Loved husband of Shirley, very proud father and father-in-law of Jamie and Kristeen, Adam and Debbie.
Adored poppy of Zachariah, Noah and Solomon.
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Lee and Greg Medway and Diann and Kerry Creighton.
RIDING THOSE HIGHWAYS AGAIN
Relatives and friends of Roy are advised that his funeral will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Bathurst on THURSDAY, 29th OCTOBER, 2015 commencing at 10.00am.
Following the service the cortege will leave for the Maranatha Lawn Cemetery, Bathurst.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Love and miss you dearly, may you rest in peace Roy. Xo
~
Debbie Hammond
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
You will never be forgotten dad, you’re the best farther anyone could wish for. I’m so lucky to call you dad! You will be missed and you’re legacy will live on.
2 years since you left us Roy and still miss and love you and always will. Love Diann
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
October 28, 2017
2 years since you left us Roy and still miss and love you and always will.
Love Diann
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
November 1, 2016
Roy you will never be forgotten miss you and love you. Your sister Diann
Diann Creighton, Dundas
November 24, 2015
Dear Shirley and family, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Roy, he was a part of my life in 1969 when we were a part of Class 120, I have very fond memories of Roy during that period of my life. I am so sorry for your loss, he will always be remembered by all of us..
Dennis Blewitt, Lugarno, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and family. Roy was one of the first fellows I meet in our Initial Training Course, No 120. I then worked Roy with over many years at Taree. I have some fond memories of Roy. Rest in Peace.
Dave WOOLNOUGH.
Dave WOOLNOUGH, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family,we send our condolences to you on the sad and premature passing of Roy.
I have fond memories of Roy from our early days in the Force. He was a good man.Rest in Peace Roy.
Garry and Pauline
Garry Donnelly, Mollymook Beach, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and family, please accept my condolences at your sad loss. My memories of working with Roy will always bring a smile to my face. He will always be remembered. Peter MacDonald
November 23, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the premature passing of Roy. Although we never caught up after passing out at Redfern in September, 1969, I vividly remember Roy as larger than life character.
To Roy’s family, please accept my condolences and may time heal his passing.
November 22, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family. Please accept our condolences. In loving memory of a wonderful and beautiful person, Roy Anthony Hammond. Our Prayers are with you all.
Roy. We did make a difference. We will meet again My Dear Friend. Rest in Peace now.
We love you and will miss you always. Neil & Maureen.
NEIL GODDARD, BANGOR, New South Wales
November 3, 2015
You will always be my beautiful big brother. My life will be less now you are not here, but you will be in my heart forever. Your lovely sister Diann.
Diann Creighton, DUNDAS, New South Wales
October 29, 2015
Please accept my condolences and know that Our Heavenly Father promises I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed. Isaiah 57:15
October 28, 2015
Love and miss you dearly, may you rest in peace Roy. Xo
Debbie Hammond
October 28, 2015
You will never be forgotten dad, you’re the best farther anyone could wish for. I’m so lucky to call you dad! You will be missed and you’re legacy will live on.
Nothing further is known about this man, other than what is above, at the time of publication.
Cal
21 October 2015
Curtis CHENG
| 29/10/2015
Curtis CHENG
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9735065
Rank: Assistant management accountant – NSW Police Public Service
Stations: MA & R management accounting Corporate, Finance & Business services, Parramatta – H.Q.
Service: From ? ? 1997to 2 October 2015 = 17 years Service to NSW Police
Awards: ?
Born: 28 November 1956
Died on: Friday 2 October 2015
Cause: Shot – Murdered – Terrorist related
Event location: Outside of NSW Police HQ, Parramatta
Age: 58
Funeral date: Saturday 17 October 2015 @ 10am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Cathedral, College St, 2 St Marys Rd, Sydney City – opposite Hyde Park.
Buried at: Cremated
is NOT mentioned on the Wall of Remembrance* BUT SHOULD BE
CURTIS IS mentioned on the Wall of Remembrance as of 2016
Curtis CHENG with wife and adult children.
Funeral location:
Parramatta shooting: gunman a 15-year-old boy
Date Saturday
Eryk Bagshaw and Nick Ralston
NSW Police have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy was the lone gunman who shot dead a police employee outside the state’s headquarters in Sydney’s west.
The teenager shouted religious slogans before firing one shot in the back of the head of a police finance worker as the employee was heading home on Friday afternoon.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione (right) and NSW Premier Mike Baird front the media after shooting at Parramatta. Photo: AAP
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione (right) and NSW Premier Mike Baird front the media after shooting at Parramatta. Photo: AAP
The police employee has been named as Curtis Cheng, a 17-year veteran of the police force. Police say the shooter is of Iraqi-Kurdish background and was born in Iran.
“We believe that his actions were politically motivated and therefore linked to terrorism,” NSW police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione told reporters in Sydney.
Mr Scipione said police had no information to suggest the gunman posed “this type of threat”.
A police employee was shot dead outside the headquarters in Parramatta.
A police employee was shot dead outside the headquarters in Parramatta. Photo: James Brickwood
“We’re a long way from establishing a full picture of this man, his exact motivations still remain a mystery to us,” he said
“We are exploring every avenue with regard to why he did what he did.”
Premier Mike Baird described the events as “chilling”.
Paramedics at the scene of the Parramatta shooting attending to one of the two bodies. Photo: Seven News
“The shock of this event will be felt everywhere,” he told reporters.
Mr Cheng was shot as he left work at the State Crime Command in Parramatta on Friday afternoon.
His killer was shot dead as officers returned fire.
A strike force has been established to investigate.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the terror-related shooting as a “cold-blooded murder”.
Mr Turnbull has urged Australians to go about their day normally despite the incident in Parramatta on Friday.
“This appears to have been an act of politically motivated violence so at this stage it appears to have been an act of terrorism. It is a shocking crime. It was a cold-blooded murder,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
Published: 17:29 EST, 4 October 2015 | Updated: 02:20 EST, 5 October 2015
The heartbroken family of the accountant gunned down by a ‘radicalised’ Muslim 15-year-old have paid tribute to the ‘kind, gentle, and loving’ father-of-two.
Curtis Cheng, 58, was shot in the back of the head by lone gunman Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad after the teenager stormed the police headquarters in Parramatta, Sydney.
His wife Selina and two children Alpha and Zilvia, both in their 20s, said their father was ‘generous of heart’ and ‘always put family first’.
They said: ‘We would like to thank all those who have expressed their well wishes and blessings upon us following the tragic passing of our most loved husband and father, Curtis Cheng.
Father-of-two Curtis Cheng, 58, (far left) was shot dead at point-blank range by a ‘radicalised’ 15-year-old, pictured with his wife Selina (second left) and two children Zilvia and Alpha (right)
Father-of-two Curtis Cheng, 58, (far left) was shot dead at point-blank range by a ‘radicalised’ 15-year-old, pictured with his wife Selina (second left) and two children Zilvia and Alpha (right)
Police are now probing why Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad (pictured) targeted the accountant
The two bodies were found just metres apart on the pavement outside the police station and children’s day care centre
Chilling footage has emerged showing the final moments of ‘radicalised’ 15-year-old Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad after he stormed a police headquarters, pictured in a shoot-out with police constables
Multiple shots can be heard and the video then shows Farhad lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood surrounded by officers
The gunman was killed after an exchange of gunfire with special constables who guard the entrance of the main station in Parramatta
Witnesses reported seeing two bodies lying on the ground covered in white sheets (pictured)
An ambulance NSW spokeswoman said paramedics were on the scene at Charles St, in the city’s CBD
An investigation is believed to be underway into whether the shooter had been recently charged by a detective from one of the State Crime Command squads
Detectives have not yet established the identity of the deceased, according to a spokesman
witness
bystander
Detectives launched a ‘critical incident investigation’ and confirmed two people were killed after a number of shots were fired
A civilian IT expert working for police was shot dead after a lone gunman opened fire outside a police headquarters in Sydney, pictured officers gather around a white sheet covering a body
The black-clad assailant fired a number of shots at special constables guarding the NSW Police station in Parramatta on Friday before he was gunned down and killed by one of the officers
Officers in body armour were seen patrolling the Parramatta CBD and guarding train stations, pictured is Charles Street
Several roads in Parramatta were blocked after the shooting and helicopters were seen circling overhead, pictured is Charles Street
On Friday night, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione (pictured) refused to be drawn on whether the double shooting was terror-related and said detectives did not yet know the motive
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the gunman, who was wearing dark trousers and a flowing top, shot the employee on his way home from work
When asked whether police were warned about a possible attack at the station, Commissioner Scipione revealed there had been a number of alerts in 2014 and 2015, pictured officers on the scene
Detectives believe the civilian worker was ‘deliberately targeted’ and said he was shot at almost point-blank range
Dozens of officers were seen searching the area where the double shooting took place
Both bodies (circled in red) were still on the scene at 11pm, draped in white sheets and just metres apart
Dozens of people were seen waiting outside their homes tonight after several buildings near the scene were evacuated
Floral tributes have been left to Mr Cheng outside the police headquarters in Parramatta, Sydney
His family have paid tribute to the ‘kind, gentle, and loving’ father-of-two, saying he was ‘generous of heart’
‘My father was a kind, gentle, and loving person. He was humourous, generous of heart and always put the family first. He has set a tremendous example for us as a family.
‘We are deeply saddened and heartbroken that he has been taken from us, but we are truly grateful for the fruitful and happy life he has shared with us.’
Mr Cheng, who worked in the Finance and Business Services department for 17 years, was shot dead as he was leaving work on Friday afternoon in an ‘act of terrorism’.
The ‘radicalised’ youth, who is reported to be a Sunni Muslim, was then killed in a shoot-out with three special constables guarding the station.
Mr Cheng’s family said they were ‘touched’ by a personal visit from NSW Premier Mike Baird and the Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.
Police are now probing why Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad (pictured) targeted the accountant
‘This was a comforting reminder of the warm regard that was held for him, especially by the New South Wales police community,’ they said.
‘He will be missed by all of us. We will cherish our memory of him forever.’
Police are now probing why Mr Cheng, 58, who had never worn a uniform, was targeted by the lone gunman in a ‘brutal’ and ‘callous murder’ on Friday.
Detectives have described the shooting as a ‘targeted attack’, but they are unsure why Farhad chose the civilian officer ‘who never had a badge’.
Commissioner Scipione said: ‘We are not sure whether he was targeted because he came from a police facility — we may never know. But he was certainly targeted in terms of the shooting.
‘It was a direct shooting. Certainly it wasn’t a ricochet, it was a targeted shot that took his life.’
He confirmed the teenager’s actions were ‘politically motivated and therefore linked to terrorism’.
But he admitted they were still unsure of the schoolboy’s ‘exact motivations’.
‘We’re a long way from establishing a full picture of this man, his exact motivations still remain a mystery to us,’ he said.
‘There is nothing to suggest that he was doing anything but acting alone.’
Floral tributes and messages of support have been left at the site where Mr Cheng was gunned down just metres away from a children’s day care centre.
‘He was a much-loved man, [he had] been with us a long time. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone have a bad word about Curtis and he will be missed,’ Commissioner Scipione said.
‘Curtis was admired and respected by his colleagues. He was a gentle man in every sense.
‘What has occurred is shocking and it is a very sad time for those who worked closely with him and all our employees.’
Farhad visited Parramatta Mosque where he changed into a black robe in the hours before the killing, according to reports.
The ‘radicalised’ youth, who is reported to be a Sunni Muslim, was allegedly able to walk unchallenged into the police headquarters and choose his victim.
The 15-year-old first came across a plain clothes female detective who was not carrying a gun, according to reports.
But he then shot Mr Cheng in the back on the head as the veteran of the police finance department was leaving work.
Witnesses have described seeing the teenagers dancing joyously after shooting the ‘gentle’ public servant while shouting Allah Allah.
Chilling footage has show the teenager running down the street brandishing his gun in the air just seconds after killing the father-of-two Curtis Cheng, 58.
He could be heard screaming at officers before having a shoot-out with three special constables guarding the station.
The 15-year-old continued to fire his handgun outside the police building until he was killed.
Police said the teenager was not on their radar, but revealed that his relative was known to law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
‘[The relative] was a bit of a problem, he did come to the attention of police and counter-terrorism [authorities],’ a source told ABC .
It has also emerged that his sister Shadi may have been attempting to reach Iraq or Syria the day before the shooting as she flew out of Australia on a flight bound for Istanbul on Thursday.
She reportedly took all her belongings with her, according to the ABC.
Farhad, who is of Iraqi-Kurdish background, is understood to have been living with his family in an apartment block in North Parramatta.
Officers searched the teenager’s North Parramatta family home on Friday and took his computer equipment.
But they revealed they had not yet discovered any messages, religious writings or notes left by Farhad.
Police are also looking into whether Farhad may have been on the fringe of an extremist group that had already come to the notice of police.
Farhad was previously active on social media, voicing his support for Team Ricky on reality singing contest The Voice in April 2013.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Australian Muslim community would be appalled and shocked by the attack.
‘We must not vilify or blame the entire Muslim community with the actions of what is in truth a very small percentage of violent extremist individuals.
‘The Muslim community are our absolutely necessary partners in combating this type of violent extremism.’
He said the issue of radicalisation – particularly in young people – was complex and it was hard to understand the speed at which it was occurring.
NSW premiere Mike Baird said it was an ‘unthinkable act’ that ended his life.
‘I want the family of Curtis and the members of his Police community to know that you don’t face this loss alone. We mourn with you and we are here for you.’
A strike force, Fellows, has been set up to investigate and police are working with Islamic communities, who have offered their support.
NSW Police Association president Pat Gooley said he has spoken to Commissioner Scipione directly about increasing security at stations since Friday’s shooting.
‘Our message is we’ll keep Police Association members safe and the police commissioner is helping us do that,’ Mr Gooley said.
‘What changed on Friday night is that this is the first time in NSW that the NSW Police have been directly targeted as part of a terror incident.’
The commissioner revealed a number of warnings had been sent round to police in the past two years reminding them to be ‘vigilant’ about attacks, but assured that the people of NSW were ‘safe’.
‘I have viewed a number of pieces of footage, I can tell you that this was a brutal crime. It was a terrible crime.
‘We’re attempting to identify a man who was seen to approach the victim and discharge one single shot. Subsequently the assailant remained in the street here in Charles Street before he fired several further shots at a special constable.
‘A number of special constables came out of the building and as they’ve emerged they’ve come under fire.
‘In the exchange that followed the gunman was shot and killed. An employee of the NSW police force has been callously murdered here today. This is a very sobering time for us.’
Commissioner Scipione said it was likely the gunman waited around after the murder in order to ‘commit suicide by cop’.
It was previously reported that there had been increased ‘chatter’ in the past week about a possible attack on the Parramatta headquarters.
Sources said the building had been ‘cased’ and that every officer had been ordered to wear their guns on them at all times this week, even while at their desks.
When questioned about whether police were aware on a possible attack at the station, Commissioner Scipione revealed there had been a number of alerts in 2014 and 2015.
‘There has been activity around a number of locations in NSW, they’re the things we communicate to our officers,’ Commissioner Scipione said.
‘We have drawn officers back to the special warnings which are contained within alert 2015.
‘We’ve refreshed that alert and yet again highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant and being ready to respond should they have to at any location but particularly around police stations. I want to ensure that we don’t jump to conclusions, as I’ve said.
‘I’ve indicated that but we’re keeping an open mind. At this stage we’ve got nothing to link this event to any terrorist-related activity but we could not say that that wasn’t the case. So clearly you would understand we have officers from within the counter-terrorism command.’
The NSW Police Force building is home to the State Crime Command, which includes the homicide, drug, Middle Eastern organised crime and gangs squads.
An investigation was believed to be underway into whether the shooter had been recently charged by a detective from one of the State Crime Command squads.
He was also quizzed about whether staff had allegedly been sent a number of emails warning about men who had been taking photographs of the building’s entrance.
This man was simply leaving work this afternoon and he was gunned down. He was murdered on this street, this very street,’ he said.
Detectives launched a level one critical incident, the highest order they can give, after the attack.
Witnesses reported seeing two bodies lying on the ground covered in white sheets just metres apart.
Dozens of police officers were seen combing the area where the shooting took place from around 10pm on Friday, searching for clues.
Investigators also aimed huge spotlights at neighbouring apartments during the operation.
Residents were evacuated from their homes in buildings nearby the police station and most were allowed to return just after 11pm.
Real estate agent Edwin Almeida said he saw a man with a gun screaming and pacing up and down outside the building on Charles Street.
He said he then saw the man lying on the ground with a police officer pointing a gun at him.
‘We looked out the window, saw security guards and what appeared to be a plain clothes police officer with gun drawn pointing at the person that was now lying on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood,’ he said.
He wrote on his Facebook page: ‘Four five shots fired by man outside our office and in front of NSW police head quarters. Man shot down by guards and detectives.’
A man called Nathan told 2GB Radio that he saw a man lying on the street surrounded by blood.
‘I saw the guy dressed in black on the pavement with blood everywhere,’ he said.
Shopkeeper Sammy Shak told The Daily Telegraph he saw two bodies on the ground after hearing ‘six shots at least’.
‘WE’RE KEEPING AN OPEN MIND’: COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS ON MOTIVE
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione refused to be drawn on whether the double shooting was terror-related and said detectives do not yet know the motive.
In his media briefing on Friday night, he said: ‘We don’t know the motive and we don’t yet know who the gunman is but he has committed an appalling act of brutality.
‘I want to ensure that we don’t jump to conclusions, as I’ve said, we’re keeping an open mind but there is an investigation that’s on foot.
‘At this stage we’ve got nothing to link this event to any terrorist-related activity but we could not say that that wasn’t the case.
‘So clearly you would understand we have officers from within the counter-terrorism command working alongside homicide but this is a homicide investigation led by homicide.’
‘My message to the people of NSW is that they are safe. There is no threat that we’re dealing with that at this stage we haven’t resolved here.
‘We will get to the bottom of this matter, the investigation will be conducted, it will be very thorough and we’ll do that as soon as we possibly can.’
‘When I went out there was two bodies on the floor and there was cops everywhere all around the area and they told me to go inside the shop straight away,’ he said.
Channel Seven helicopter pilot Andrew Millett said two bodies were visible about 200m from the police station.
Finance worker Rizwan Shaikh, who lives opposite the police headquarters, said he heard the shooting.
‘I finished work and was in the shower and I heard the gunshots,’ Mr Shaikh told The Daily Telegraph.
‘I heard six or seven gunshots and it was pretty loud. In two to three minutes there were cops everywhere.’
Miffy Hong, 33, said her mother called her just after 5pm to tell her she could see a body covered by a sheer near police headquarters.
‘She told me come back I don’t know what’s happening, she doesn’t speak English,’ she said.
The attack occurred outside a daycare centre used by police force families and the children were locked inside for four hours after the shooting with a dead body at their doorstep.
Parents of the children locked inside Goodstart Early Learning voiced fears about their welfare.
Dennis Entriken, whose three-year-old daughter was not allowed to leave for four hours, told Daily Mail Australia: ‘It’s very frustrating. One of the dead bodies is right out of the front of the chilcare centre.
‘What did they see, what did they hear? Is she scared? Is she OK?
‘They’ve told us she’s safe which is good… it’s the unknown which is the issue.
‘If she saw nothing and she’s blissfully unaware then that’s good,’ he said.
In his press conference on Friday night, Commissioner Scipione confirmed that all the children were safe.
‘Everyone’s safe, that’s the good news. There was certainly no suggestion of anyone being injured there. That’s certainly very pleasing to us.
NSW Police reveal shooter was a 15-year-old boy of an Iraqi-Kurdish background, urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Vision courtesy ABC News.
The man shot by a 15-year-old gunman outside NSW police headquarters, accountant Curtis Cheng, was simply on his way home for the weekend when he died, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says.
Mr Cheng, 58, worked for the NSW Police finance and business services division and had been employed by the force for 17 years. He was married with two adult children.
Curtis Cheng, left, and his family.
“He was a much loved man, been with us a long time,” Mr Scipione said. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone have a bad word about Curtis.”
Mr Scipione was to meet Mr Cheng’s family on Saturday. He said the entire NSW Police Force family was in mourning.
“Curtis was admired and respected by his colleagues. He was a gentle man in every sense,” he said. “What has occurred is shocking and it is a very sad time for those who worked closely with him and all our employees.”
NSW Premier Mike Baird paid tribute to Mr Cheng and gave his condolences to his family.
“He sounds a wonderful man, very much loved by family and friends and indeed the police community,” Mr Baird said.
“We can’t forget that the police community are deeply impacted by this.
“A colleague and friend – it is going to hurt and hurt very deeply.”
The boy then continued to fire his handgun before he was shot dead by one of three special constables who responded to the shooting.
Mr Scipione said that police had no warning of the attack and that the 15-year-old, of Iraqi-Kurdish background and born in Iran, had not been on the police radar, nor had he any criminal history.
TERROR experts are worried the recent fatal shooting in Sydney’s Parramatta that a civilian police force employee dead, may not be the last.
Investigations are continuing into what motivated 15-year-old Farhad Jabar Khali Mohammad to shoot police force veteran Curtis Cheng at close range outside the Parramatta police headquarters on Friday.
Police believe was politically motivated and linked to terrorism.
His grieving family, including wife Selina and children Zilvia and Alpha, said they were heartbroken by the loss of the loving, generous and gentle father who always put the family first.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken that he has been taken from us, but we are truly grateful for the fruitful and happy life he has shared with us,” they said in a statement.
“My father was a kind, gentle, and loving person. He was humorous, generous of heart and always put the family first. He has set a tremendous example for us as a family.
“To the many people who have offered their condolences and kind words about him, we are extremely moved by your thoughts and sympathies.,” they added.
Streets surrounding Parramatta headquarters were placed into lock-down after Mohammad fired shots into the building before he was killed by special constables.
Police have no information to tie the boy to a specific group.
The federal government, police and agencies are working with the Muslim community to combat extremism and prevent young people from being radicalised.
Beloved husband of Selina.
The love in my heart is everlasting.
Loving father of Alpha and Zilvia.
Relatives, friends of the family, colleagues and members of the community are warmly invited to attend the funeral service for Mr CURTIS CHENG, to be held in St Mary’s Cathedral, College Street Sydney, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 commencing at 10.00am.
Private cremation.
In lieu of floral tributes, we ask that you consider a donation to NSW Police Legacy Appeal.
Saturday, 10 October 2015
We will never forget you.
~
Gail Abbott
Saturday, 10 October 2015
Our deepest condolences and prayers for your comfort in your time of unspeakable loss. The whole of decentAustralia sends you love and support at this difficult time. May your love and strength as a family help you to regain your hapipiness and harmony.
UPDATE: POLICE have confirmed that they have arrested a second man in relation to the death of New South Wales police employee Curtis Cheng.
Police are in the process of charging an 18-year-old, believed to be the one responsible for obtaining the firearm from a Middle Eastern crime gang and passing it on to 15-year-old Farhad Jabar.
A 22-year-old man has now also been arrested.
EARLIER: A MAN taken into custody in last week’s counter terrorism raids in Sydney, is expected to be charged in relation to the death of police employee Curtis Cheng.
Reports suggest the 18-year-old was the one responsible for obtaining the firearm from a Middle Eastern crime gang and passing it on to 15-year-old Farhad Jabar.
Jabar shot dead Mr Cheng outside Parramatta police headquarters on October 2.
The man is expected to be charged this afternoon and will appear in court tomorrow.
VALEDICTORY
Mr Curtis Shu Kei Cheng (28 November 1956 to 2 October 2015)
A member of the New South Wales Police Force from 11 November 1997 to 2 October 2015
The 2nd of October 2015 was the Friday before a long weekend. Many people were getting away early, extending the time that they would have to spend with family and friends. And on most Fridays, Curtis Cheng would have done the same.
However, there had been the demands of preparing the current year’s budget, an enormous task, the last of it completed just a few weeks ago. And there was more to do for the Annual Report. So Curtis stayed back a little longer than usual.
Eventually satisfied he had done all that he could, Curtis left. In his customary, friendly way he said goodbye to his colleagues, wishing them well, and made his way towards the lifts to head home.
Improbable and unjust things happen. We read about them in newspapers and see them on television. We are shocked, often outraged, when they do. But when they happen, they invariably happen to someone else, somewhere else.
But Curtis was one of our own, one of our friends. His circumstances are our circumstances. And the pain and disorientation we feel at Curtis’s death is all the more acute as a result.
Curtis Shu Kei Cheng commenced with the NSW Police Force on the 11th of November 1997, Remembrance Day. And we will always remember Curtis.
His resume was impressive. A lecturer of Accounting at the Hang Seng School of Commerce in Hong Kong. And thereafter at the Open University of Hong Kong. A Management Accountant at the Bank of Bermuda. And later an Administration and Finance Consultant in Hong Kong private enterprise.
He studied in Hong Kong and his postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Science in Business Administration, were mostly completed in England. He amassed an impressive list of research and publications in accounting, management and education, and on arriving in Australia put his education and skills to good effect in running his own business facilitating trade for companies in China.
Curtis worked in our Financial and Business Services Directorate and his earliest work was introducing business planning to the Force. Systematically measuring what worked well, and what worked less well, to ensure we achieved the best results for the people of New South Wales. At that time this type of work was new, but is now acknowledged as being vitally important to operational policing.
In that first role and in the promotions that deservedly followed Curtis took great pride in his performance, developing a reputation for producing work that could be trusted. In an accountant’s world he was gold.
Curtis continued to work in Financial and Business Services: in Corporate Performance, Finance Budget and Planning, Management Accounting, and as a Systems Accountant.
In recognition of his service with the NSW Police Force, Curtis received NSW Police Medallions recognising the milestones of 10 and 15 years service, the Commissioner’s Long Service Award for 15 years service, as well as the Commissioner’s Olympic and Sesquicentenary Citations.
And in between times, in 1998, the Australian Government recognised Curtis with Australian citizenship, an event he proudly announced to work mates.
Curtis was admired and respected by his colleagues, a gentle man in every sense. Hard working, measured, but unfailingly positive. As you would expect there has been a lot of reflecting over these past couple of weeks. Members of his team recounted Curtis’s familiar greeting, his hand on your shoulder as he asked you how your were. Genuinely interested in the answer.
He valued relationships and nurtured them over a coffee, or a shared meal. And if the topic turned to his beloved football, or his family, you knew you were in for a long chat.
One of his closest co-workers said:
“You know, we all get angry at things from time to time. There must have been things that made Curtis angry. But if there were, I never saw them. Not once. Not in all the years I knew him – he was nothing but positive.”
This year the NSW Police Force has been celebrating the centenary of women in policing. Just last month I attended a gala dinner – a highlight of those celebrations – close to a thousand people in attendance. And Curtis was there, showing his support. Resplendent in black tie, his NSW Police Force citations proudly pinned to his lapels. So proud to be part of the Force. So proud to help recognise a century of outstanding achievements by the women of the Force. It was a wonderful evening.
And more than a few of us were surprised, and we smiled, when Curtis hit the dance floor. This quiet, unassuming man from Finance, this man of numbers and spread-sheets, well he certainly knew how to move. He was a revelation. And he was soon surrounded by many others, up, relaxing, enjoying themselves. It was a night of celebration, a night to be positive, and Curtis led the way.
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to so many. The NSW Police Force has lost a respected and much loved member of its family, Selina, a devoted husband, Alpha and Zilvia, a loving and devoted father.
I can’t describe the devastation inside Police Headquarters and right across the NSW Police Force. The gentlest of friends lost to an act of terror. A man, the manner of whose death, stands in the starkest contrast to the gentle, honourable way he led his life.
But in the aftermath of this tragedy, my officers and I have been struck by the strength and unity of the Cheng family. Not an ounce of hate despite this senseless crime. At a time when they deserved our shoulders for support, they have shown a strength and grace of their own, an example to the rest of us, showing the way.
There cannot be any one of us, least of all Selina, Zilvia and Alpha, for whom Curtis’s death is not painful and incomprehensible. We meet it with grief and tears, shock and despair, hurt and anger. It makes no sense. Perhaps time will provide some answers. Perhaps it will dull the pain. But what cannot be allowed to be dulled is the contribution Curtis made.
I was leafing through Curtis’s Personnel File late one evening last week, reflecting on the man and his contribution. His most recent successful application for a promotion was there, and a couple of statements in particular struck me.
Discussing his data and information technology skills he said:
“One of my hobbies is to create forms and templates to make things organized no matter at work or at home”. And I smiled at the thought of Alpha, Zilvia, and Selina being gently organised on weekends or some other routine task by way of an Excel spread-sheet.
But Curtis also said this:
“Over the past years, I have enjoyed every minute working in the NSW Police Force. And if I am given the honour of becoming a system accountant, I have the confidence to maintain and enhance a harmonious and constructive team spirit.”
That was Curtis.
A man who loved his family, relished his work and held dear the opportunities and pleasures life in Australia afforded him. A man who didn’t take his good fortune for granted or keep it to himself, but who shared it with others through his positive spirit and generosity. At least while it lasted.
Curtis’s fate reminds us that life is fragile. It also reminds us that we are together responsible for the type of community we create. If a positive is to be taken from recent events, it is our collective realisation that our way of life, the freedoms and protections we enjoy, are not unassailable. They need to built, maintained and defended.
We owe it to Curtis to do that.
It is my honour today to posthumously confer a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service on Mr Curtis Cheng. In part the commendation reads:
For outstanding and meritorious performance of duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force between 1997 and 2015.
Mr Cheng was a long serving member of Financial and Business Services, where he served with diligence and distinction, providing exemplary financial services to the New South Wales Police Force.
Mr Cheng was killed in a callous act of violence outside Police Headquarters in Parramatta on Friday 2 October 2015.
Mr Cheng displayed integrity, loyalty, commitment, professionalism and devotion to duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force, and thus is highly commended for his service.
– – –
I am deeply honoured and, indeed, privileged to be able to represent every member of the New South Wales Police Force here today to farewell Curtis Cheng.
A man who served the people of New South Wales with honour, and with a caring and gentle heart.
A loving husband and father.
A cherished colleague.
Our friend.
We are grateful to have known you Curtis and to have worked alongside you.
Our prayers travel with you. May your loved ones be comforted. May you rest in peace.
A P Scipione APM
Commissioner of Police
17 October 2015
Buried at: Castlebrook Cemetery, 718 Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill, NSW
Memorial at:
May they forever Rest In Peace
Liz and Bill FAHEY
As of Monday 14 September 2015, Elizabeth Fahey – the wife of deceased Sergeant Bill Fahey, is currently in hospital with a brain tumour and having scans to determine the extend of the tumour.
We wish Elizabeth all the very best for a full and speedy recovery.
As of Wednesday 29 September 2015, Liz’s brain tumour pathology is back and it was found to be malignant. Doctors are going to do chemotherapy & radiotherapy.
Dear family and friends.
Maybe the majority of you will not know the name nor my relationship with this lovely Lady. Yesterday on 25/12/2016, Elizabeth (Liz) Fahey lost her battle with a brain tumour. She was the wife of a ‘giant’ in the New South Wales Police Rescue Squad, Sergeant William (Bill, Uncle Bill) Fahey. Liz and Bill were living in Queensland when Bill died some years back. Liz moved back to NSW but not much is known of her life back here (to my shame) until recently when she became ill.
I joined the NSW Police Force in 1974 and till 1978 I was stationed at Annandale. In 1978 I completed a Rescue course and was transferred to the Police Rescue Squad. One of the first senior members of the Squad I was introduced to was Bill. He was a big man but not tall. Think of the size of an 18 gallon beer keg and apply that to his upper body.
Think this. When wearing his white overalls, he could roll up his sleeves, put the pointy end of a full size anvil in the sleeve and pick up the blunt end of the anvil and lift vertically. A powerful man with the heart of gold. Wasn’t long before I met his beautiful partner Liz. She was a tiny thing, 5 foot nothing. But, when she came around for a visit, or a function at the PRS, she lit up the room. What a gentle soul she was. She would sit with anyone, everyone for a chat. She was a ‘mum’ to us all.
The last time I saw and spoke to Liz and Bill together was in 1985 at my wedding, and have a couple of photos. I shall treasure those photos. God bless Liz, you put up the good fight. You had so many people praying/thinking of you over these past months. The New South Wales Police Rescue Squad, The New South Wales VRA, any Rescue organisation that knew Liz will be thinking of her.
God Bless dear Lady.
Article by Kevin Banister, NSW Fallen Police FB Group
Kel StewartI remember being the barmaid at the Cleveland Inn Surry Hills in those years and serving Liz and Bill Fahey beer whilst they were enjoying a smoke surrounded by Police rescue personel. Liz was a gentle soul Kevin and when I think of her….I smile. Liz is now back with Bill probably enjoying a beer & smoke. RIP Liz. Kel
After 14 days from today an application for a grant of representation will be made to the Supreme Court of Queensland at Brisbane as follows: Deceased:|WILLIAM CHARLES FAHEY| Last Address:|178 Ocean Vista Drive, Maroochy River 4561, Queensland|Address in Will: |178 Ocean Vista Drive, Maroochy River 2561, Queensland|Applicants:|ELIZABETH FAY FAHEY, 178 Ocean Vista Drive, Maroochy River 4561, Queensland.| Grant:|Probate of the Will dated 15 September, 2005.| Caveat:| If you wish to object or to be heard upon the application, you may file a Caveat in the Supreme Court registry mentioned above at any time before the grant is made.| Creditors:|All creditors of the estate are required to
send in particulars of their claim to the applicant's Solicitors within six weeks of the date of publication of this Notice.| Date of Death:|3 November, 2006.| Applicant(s) Solicitors: |Warren Gardiner & Co, Solicitors|| 38 Queen Street, Nambour Qld 4560.|
Location: Sunshine Coast | Published Date: 13 Jan 2007
The Premier, Mr. J. J. Cahill, said yesterday he had called for a report on allegations by Mr. Stefan Iwanowski that police officers had ill-treated him.
Mr. Cahill said he had received a letter from Mr. B. J. Macree, a Sydney solicitor, enclosing a statutory declaration by Mr. Iwanowski, of West Street, Paddington.
Mr. Macree had asked for an extension of the terms of the Studley-Ruxton Royal Commission to include his client’s allegations.
Mr. Cahill said that when he received the report from his officers, he would consider whether action was necessary.
Stefan Iwanowski said in Central Summons Court yesterday that a police sergeant had hit him on the left cheek, and a constable had hit him twice in the stomach.
He said the policemen were Sergeant First-class George Herbert Boyd and Constable William Charles Fahey, both of Darlinghurst.
The Crown by summons charged Iwanowski, of West Street, Paddington, with having used indecent language.
Iwanowski said that the two policemen called at his home about five minutes to midnight on February 17.
The sergeant had said: “What is going on here?” and the constable had said: “You are drunk.” ” Iwanowski said: Then the constable hit me with his fist in my stomach.
“I said: ‘What is the Gestapo tactics to come my place at midnight, disturb my baby and beat me?’
“I will see a solicitor tomorrow and find if you are to come to my place at midnight and beat and do these things like the Gestapo.
“Then the sergeant took me by my hair, pulled me down by the head, and the constable gave me a hit in my stomach with his fist.
“STARTED CRYING“
“I fell down on the chair because I could not get my breath, and I started crying. My baby woke and cried, screaming.
“When the baby started screaming, the sergeant and policeman went to the kitchen.
“I said to them: ‘Constable, I take your number.’ I took up from the table my wife’s pencil, and put the number of the constable on the paper.
“The sergeant said to the constable. ‘Take this —– to the police.’
“My baby was still screaming. “I put my coat on. I didn’t put on shoes or slippers.
“The sergeant started to push me out. After, we walked up the steps. In the front of me was the constable and behind me was the sergeant.”
Mr. K. O’Malley Jones, for Iwanowski: What happened when you went to the police car?
Iwanowski: Some of the police, I don’t know which one, pushed me into the car.
“TAKE A HALF“
Iwanowski, continuing, said that at the police station they told him to get out. The sergeant started pushing him into the police station and kicking his heels.
Iwanowski said: “I started crying. I went into the police station and I said: ‘I have been beaten by police and kicked on my feet, and pulled by my hair.’
“The sergeant said: ‘You are a —– liar. Nobody touched you.’ Then he punched me with his fist.
“Then he started pulling baby from me. My baby was screaming. I said: ‘You don’t take my baby from me. If you take, you take a half.'”
Iwanowski said that Sergeant Boyd took him by the hair and pulled him into the dock. He ordered the constable to take his name, height, and details.
He continued: “He asked me what my profession was. I said, ‘Linesman.’ The sergeant said, ‘Put labourer.’ ”
Mr. O’Malley Jones: Do you remember anything else said before he told you to go home?
Iwanowski: He told me, ‘You are a —— Pole. You are a Communist. They should not let you come to this country. We will teach you how to live in this country.”
Iwanowski said the police started pulling him out of the station by the hair.
NO MARK
To Mr. H. L. Cantor, for the prosecution. Iwanowski said there was no doubt the constable hit him.
Mr. Cantor: Did it leave any mark? Iwanowski: Not in the stomach.
Were you hit anywhere else but in the stomach? – In the police station, in my face.
Did it leave any mark? Pretty sore. It left no mark.
Did he hit you hard? – Yes. That is the sergeant? – Yes. Iwanowski said the sergeant hit him on his left cheek.
[ Sergeant Boyd and Constable Fahey denied during cross-examination by Mr. O’Malley Jones on Thursday that they had pushed, kicked, punched, or pulled Iwanowski’s hair. ]
Mr. H. L. Sargeson adjourned the hearing until 10a.m. on July 9.
Mr. H. L. Cantor ( by the State Crown Solicitor ) for the prosecution: Mr. K. O’Malley Jones ( by B. J. Macree ) for Iwanowski.
Mr. H. L. Sargeson, S.M., in Central Summons Court yesterday, fined Stefan Iwanowski £1 on a charge of using indecent language on February 17.
Iwanowski, a Polish migrant, in evidence earlier in the hearing said that Sergeant George Herbert Boyd and Constable William Charles Fahey had assaulted him.
CLAIMED HE WAS HIT
Iwanowski said Fahey had hit him twice at his home at West Street, Paddington, where, the charge alleged, the language was used.
He said Boyd punched him and pulled his hair at Darlinghurst police station.
Mr. Sargeson said he was satisfied Iwanowski used the words, but added that there were some unsatisfactory features about the case for the prosecution.
It was difficult to understand why Iwanowski was taken to the police station with his baby. It must have been apparent that there would be difficulty in disposing of the baby if Iwanowski was arrested, charged and locked-up.
DELAY
“Another thing is the delay in taking proceedings by way of summons against Iwanowski,” he said.
“I feel that proceedings against Iwanowski were in fact expedited by the prosecution when it was learned that Iwanowski was moving in the matter of the assault alleged by him to have been committed by the police officers concerned.”
Mr. Sargeson said four witnesses – Boyd and Fahey and a Mr. and Mrs. Gray, of West Street, Paddington said they heard Iwanowski use indecent language. He was satisfied they told the truth.
Iwanowski had denied he used indecent language, and complained that he was assaulted by Constable Fahey and Sergeant Boyd.
Iwanowski alleged that Sergeant Boyd struck him on the face, pulled his hair, and trod on his heels as he was entering the police station.
CONFLICT
Mr. Sargeson said, “The witnesses called by Iwanowski didn’t help me in coming to a conclusion.
“Their evidence is only of value in determining the question of the credibility of witnesses for the prosecution.
“The evidence of these witnesses is in conflict in some respects with the witnesses for the prosecution.”
HAD BABY IN HIS ARMS
Sergeant Edward Clyde Davis , of Darlinghurst Police Station said in evidence he was a senior constable on February 17, and on duty as station sergeant.
Early in the morning of February l8, Sergeant Boyd and Constable Fahey brought Iwanowski in the charge room. Iwanowski had a baby in his arms.
Boyd said, ‘This man used indecent language to us, but I can’t lock him up with a baby in his arms.” Iwanowski, said, “Lock me up.”
SAW NO BLOWS
Davis said Boyd told Fahey, “Get his particulars, and we will take out a summons.” Fahey spoke to Iwanowski, and then “Boyd said “You are free to go now, but you will probably get a summons.”
Iwanowski remained in the room speaking in a foreign language.
Davis said he twice told Iwanowski he was free to leave before Iwanowski walked out the door. Iwanowski was highly excited, and was talking loudly.
Davis said he did not see any blows struck, or any force used on Iwanowski.
To Mr. K. O’Malley Jones ( for Iwanowski ) Davis said he had been 26 years in the police force. At this time he had been 10 months at Darlinghurst.
Mr. O’Malley Jones: You are the sergeant who has been referred to by a probationary police constable in the court yesterday?
Davis; I decline to answer. Mr. H. L. Cantor ( for the police ) objected to the question.
Mr. O’Malley Jones: It is not the only question I am going to ask.
QUESTION ALLOWED
Mr. Sargeson, S.M., allowed the question, but told Davis not to answer further questions until be gave him permission.
Davis: I am the sergeant. Mr. O’Malley Jones: And the gist of it is that in relation to that matter you and the probationary constable are diametrically opposed on an important matter?
Mr. Cantor: There are some matters which, even if it were felt they would assist on the witness’s credit, should not be allowed. It is sub judice.
Mr., Sargeson disallowed the question.
Davis said he had not asked Sergeant Boyd or Constable Fahey whether they would begin proceedings against Iwanowski. He could not remember when he was told he would be needed to give evidence, but an inspector, Mr. Mijch, of Darlinghurst, had asked him to write a report.
Mr. O’Malley Jones: Did he say proceedings would be instituted against Iwanowski because he had indicated he was assaulted by the police? Davis: No.
SUMMONS
Davis said he was with Sergeant Smith when Smith served the summons on Iwanowski.
Mr. O’Malley Jones: Would it be quite a common thing for n summons issued on March 16 at the Court of Petty Sessions, Sydney, to be served on the same day from Darlinghurst Police Station?
Davis: It generally takes a couple of days.
Was it indicated to you by anyone in the station that this was a case in which the summons had to be served very quickly? – No.
Constable Atholl John Arndell, of Darlinghurst Police Station, said he was on duty when Sergeant Boyd and Constable Fahey brought Iwanowski into the police station.
He did not see any violence used towards Iwanowski.
SERGEANT KEITH BEAN – KISSING HIS DAUGHTER – MELINDA.
James Keith Swanton BEAN aka Keith, Duke Husband to Mary SCHNEIDER OAM ( for 35 years ) and Father to Melinda SCHNEIDER ( Country singer )
KEITH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Finding Melinda Schneider
…….
So just how is Melinda planning on touring with a 16 month-old and remaining sane? “I don’t know yet!” she exclaims. “We will probably just go out for weekends or for a few days at a time. Mark will come out with me and help out. It’s not going to be easy and I’m sure it will have its challenges. However Sully [Sullivan] loves new adventures, they [children] need such stimulation anyway. I’ll just take one day at a time.”
Listening to Melinda chatting about going on tour with her family reminded me that her own upbringing was not dissimilar. Melinda is the only child of yodelling great, Mary Schneider, and her policeman father, Keith Bean, was also from a musical family. Melinda spent many a night backstage whilst her mother performed, sometimes sleeping in her mother’s fur coat. I touch on this subject with Melinda and ask if having famous parents will impact the way she raises her son.
“It was interesting writing this show – when you have a child you look at your own upbringing – as much as your parents did the best they could you don’t want to make some of the same mistakes they made. It takes you a while to figure out who you are with famous parents. I recall Chaz Bono [offspring of Sonny and Cher Bono] saying that it’s difficult to know where you belong when your parents are famous. It’s not a normal family situation – the attention is on the parents the whole time rather than the children. I talk about that in the show.
“With Sully I want to keep a good balance of making sure he is number one focus and it’s not all about me – I want him to have a good sense of self. Growing up, my mum had taught me dancing, juggling, yodelling … and I didn’t really have a great interest in it myself. I want to see who he is – what’s in his heart. I’m fascinated to know who he is.”
Continuing on the subject, Melinda adds, “When I was three I recorded on Mum’s albums, I had a show by age of eight. People would come up to me after the show and say ‘You’re not as good as your mother’. That used to really upset me – no one wants to hear that. Growing up I was quite confused about what I wanted to do musically and what was my truth. I just didn’t know who I was.”
Most people don’t realise that Melinda didn’t become a recording artist in her own right until her late 20’s. In fact, Melinda left school young and went and studied fashion. She remembers, “I had my own fashion label working out of Mum and Dad’s garage – I made stage costumes and all sorts for loads of people. Mum’s grandma was an amazing seamstress – perhaps that is where I got the talent from. It was funny, during my early 20s I would be in the garage running the business and always singing at top of my lungs to Top 40 hits and Michael Bolton songs. Mum used to come in and ask ‘Are you sure you don’t want to be a singer?!’ I think I was denying myself. Then I realised, deep down, I really did want to be a singer.”
DAVE’S DIARY – 23/1/13 – PREVIEW OF EPISODE 7 – SERIES 19
Elizabeth collaborated with former Nu Country TV host and recording stage star Melinda Schneider, now 40, to write the title track of her fourth album Balls.
They both recorded their co-writes Some Times It Takes Balls To Be A Woman and Rest Your Weary Mind on recent albums.
Elizabeth and Melinda co-wrote more than a dozen songs including I Like Men in Trucks on Melinda’s fourth album Stronger.
Melinda also wrote songs about late father – Sgt Keith Bean – a policeman.
Keith and Tom didn’t meet at a still but Melinda’s mum – famed yodeller Mary Schneider – sang with Tom and Joyce backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during one of Cook’s many dates there.
“I used to sing The Black Hills Of Dakota with my mum (yodelling icon Mary) and my Aunt Rita when I was a little girl,” Melinda revealed as she romped through one of many songs from 1953 movie Calamity Jane and its successors.
“We’d do the three-part harmony at family get-togethers.”
She accentuated the family flavour with a shout out to her duet partner at ground zero who responded with a yodel – her unique GPS beacon.
“I could never lose mum in the dark,” she joked.
Melinda also tickled the family tree when she revealed how her late sire – Sgt Keith Bean – greeted her decision to revert to her mama’s name after cruel Kogarah schoolyard taunts ranging from “string been to les been.”
Melinda Schneider long ago mastered cross genre pollination with music and dance.
But she made a huge leap to the mainstream with her writing, narrating and performing in this energised Doris Day tribute show.
And the dynamic diva also disproved the adage about dangers of working with animals.
Schneider’s rapport with her teenage Labrador-Kelpie crosses Rosie and Daisy was also a stroke of magic.
They were all ears and eyes when she serenaded them on the stage front couch with Your Eyes Don’t Lie.
It was fitting that she returned to the scene of the rhyme – Mike Walsh’s Melbourne mecca Her Majesty’s – to premiere her show.
Seven years ago in the Yarra city the seeds for the show were sown when the singer was a guest artist on a Doris tribute concert.
So it was no surprise there was a capacity crowd for the premiere of a fast paced trip through the back pages of the octogenarian Hollywood legend.
When Schneider bumped Canadian balladeer Michael Buble from ARIA chart tops with her 12-song disc Melinda Does Doris she was thawing out that metaphorical iceberg.
This time, in collaboration with co-writer David Mitchell, Melinda tapped a deep well.
“I used to sing The Black Hills Of Dakota with my mum (yodelling icon Mary) and my Aunt Rita when I was a little girl,” Melinda revealed as she romped through one of many songs from 1953 movie Calamity Jane and its successors.
“We’d do the three-part harmony at family get-togethers.”
She accentuated the family flavour with a shout out to her duet partner at ground zero who responded with a yodel – her unique GPS beacon.
“I could never lose mum in the dark,” she joked.
Melinda also tickled the family tree when she revealed how her late sire – Sgt Keith Bean – greeted her decision to revert to her mama’s name after cruel Kogarah schoolyard taunts ranging from “string been to les been.”
“Dad said I was now a has-been,” she joked.
This was a winner with the ageing audience, daubed with dowagers and duchesses from the demographic that 3AW and Magic leg-ropes to the wireless.
Despite the acrid aroma of mothballs from stoles and furs liberated from suburban closets (not those that once housed much younger opening night au pair boys) the wearers knew most of 26 songs from a Golden era when lyrics reigned supreme.
Just like roots country – the genre banished from commercial radio here.
Not for these Day devotees grunge or techno trash that energises ecstasy bunnies down on King, Queen and William Streets.
This was a gramophone-generated posse waltzing down memory lane to the refined refrains of his or her majesty’s voice.
You know the songs – Everybody Loves A Lover, Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, Sentimental Journey, I’ll See You In My Dreams, Secret Love and Teacher’s Pet before the latter two became a trigger for the Victorian court name suppression industry.
Schneider, enhanced by her 14-piece orchestra, also revived romance in Love Somebody, Put Em In A Box, The Deadwood Stage and It’s Magic.
“possible” relation in “the job”: A.R. WHITTAKER, NSWPF # 8649
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 18588
Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 1 February 1977
Cadet # 3334
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 1 February 1977 ( aged 16 years, 9 months, 16 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 17 April 1979 ( 19 years, 0 months, 1 day )
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st class – appointed 16 April 1984
Senior Constable – appointed 16 April 1988
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 27 September 1991
Final Rank: Detective Sergeant – Death
Stations: ?, Gosford Drug Unit ( Brisbane Waters LAC ) – Death
Service: From 1 February 1977 to 28 September 1991 = 14 years, 7 months, 27 Service
Time in Retirement: 0
Age at Retirement: n/a
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Saturday 16 April 1960
Died on: Saturday 28 September 1991 @ Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW
Cause: Cerebral Haemorrhage
Age: 31 years, 5 months, 12 days
Funeral date: ? October 1991
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: CREMATED:
Ashes Interred in the Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Rd, Palmdale, NSW
Rose Garden, 26A, Site 58
Memorial Plaque: Point Frederick Pioneer Park, 1 Albany St, Pt Frederick, NSW
-33.449594151.341945
Memorial Plaque location:
RICHARD WHITTAKER
Touch plate for Richard Charles WHITTAKER at the National Police Wall of Remembrance
DICKIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Memorial plaque: This plaque was laid in memory of RICHARD CHARLES WHITTAKER, a Detective Sgt of Police attached to the Gosford Drug Unit, who died of a work related illness on the 28th of September, 1991, whilst in the service of the people of New South Wales & the Central Coast area. Richard was born in the Point Frederick area and spent many of his childhood days in this park. Dedicated by his family & many friends on the 16. 4. 1992.
Richard Charles WHITTAKER – Memorial Plaque – Pt Frederick, ( Central Coast ), NSW, as of April 2022. Credit: Kevin Banister.
Memorial Plaque – Pt Frederick, ( Central Coast ), NSW, as of April 2022. Credit: Kevin Banister.
Richard Charles WHITTAKER – Grave location. Palmdale Cemetery, Palmdale, NSW
Richard Charles WHITTAKER – Grave location. Palmdale Cemetery, Palmdale, NSW
Before his death Detective Sergeant Whittaker and other Police had been involved in a major drug investigation which had resulted in the arrest of eighteen offenders. Corruption allegations were made by a number of the offenders resulting in a Police Internal Security Unit investigation.
During the protracted internal investigation the Sergeant was under enormous pressure and as a result suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
He passed away at the Royal North Shore Hospital on 28 September 1991.
He was posthumously cleared of all allegations by Judge Allen at the Sydney District Court on 30 September 1991.
The Sergeant was born in 1960 and joined the New South Wales Police Service, via the NSW Police Cadet system on 1 February 1977 and was Attested, as a Probationary Constable on 17 April 1979.
At the time of his death he was attached to the Gosford Drug Unit.
‘Our boys haven’t been forgotten’: Policemen honoured in Brisbane Water row
September 15, 2015 3:16pm
Geraldine Cardozo Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate
(L-R) Sarah Matthews, Kylie Kerr and Tracey Holt remember their police officer partners at Gosford waterfront. Brisbane Water LAC officers will be taking to the water in honour of the policemen.
When Sarah Matthews returned home after her shift at Gosford Hospital on the evening of April 13, 2002 and spotted a row of waiting police cars she thought the neighbours were having a noisy party.
“It never struck me what was coming next,” remembers the emergency nurse who was told the worst — her fiancée Senior-Constable Chris Thornton had been killed on duty hours earlier.
“It didn’t hit me. Even when I was told. I don’t think that’s something that ever leaves you.”
This week Miss Matthews, Kylie Kerr and Tracey Holt will get together to remember their partners, Sen-Constable Thornton, Sen-Constable Peter Gordon Wilson and Sergeant Richard Whittaker, who all died on duty while with the Brisbane Water Local Area Command.
(L-R) Brisbane Water Inspector Paul Nicholls, Tracey Holt, Brisbane Water Commander Daniel Sullivan, Sarah Matthews and Kylie Kerr at Gosford Waterfront ahead of the NSW Police Legacy row. Picture: Mark Scott
On Thursday officers from Brisbane Water LAC will take part in a paddle to raise money for NSW Police Legacy to support the families of fallen officers.
“You never want to be a part of Legacy but now we are part of this unique group and without Legacy we wouldn’t have each other,” Miss Matthews said.
But for two of the women, the close bond was forged by their shared loss and haunting similarities in how their partners lost their lives.
Sen-Constable Thornton, 35, died in a motor vehicle accident while on patrol in Woy Woy in 2002, while Mrs Kerr’s long-term partner Sen-Constable Wilson, 41, was killed when he was hit by a car while carrying out speed checks on the M1 at Somersby in 2006.
Both men were based at Brisbane Water LAC, both died in car accidents on a Saturday night, and both had the same patrol car number — 202.
Senior Constable Peter Gordon Wilson with fiancée Kylie Kerr.
“This special event means our boys haven’t been forgotten,” Miss Matthews said, adding that the support of Legacy has enabled her to move on. “You have to take that step forward. You can’t be angry, because that just eats away at you.”
Senior Constable Chris Thornton was killed on duty during a high-speed pursuit at Woy Woy in 2002.
“This special event means our boys haven’t been forgotten,” Miss Matthews said, adding that the support of Legacy has enabled her to move on. “You have to take that step forward. You can’t be angry, because that just eats away at you.”
“This special event means our boys haven’t been forgotten,” Miss Matthews said, adding that the support of Legacy has enabled her to move on. “You have to take that step forward. You can’t be angry, because that just eats away at you.”
Mrs Holt, whose husband Sgt Whittaker was stationed at the Gosford drug unit and was involved in drug investigations at the time of his death when he died from a brain haemorrhage in 1991, said the annual paddle is a “beautiful day”. “It is amazing the effort Daniel Sullivan and the team put in to keep the memory going of old work mates and have a good time doing it,” she said.
Sergeant Richard Whittaker who died on duty with Brisbane Water Local Area Command in 1991. Picture: Supplied
SYDNEY: The stress of unfounded corruption allegations killed a policeman who suffered a stroke at the weekend, according to the Police Association.
The association’s president, Tony Day, said yesterday that Gosford-based Detective Senior Constable Richard Whittaker, who was promoted to detective sergeant last Friday, had been implicated in a bribery conspiracy by a drug dealer.
Yesterday, the dealer, an industrial chemist, was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years jail after pleading guilty to manufacturing and supplying amphetamines with a street value of more than $4 million.
Handing down the sentence in Darlinghurst Supreme Court, Justice Allen said John Oldfield, 52, of Winston Hills in Sydney’s west, had stated he had tried to bribe a police officer through a contact known as “M” in November, 1990.
After the alleged bribe attempt had failed, Oldfield had gone to the Police Internal Security division and made a detailed statement, implicating the officer. The judge said he was satisfied the detective knew nothing about the alleged bribe.
Mr. Day said the Police Internal Security division investigation into Oldfield’s allegations had been “dubious”.
“Every crim in NSW knows that if they want their case adjourned they just have to implicate the police, and there will have to be an investigation,” he said.
“Eighty per cent of corruption and bribery charges are disproved.”
Detective Whittaker, 31, was married with two-year-old twin daughters.
Mr Day said the Oldfield affair had played a major role in causing Detective Whittaker stress, resulting in his death.
The Brisbane Water LAC has tragically lost three staff members in the execution of their duty: Sergeant Dick Whittaker and Senior Constables Gordy Wilson and Chris Thornton. The 12 September is the annual sports charity day to remember these officers.
Paddling from Ocean Beach Surf Club to Bluetongue Stadium along the Brisbane Water on the NSW Central Coast (approximately 15km).
SYDNEY: The stress of unfounded corruption allegations killed a policeman who suffered a stroke at the weekend, according to the Police Association.
The association’s president, Tony Day, said yesterday that Gosford-based Detective Senior Constable Richard Whittaker, who was promoted to detective sergeant last Friday, had been implicated in a bribery conspiracy by a drug dealer.
Yesterday, the dealer, an industrial chemist, was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years jail after pleading guilty to manufacturing and supplying amphetamines with a street value of more than $4 million.
Handing down the sentence in Darlinghurst Supreme Court, Justice Allen said John Oldfield, 52, of Winston Hills in Sydney’s west, had stated he had tried to bribe a police officer through a contact known as “M” in November, 1990.
After the alleged bribe attempt had failed, Oldfield had gone to the Police Internal Security division and made a detailed statement, implicating the officer. The judge said he was satisfied the detective knew nothing about the alleged bribe.
Mr. Day said the Police Internal Security division investigation into Oldfield’s allegations had been “dubious”.
“Every crim in NSW knows that if they want their case adjourned they just have to implicate the police, and there will have to be an investigation,” he said.
“Eighty per cent of corruption and bribery charges are disproved.”
Detective Whittaker, 31, was married with two-year-old twin daughters.
Mr Day said the Oldfield affair had played a major role in causing Detective Whittaker stress, resulting in his death.
“Possible” Relation(s) in “The Job”: A. HANSON, NSWPF # 8358 ?
T.R. HANSON, NSWPF # 18057 ?
New South Wales Police Force
NSW Police Cadet # 1161
Regd. # 8870
Redfern Police Academy Class 0??
Rank: Commenced Training, as a Cadet, at Redfern Police Academy on Friday18 February 1955 ( aged 16 years, 3 months, 12 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 6 November 1957 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 6 November 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, South District ( 1968 ), ?, VKG2 – Warilla as a S.O.O. ( Senior Operations Officer ) – Retirement
Service: From 18 February 1955 to ? = ? years of Service
Age at Retirement:
Time in Retirement:
Awards: National Medal – granted 4 November 1992 ( SenCon )
Born: Sunday 6 November 1938
Died on: Thursday 12 July 2006
at the David Berry Hospital, Berry
Cause: Brain cancer
Age: 68 years, 8 months, 6 days
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: Cremated ?
Buried at:
Wollongong Memorial Gardens
Berkeley Road, Berkeley.
MEMORIAL GARDENS GARDENS, Garden Rocks, Section 9J Site 7
SENIOR CONSTABLE KARL HANSON, VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER. 1987 – 1988
SENIOR CONSTABLE KARL HANSON # 8870 (SEATED), VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER – SPEAKING WITH SENIOR SERGEANT DICK BROOK # 9570, FROM WARILLA POLICE STATION. 1987 – 1988
KARL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
Edward Francis DOHERTY
| 29/10/2015
Edward Francis DOHERTY
aka Ted
( late of Corrimal )
NSW Police Cadet # 1365
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9446
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 18 June 1957
Probationary Constable – appointed 30 October 1959
Constable 1st Class – appointed 30 October 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 15 January 1975
Senior Sergeant – appointed 29 March 1985
Chief Inspector – retired
Stations: ?, Western District, Corrimal, Wollongong
Service: From 18 June 1957to 12 January 1996 = 39 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 10 September 1986
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 16 September 1993
Born: 30 October 1940
Died on: 13 July 1999
Cause: Lung Cancer
Age: 58
Funeral date: 16 July 1999
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
TED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location: ?
A/O K. PEARCE A/PARAMEDIC J. WOODS CST 1/C GARY THOMPSON, SGT TED DOHERTY (WHITE OVERALLS), S/C RON FOX ?, SGT PETER LINCOLN (FAR RIGHT) 1984 ALBUM THREE – BULLI
RESCUE SERVICES FIELD DAY. MT KEIRA EARLY 1983 ALBUM THREE – BULLI
RESCUE AT WOLLONGONG LIGHT HOUSE A/O BOB LEWIS, CST MARK MULREADY, SENSGT TED DOHERTY, SENCON GARY THOMPSON, PARAMEDIC STEVE POLLARD, CST TONY FERRIS, A/O KEVIN DENT (POINTING), PARAMEDIC TERRY MORROW, A/O ANDREW GROVES (PARTIALLY HIDDEN ON LOWER RIGHT) 1988
BACK TO 60’s NIGHT FUND RAISER FOR THE 20th AMBULANCE CONVENTION S/O BOB SMITH (BLACK SHIRT) WITH SENSGT TED DOHERTY 1988
POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS RESTRUCTURE Mr MARTIN
(Bathurst) [12.31 p.m.]: As honourable members would be aware, the Minister for Police, the Hon. Michael Costa, recently restructured the police and community youth club [PCYC] organisation to decentralise it and make it more community based. The Government provided a $8 million package, $5 million of which was to boost capital upgrades and a trial of civilian support to free police from police work. I have two police and community youth clubs in my electorate, one in Lithgow and one in Bathurst. When I was a child I used the facilities of the club at Lithgow and later I was a member of its management board. Senior Constable Jeff Doherty was recently named Policeman of the Year for his work with the Bathurst Police and Community Youth Club. An article in the
Western Advocate
states:
Bathurst Police officer Jeff Doherty has been named “Policeman of the Year”.
Senior Constable Doherty received the prestigious award from Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.
Senior Constable Doherty is the son of the late Ted Doherty, who was one of the police officers in charge of the police boys club in Lithgow when I was a child. He went on to be a very senior police officer, reaching the rank of inspector. Unfortunately, he died last year just after he retired. Jeff is carrying on the great Doherty tradition. The article continues:
Senior Constable Doherty has been working at Bathurst PCYC, working to help disadvantaged young people and change their attitudes towards the police service.
He joined the police force in what he likes to call “a family business”, his father and brother both being in the service.
In a little over 18 months, Senior Constable Doherty has made the PCYC Breakfast and Domestic Violence Programs into “a labour of love”.
Senior Constable Doherty has always been interested in kids and youth-related issues. It is great that he has been able to make the program a success. He has three young boys. He is not only passionate about his job, but he is extremely modest about his achievements. He was a bit embarrassed about winning this prestigious award. But those around him in the community know that it has been well earned. The article continues:
Senior Constable Doherty’s involvement in the PCYC is a valuable service to the police force, the kids involved and the greater community.
The PCYC’s breakfast program is for kids who either don’t attend or have trouble getting to school, while the domestic violence program targets children who either have experienced some kind of domestic abuse at home, or have been the direct victims of domestic attacks.
The breakfast program gives kids who may not receive breakfast normally a good meal to start the day and at least three days of school a week.
The domestic violence program offers counselling and support services as well as a place where the kids can have fun and forget about the trauma in their lives.
“The programs also give the kids the chance to actually interact with police officers when they aren’t in trouble,” Senior Constable Doherty said.
“Changing attitudes is very important.”
However, at the same time, Senior Constable Doherty believes that the PCYC is not as visible as it could be and that this could be limiting its effectiveness.
Senior Constable Doherty is marketing the services of the Bathurst PCYC to the wider community. He believes, and I do not disagree with him, that it should be the top youth service in a country town. He has plans to open a youth drop-in centre next year where local kids can hang out in a safe and drug-free environment. This is critically important to keep kids away from an element that might lead them into trouble. It is this interaction by committed police officers such as Senior Constable Doherty through police and community youth clubs that are having an important impact on young lives in Bathurst. It underpins what a great and valuable assets PCYCs are to our communities and how they are benefiting from the restructure by the Minister. I am sure all members in this House join in congratulating Senior Constable Doherty on his prestigious award.
BARRY Doherty has found the ultimate way to remember his late dad each year – with a round of their favourite game, golf.
And while he’s swinging his sticks through the 18-hole course at Illawarra Country Golf Club, he’s also raising money to find a cure for the disease that killed his father -cancer.
Mr Doherty has participated in the annual Doherty and Doherti Memorial Golf Day since it started five years ago in memory of Ted Doherty and Joe Doherty, both police officers who died from cancer.
Ted Doherty was just 58 years old and barely into his retirement when he died from lung cancer in 1999.
Barry Doherty, from Mt Ousley, said the memorial golf day was a fitting way to remember his dad, who was a keen golfer before he died.
Ted Doherty had been a member of a group of police officers who played golf on the first Monday of each month, which they dubbed Destress Golf Day.
“It’s good memories because I used to play with dad in the Destress Day,” said Mr Doherty, who is also a police officer.
“It’s good that we can go as a memorial for dad and Joe, but it’s also sad too because it brings back memories.”
Ted Doherty’s grandsons Craig, 18, and Brad, 15, also get involved in the memorial day as caddies.
The event has so far raised more than $30,000 towards cancer research and Mr Doherty expected this year to be the biggest yet. Tee-off is at 7am on Monday following a barbecue breakfast.
IT takes a certain kind of strength to cope with the unique demands of being in the Illawarra’s police rescue unit.Often first on the scene at devastating accidents and horrific tragedies, no-one could argue that the men and women of rescue have one of the toughest jobs in the force.
Yesterday around 40 past and present Illawarra police rescue officers gathered at Wollongong’s Flagstaff Hill for a rare reunion to compare notes and take a walk down memory lane.
A member of the original 10-man Illawarra squad formed in the early ’70s, retired Sergeant John Byers was thrilled to catch up with former colleagues.
A 28-year rescue veteran, Mr Byers said the lifelong bonds formed between squad members helped the officers cope with the often heavy emotional burdens.
“It’s a job where you form very close associations with your mates because you’re in some interesting situations. A lot of times it’s dangerous but there’s also a lot of times where you see things which are unpalatable,” he said.
“It’s something you need to put your heart and soul into really.”
Taking the reins from Mr Byers in 1996, Illawarra Police Rescue Unit commander Sgt Manni Verzosa has held the top job for more than 14 years.
“It’s a passion, none of these people would be here if they didn’t have that passion,” he said.
The absence of rescue squad founding boss Chief Inspector Ted Doherty weighed heavily on his former colleagues, who spoke fondly of a man passionate about saving the lives of others.
Chief Insp Doherty lost a two-year battle with cancer in 1999, at the age of 58.
Squad co-founder, retired Senior Sergeant E.J. ‘Ted’ Beaver, who travelled from Maitland to reminisce and meet newer members, said the job had changed little since his time.
The group ended the reunion with a barbecue and a tour of the new police Lake Illawarra command headquarters at Oak Flats.
Rounding out the top five vote getters were Michael Rix in 3rdposition on 93 votes (Ted Doherty Memorial Trophy), Danny Hughes in 4thposition on 75 votes (Colin Williams Trophy) and Rhett Kerr was 5thwith 60 votes (Neil Taylor Trophy).
Curtis Cheng, left, and his family.
