake date: Saturday 29 October 2022
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Condolences to Harrison & Connor, together with family, friends and staff from Campbelltown Police Station.
Carolyn was exposed to, and participated in, police investigations into paedophiles, while she was the mother of young children.
This really affected her.
Part of her duties were to visit goals to listen in to phone calls made by inmates.
Prior to Carolyn’s death we tried so desperately to help her.
She was so fearful of being sectioned and admitted to the mental health unit.
More so than most people would be because she was involved in arrests where the offender was in such a unit and terrified of being placed in a unit alongside some of the people she was involved with in her work.
She should never have been exposed to some of the images of crime victims when she was not a serving police officer even though she worked very successfully alongside them.
Family
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2022 )
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
I wish to send my Deepest heartfelt condolences to Greg Wilson, one time work colleague from the Warilla HWP days and Mate, for the sudden loss of your eldest son, Zac.
No words can express the unexpected loss of a child and I know that it just rips at your heart mate, not only for the time lost to you in the past, but also the time you all had in front of you.
On behalf of all our Mates, I extend my Love and Sympathy to you, family and friends.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 088
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10165
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 14 August 1961 aged ( 26 years, 0 months, 24 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 30 October 1961 ( aged 26 years, 3 months, 9 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
* Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 April 1967
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 1 April 1971
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 February 1978
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Sergeant
* I am unaware as to why – but on the 1 April 1967, there appears to have been at least 3 Classes promoted to Constable 1st Class. Members who were Constables for five – six years ( which isn’t unusual if they failed a subject or were injured ) but it appears as though members of Class 088 – 090 were all Promoted to Cst 1/c on the same date.
Stations: ?, ‘ D ‘ District ( 1967 ), ?, Mt Druitt ( 27 Division ) – Disengagement
Service: From 14 August 1961 to18 June 1986 = 24 years, 10 months, 4 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 50 years, 10 months, 4 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 36 years, 4 months, 5 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 6 November 1980 ( Sgt )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2022 )
ALAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Class 088 – October 1961 – Redfern Academy. Unknown who is who.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2022 )
BRUCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Condolences to his wife, Deb, family – his brother Michael and friends.
Bruce BALDWIN ( 1st on left – Centre Row ) Goulburn Police Academy Class 206A
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Eugowra Cemetery, North St, Eugowra, NSW
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2022 )
GREG is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
GREG is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
GREG IS NOT mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills ( 2022 )
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
WALKING BOOTS: Sergeant Greg Payne hands over spare boots to help city’s homeless to Mission Australia case workers Jess Wright (left) and Kelsey Lew. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0816jkboots1
A letter to PANSW Police News:
‘Police Family Alive and Well’
In late April this year a mother, father and brother lost their youngest child and brother.
My Police Officer daughter, Angela Payne (nee Bamford) lost her husband and my family lost a son in law.
Detective Sergeant Gregory Ross Payne, 41 years old, took his own life after a battle with mental illness. His death occurred at Orange, New South Wales. Greg was attached to the Central West PD and was working out of Parkes Police Station.
Following Greg’s death the Police Family came to the aid of my daughter and their two daughters, aged 10 and 8 who live in the small country town of Canowindra.
The PD response and care under the leadership of Superintendent Steve Kentwell and his management team was immediate, genuine and full of support. Nothing was too much trouble in our time of need.
The Police Association reacted immediately with contact, offers of support and within days a sizeable sum of money was deposited directly into my daughter’s bank account. A week later Ian Johnstone, acting for the Police Provident Fund travelled from Sydney to my daughter’s home where he presented her with another very sizeable sum of money to support her through what lay ahead.
Floral tributes from a number of commands were delivered to the home over ensuing days. Just to name a few … Orange and Cowra LAC’s, Parkes Police, Homicide Squad, State Crime Command. Not to mention the flowers, food packages and love and support from the local community and business houses. Greg had been stationed at Canowindra performing general duties when first taking up a country posting. The response from all was amazing to witness.
Greg was laid to rest with full Police honours at a lawn service at Eugowra, NSW on the 11th May, 2021. Approximately
150‑200 people attended. Numerous Police from across the state, along with community and family members turned out. The service was live streamed which was viewed by many Police and friends living overseas.
It was a fitting farewell and I know Greg’s family, as with our family, were extremely grateful to all that attended from far and wide. I can report Canowindra RSL bar‑staff (Greg was known there funnily enough) were kept busy later that afternoon and evening.
Greg’s funeral was conducted under threatening skies on a very cold afternoon at Eugowra. Technical difficulties with the audio production saw attendees standing for an extended period in very cold and light showery conditions. Fortunately, rain held off till after the service and afternoon tea.
I need to highlight the actions of Region Commander Geoff McKechnie who was in attendance. I had not met Geoff previously. He sought me out in the crowd to personally offer his condolences and support for the future. The genuineness in his words and demeanour left me knowing ‘this bloke is fair dinkum’. Former work colleagues of mine had told me both Mr McKechnie and Commander Steve Kentwell were, in our speak, “good blokes”. Maybe a ‘country copper trait’ or another example of ‘looking after our own’.
During the service and unbeknown to me Greg’s daughter, Grace was visibly shaking from the cold. I first became aware when I saw a rather large (sorry Sir) Police tunic being handed forward to Grace which was wrapped around her small upper body. Geoff McKechnie, seated behind had removed his tunic and wrapped it around Grace for the length of the service. Clearly Geoff could have ‘influenced’ another officer to give up his tunic or jacket. What a lovely gesture from obviously a kind and caring man and genuine leader. That memory, amongst others will stick with me forever as a reminder that the ‘Police Family is Alive and Well’ and in this case it came from the top.
I must also acknowledge Police Legacy who contributed by supporting Angela and sponsoring her attendance at a 2 day retreat at Mudgee with others in a similar bereavement situation.
On behalf of the Payne and Bamford families please let me say thank you to all that attended. Your support, prayers and offers of assistance that continue are all very much appreciated.
Greg can rest in peace now with the knowledge his family is in good hands. Please remember to ask ‘R U OK’. You could save a life.
Thank you.
Greg Bamford
Retired Detective Inspector
8 PANSW Police News July-August 2021
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2022 )
GORDON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of our beloved Club President and Life Member Ian Bourke, who passed away peacefully today.
Ian served with distinction on our Board of Directors for over 19 years and as President for the past 12 years. Ian’s core focus was to improve the lives of our Members and the community, epitomising the philosophy in which Cronulla RSL is founded upon.
Guided by Ian’s leadership, Cronulla RSL has undergone significant transformation and growth.
The Board, Management and Staff extend our deepest condolences to Ian’s wife Ann and his daughter Stephanie at this difficult time. Ian will be missed by us all who fondly chatted with him as he checked on his beloved Club regularly.
We are forever grateful for Ian’s dedication and leadership.
Class 105 of December 1965 Redfern Police Academy
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 283 ( DPP 09 )( Class 3 )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 35666
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 7 May 2001 ( aged 28 years, 8 months, 1 day )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 31 August 2001 ( aged 28 years, 11 months, 25 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Eastern Suburbs, Bondi, Waverley, ?, Sutherland PCYC ( 2020 ), ?, Wollongong, loan to Lake Illawarra PCYC ( was Off on Stress Leave ) – Death
Service: From 7 May 2001to28 October 2022 = 21 years, 5 months, 21 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 50 years, 1 month, 22 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 6 September 1972
Died on: Friday 28 October 2022
Age: 50 years, 1 month, 22 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: Home
Event date: Friday 28 October 2022 mid morning
Funeral date: Thursday 10 November 2022 @ 10am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Park St, Orange, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Loved by all her aunts, uncle, cousins and friends.
“The One We Love and Will Never Forget”
Aged 50 years
The family and friends of Audra are kindly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Park Street, Orange on Thursday November 10, 2022 commencing at 10.00 am.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege will proceed to the Orange Lawn Cemetery.
Our deepest condolences to Audra’s two teenage daughters, family and friends.
May Audra Forever Rest In Peace.
Cops Against Cancer team members Chris Swaby, Audra Jaeger and Dean Simpson are ready to take part in the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer event on October 11-12 to raise funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Picture: GREG TOTMAN Illawarra Mercury 10/10/2014
FIT FOR WORK: Max Wilcox with Senior Constable Audra Jaeger, PCYC NSW chief executive Dominic Teakle, Superintendent Mark Wall, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar and Superintendent Dean Smith. Picture: Robert Peet Illawarra Mercury 20/12/2019
EXCLUSIVE:
Tragedy as a dedicated cop and mother of two 12-year-old twin girls ends her own life sending shockwaves through police ranks
Much-loved senior female officer Audra Jaeger died at home on October 28
Understood the senior constable was on stress leave from Wollongong posting
50-year-old was a mother of two 12-year-old twin girls and was found at home
Her sudden death is the second suicide by a NSW police officer in two months
A ‘dedicated’ policewoman and mother of twin girls has ended her own life, rocking the New South Police force just two months after another officer also suicided.
Senior Constable Audra Jaeger, 50, who died on October 28, leaves behind 12-year-old twin girls, Harper and Evie.
Daily Mail Australia understands Ms Jaeger, who served in Sydney‘s eastern suburbs and at Wollongong, was on stress leave and died at home.
Ms Jaeger joined the police service at 28 and served for 21 years, working at Bondi and Waverley stations, before moving to Wollongong, south of Sydney.
She also worked at PCYCs in Sutherland and Lake Illawarra and took part in cancer charity work as part of a Cops Against Cancer cycle team.
A former colleague, Dianna Mackay, has started an official fundraiser to raise money for Ms Jaeger’s two daughters.
She shared a heartbreaking photo of the twins in front of a giant love heart drawn in the sand.
‘Senior Constable Audra Jaeger sadly passed away on 28 October 2022. She is survived by her twin daughters, Harper and Evie, who are both just twelve years old,’ Ms Mackay wrote.
‘Audra was an amazing person, friend, work colleague, partner, mumma and daughter.’
Ms Jaeger was ‘much loved by everyone who knew her’ Ms Mackay said.
‘Audra lit up the room no matter where she was; at work, at home or at play.
‘[She] was a massive beacon of light and burst of positive energy and even with her passing, her shining light will never be extinguished.’
One donor wrote ‘Such a beautiful person gone too soon, rest easy Aud.’
Tributes poured in from colleagues and loved ones, many through the charity, NSW Police Legacy.
It shared the tragic news on its social media pages on Wednesday: ‘We’re sorry, family, but we have more heartbreaking news.’
A NSW paramedic who had a chance encounter with her a week before her death said Ms Jaeger was ‘dedicated’ and friendly.
‘[She was a] dedicated Emergency Services colleague, our paths crossed many times for many different reasons and Audra always greeted me with a smile followed by a quick chat, we even had a chat at a restaurant the week before her passing, if only we knew, now it’s another sad loss that may have been prevented,’ he wrote.
‘RIP sister in blue,’ a former sergeant wrote.
‘Audra was always a pleasure to work with at the PCYC,’ a Sydney mum posted.
‘So so sad… a truly lovely person’ another woman wrote.
The tragedy comes less than two months after the body of off-duty male officer, Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23, was found in the Royal National Park.
Constable Bashir was found in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, at about 12.40am on Saturday September 3 ( 2022 ).
Police had launched a search for the young off-duty officer at about 10.30pm on September 2 after concerns were raised for his welfare.
His colleagues found the Bankstown Police Area Command officer the following morning.
All funds raised for Audra Jaeger’s twins will be put into a trust for Harper and Evie Jaeger, and will be given to the girls when they turn 21.
The fundraiser has the modest target of $10,000 and had raised $2,655 by Wednesday evening.
If you or anyone you know needs help or confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Senior Constable Audra Jaeger sadly passed away on 28 October 2022. She is survived by her twin daughters, Harper and Evie, who are both just twelve years old.
Make a donation here today to support Harper and Evie’s future.
Audra with daughters Harper and Evie.
“Audra was an amazing person, friend, work colleague, partner, mumma and daughter. She was much loved by everyone who knew her. Audra lit up the room no matter where she was; at work, at home or at play. Audra was a massive beacon of light and burst of positive energy and even with her passing, her shining light will never be extinguished.” ~ Sergeant Dianna Mackay (retired)
This is a Community Fundraising initiative organised by a third party. All funds raised will be put into trust for Harper and Evie, and will be accessible by the girls when they turn 21.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Wake location: Diamond Room, Maitland City Bowling Club
Wake date: Tuesday 18 October 2022
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Romance in the force Calling all Policewomen! Happy faced Special Constable Amy MILLGATE surrounded by Constables Yvonne ROBERTSON ( far left ), June ABBOTT, Norma COX, Margaret FISHER and Nancy BABER when she appeared this morning wearing her engagement ring or the first time. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230239833
Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),
Sunday 2 October 1949, page 5
POLICEWOMEN LEAVE THE FORCE TO WED
FIVE of the NSW’s force of 14 women police have resigned to get married this year.
One policewoman has been married and four others have become engaged since January.
A senior police officer said: “These marriages are smashing our organisation of women police.
“Wedding bells are beginning to ring like an alarm clock around Police Headquarters.”
Amy Millgate, first uniformed policewoman appointed, said: — “You can’t arrest love, nor can you imprison affection. Right qualities “Anyhow, my Bruce ( First-class Constable Bruce Taylor ) says I would not have been appointed if I had not had a sense of responsibility, with tact, understanding and other qualities needed for successful marriage.
“When a fellow talks like that — well, that’s a proposal.”
Other uniformed police women said that there would he more marriages if it were not for the housing shortage.
Here is a record of how marriage is shattering the women’s police force: — Lorna Fraser now married to Detective Harry North, of Wollongong.
Yvonne Robertson ( Beamish Street crossing, Campsie ) to be married to Plain-clothes Constable Harry Tupman, of Newtown, on November 12.
Nancy Baber ( Cleveland Street School ) to be married to Constable Pat Smith, of Regent Street station, on November 19.
Eva Boyd ( Sydney Girls’ High School ) to be married to Constable Bill Dickson, of Darlinghurst division, in December.
Amy Millgate ( Leichhardt Public School ) to be married to First-class Constable Bruce Taylor, of Central prosecuting staff, early next year.
Main qualifications for a uniformed policewoman are: 25 years of age or over; 5ft 6in; Intermediate Certificate.
ROBERTSON William – August 2 1951 at Military Hospital Concord dearly beloved husband of Christina and loved father of Yvonne (Mrs Tupman) Robert, Eric and Vyrna (Mrs Blanch) aged 66 years
‘Keeping Community Connections Alive in aged care’ was Inspired by trail blazing female police officer Yvonne Tupman (centre).
Yvonne was the first female to don a police uniform in NSW 75 years ago.
Donna Valantis, Diversional Therapist supported Yvonne to maintain her personal interest in and connection with the police force using a person centred approach.
It was then that the community information sessions for their residential facility were implemented.
Donna thanks Burwood Police Command for their continued support of their seniors.
For more information about this program please contact DRTA office.
Thanks Donna for sharing your work with us
Yvonne at front, holding the photo.
Presbyterian Aged Care 14 September 2020 During the recent 75th Anniversary celebrations marking the end of World War 2, 99 year old Yvonne Tupman at PAC Drummoyne received a beautiful certificate and medal from the Governor General David Hurley and the Prime Minister Scott Morrison to thank her for her contribution to the war effort. Yvonne served in the Australian Women’s Army Service from 1942 to 1946 stationed at Bathurst. Thank you for your service Yvonne!
Presbyterian Aged Care is celebrating a birthday. 7 October 2020 Yvonne Tupman at PAC Drummoyne – Minnamurra just celebrated her 100th birthday. Minnamurra now has 5 centenarians living at the care home. Happy Birthday Yvonne!
2020: Yvonne TUPMAN and Assistant Commissioner Karen WEBB.
Last week, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb APM met with Mrs Yvonne Tupman, a former NSW Police officer who recently turned 100 years old.
Assistant Commissioner Webb is the most senior serving policewoman currently within the NSW Police Force, the same police force that Mrs Tupman joined 75 years ago, in 1945.
They shared memories across many generations of policing, stories of bravery, resilience, kindness and spirit. Mrs Tupman fondly remembers her time as a police officer, recounting, ‘I enjoyed every moment. I went to the schools and taught the children about stranger danger, and also directed traffic.’
Assistant Commissioner Webb said, ‘It’s not lost on me the sacrifices and challenges that my predecessors, like Mrs Tupman endured in the past, in building the foundations for policewomen today. I am extremely honoured, along with my senior colleagues to lead the next generation of policewomen across New South Wales.’
NSW Police Force’s first policewoman Yvonne Tupman turns 100
By Geraldine Cardozo and Alana Calvert
November 25 2020 – 12:00pm
SHE MAY be the most senior serving policewoman currently in the NSW Police Force, but Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb still had some tips to pick up when she caught up with trailblazing centenarian Yvonne Tupman.
Mrs Tupman, who turned 100 last month, was one of the state’s first female police officers, donning the uniform 75 years ago in 1945.
Assistant Commissioner Webb visited the Mrs Tupman at her home for coffee and cake to congratulate her on turning 100 and to hear about the pioneering route she carved as one of the first policewomen in the state.
‘It’s not lost of me the sacrifices and challenges that my predecessors, like Mrs Tupman endured in the past, in building the foundations for policewomen today,” said Assistant Commissioner Webb, who earlier this year became the state’s first female Traffic and Highway Commander.
Born in Orange in 1920, Mrs Tupman (nee Robertson) was 25-years-old and fresh out of the army when she joined.
Along with her female colleagues, Mrs Tupman wasn’t allowed to ride in the police cars or to be involved in more serious police work.
The one duty the women were allowed to perform – directing traffic – sparked great controversy because it was thought the female officers would distract motorists and cause accidents.
She along with just two other policewomen were the first female officers in the state to be tasked with controlling traffic on Sydney’s busy streets, sometimes having to deal with drivers who were reluctant to take instruction from women in uniforms.
Other duties assigned to the first policewomen included attending schools to warn children about speaking to strangers and escorting children to court for various reasons.
“Women were never included in murder (cases), unless they took you along and you took notes (for the male officers),” she told the Central Western Daily.
Stationed first at Newtown in Sydney’s inner-west, Mrs Tupman then returned to the Central West to work at Bathurst station.
It was around this time that she met and hit it off with fellow officer, Harry Tupman. When the two were married, Mrs Tupman was forced to resign from the police force. Mr Tupman went on to become a celebrated detective.
“They didn’t want to once you got married,” she explained. “I had my daughters, that was the most important thing in my life”.
Joining the NSW Police Force in 1987, Assistant Commissioner Webb began her career at Castle Hill Police Station. She served as chair of the 100 years of Women in Policing Committee and was integral in its commemoration celebrations in 2015.
Burwood Police Area Command 4 October 2022 Today we celebrated Yvonne Tupman’s 102nd Birthday at Drummoyne Presbyterian Homes with her family. Yvonne was one of the first females to serve and wear the NSW Police Force uniform. We at Burwood Police Area Command are very proud of her and thank her for her service. A special thank you to Drummoyne Public School for making birthday cards for Yvonne.
One of NSW Police’s first women officers shares her memories of time on the force
Trailblazing female cop Yvonne Tupman joined NSW Police 75 years ago, when life on the force was very different for a woman. Despite being limited to duties such as note-taking and traffic directing, Mrs Tupman loved her time on the beat.
Yvonne Tupman, who recently turned 100 years old, was one of the first women in policing in NSW. She had to retire from the Police Force once she married. She is pictured with her daughters Lyn and Robyn. Picture: Tim Hunter
Yvonne Tupman is celebrating a double milestone — 100 years of age and 75 years since she was one of the first women to join the NSW Police.
But the work Mrs Tupman was allowed to do when she joined the force in 1945 — aged just 25 and fresh out of army service — was very different to what women today can expect.
Yvonne Tupman, who recently turned 100 years old. Picture: Tim Hunter
Mrs Tupman (front left) with nine other trailblazing women in the NSW Police Service in 1945.
For a start, women police officers were forbidden to investigate criminal cases, with their duties generally limited to traffic direction, advising children of the dangers of speaking to strangers, and “taking notes”.
“Something like covering a murder case was forbidden,” said Mrs Tupman’s daughter Robyn, who is a District Court judge.
“I remember asking mum why she joined the force. I assumed it was to cover serious trials. But she said: ‘No, we weren’t allowed’. Women police were only allowed to accompany the male officers and possibly take notes.
“They were sometimes allowed to direct traffic which, in once case, actually made the papers because of the fact that two women were able to do so without causing an accident.
“That was actually the story. The fact that one male driver remarked that they didn’t tangle the traffic.
“It’s so ridiculous it really makes you giggle.”
Mrs Tupman, aged 23, when she joined the Australian Women’s Army Service.
Despite the limit on the duties they were permitted to carry out, Mrs Tupman would begin an impressive career, starting in Newtown in Sydney’s inner west before taking up a post at Bathurst.
However, it was there she would meet her eventual husband Harry and, as was the protocol with women officers, she was forced to retire.
In a video interview she gave in 2019, Mrs Tupman recalls the sadness of having to abandon her career because she had chosen to wed.
“My mother always said that the police force gave her an enormous sense of self-esteem and I know she enjoyed it very much. Which made retiring so difficult for her,” her daughter said.
However, her brief career would have a profound effect on her daughters Robyn and Lyn, as well as on the lives of her grandchildren.
Robyn Tupman was recently honoured as a life member of the Women’s Lawyers’ Association of NSW and assists the Women Barristers Forum.
Her sister Lyn is an accomplished special needs teacher.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
