Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 23rd December 2023.
Beloved wife of the late Ron.
Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Terri and Tony, Brett and Toula.
Cherished Nan of Kiah, Jesse and Natalia, Erin and Tommy, Tyron and Brie and
great Nan of Jordan, Remie, and Valentina.
Aud will be sadly missed by her loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 84 Years
Forever in our Hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Aud’s funeral service to be held at H. Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Avenue Warilla on Tuesday, 9th January 2024 at 12noon.
Audrey FOSTER & Ron FOSTER – Friday 6 September 1985 – Warilla Police Social at Berrima Wool Shed, Berrima, NSW
THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 LAKE ILLAWARRA RETIRED POLICE DAY. 45 people turned out to Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station at 10am today for the Retired Police Day. 15 National Police Service Medals were awarded to various Police who live in and / or worked in the Lake Illawarra Area Command. These awards were presented by the current LA Commander, Zoran Dzevlan. Sgt Scott ABBOTT & Audrey FOSTER – Widow of Ron.
* Story behind any Nickname: Play on Christian name
You were a bloody good woman Audrey and it is sad to see you gone. May you now forever Rest In Peace together with Ron.
Cal
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.
I have just heard of the passing of a former colleague from Class 158 Geoff Bernasconi. He was a wonderfully generous and giving man and a real entertainer. Your shift is complete Geoff – but your legacy, and the considerable memories you created will live on with many, especially during the times at Wagga Wagga. Special thoughts to Geoff’s family and the friends he leaves behind. Rest easy my friend.
* * *
Geoff featured in the book: ‘Forensic Investigator – true stories from the life of a country crime scene cop’, written by Esther McKay.
Class 158A – Redfern Police Academy – April 1978
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970
Georgina CLEMENTS & Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970 at their wedding. 10 June 2020
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 28 February 1995, page 4
Boys face murder charges
WAGGA WAGGA: Blood had soaked 5cm into the ground around the head of a man found dead by a council worker in Wagga Wagga, the city’s Children’s Court was told yesterday.
Four Wagga boys, aged 11, 12, 15 and 16, have been charged with the murder of Peter William Baker, 55, whose body was found in Victory Memorial Gardens at 8am on November 6 last year.
They were charged also with robbery in company after it was alleged that money had been taken from the dead man.
On the first day of committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi said Baker would not have staggered to the spot where his body was found.
He would have fallen to the ground after being struck on the back of the head and stayed there.
A significant feature was that blood had been found only on and under Baker’s head, there had been no blood on the back of his clothes and only minute traces surrounding him.
Peter James Kelly identified three of the four youths as those he had given a lift at about 11.30pm on November 5.
SYDNEY: A pilot spoke to his wife about his plane experiencing electrical difficulties only minutes before the plane plunged into a paddock near Wagga in south-eastern NSW, killing all four people on board.
Police said the 64-year-old Narrandera pilot told his wife in a mobile-phone conversation that he had lost the artificial horizon on the twin-engine Cessna 310’s navigation system.
He said he was flying in low cloud cover during a descent from 9000 feet on his approach to Wagga.
According to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the pilot, from an air taxi service in Narrandera, then made his last known radio contact with Wagga airport at 7.43pm on Friday.
He failed to contact the airport six minutes later as scheduled.
A bureau spokesman said his last contact was routine and made no mention of difficulties.
Police identified the pilot as Don Knight, 64, of Knight Air Taxi, Narrandera. The Wagga men were Dallas Gooden, 42, Bruce Campbell, 54, and David Larwood, 33. They had been on a trip to Longreach in far-north Queensland buying stock.
Wreckage was strewn over more than a kilometre in the open paddock where the plane crashed.
Police said a woman from a property near the crash site, about 15km north-east of Coolamon, reported seeing a large flash in thesky and heard the plane crash about 8.10pm on Friday.
But the officer-in-charge at the crash site, Inspector Chris Morley, said it was too soon to talk about the plane exploding in mid-air.
He said the flash in the sky may have been the plane crash reflected on low cloud.
“It’s a big mess, I have never seen anything like it,” Inspector Morley said.
“It’s just devastating.”
The wreckage was found on the Thalia property by the property owner at midday yesterday after the alarm was raised.
This morning, NSW police video unit and photogrammetry officers recorded the crash site.
Two BASI investigators were travelling from Sydney to pick over the wreckage for clues about how the crash happened.
Inspector Morley said the men’s bodies would be collected and eventually taken to the city morgue in Glebe, Sydney, for disaster victim identification procedures, to be carried out by Riverina forensic services head Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi.
Detective Sergeant Bernasconi was in charge of similar investigations after the Monarch air crash that killed seven people as it approached Young in central NSW on June 11, 1993.
NSW Fire Brigade, bushfire brigade and State Emergency Services workers were involved in the search on Friday night.
Forensic investigator Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales, and went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of a horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget.
Geoff‘s day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Esther McKay heard that Geoff had been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.
This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the frontlines of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. It is also the inspiring story of one who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.
Relationship issues from the autobiographies Allan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:136)describes his relationship with his wife Deborah as beingstrong and supportive, although he says “I kept my mental state from her.” Her support, Allanbelieves was central to his later recovery.
John Horner(Horner, 2011)experienced a marriagebreakdown in mid–career, as did Esther McKay.
She described her subsequent partner as“extremely sensitive and comforting” in terms of her battle with the trauma that was then achallenging part of her everyday experience.
Belinda Neil had a similar experience, as didGeoff Bernasconi(McKay, 2010:74)
where he describes his marriage as “weakening underthe strain”.
After being absent from home forfourdaysinvolved with the forensicinvestigation of a plane crash scene, (during which time he made no contact with his pregnantwife) on arriving back to his home town he went straight to the hotel, got drunk and called his wife, suggesting she join him for dinner. The relationship did not survive.
Sleep Problems and Exhaustion: The autobiographies. Alan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:140) describeshis confronting dreams and his inability to sleep.
As his Post traumatic stresssymptomsincreased he commenced having nightmaresin whichhe had stabbed to death his wife and daughter.These were the source of profound anxietyand fear for him, prompting thoughts of suicide to protect his loved ones from the possibilitythat his dreams might become reality.
EstherMcKay(McKay, 2005:265/227)gives a similaraccount of nightmares describinga particularly disturbing one where she was ‘lying naked onthe morgue table’.
Belinda Neil(Neil, 2014:2)describes “the long working hours with no time to recover from one traumatic incident to the next.”And continues,“I was falling apart,exhausted and forgetful”.
Geoff Bernasconi,(McKay, 2010:58/59)is “mentally and physically exhausted” and “fatigue was ever–present, especially on long road trips when Geoff would struggle to stay alert.”
These wereofficers nearing the limit of their resilience, unsupported by their organisation, isolated and nearing the end of their police careers.
Thesis Final PDF.pdf Trigger Warning re this link; This document looks into Police, the culture, Stress and Suicide / Suicidal thought by Police.
DAILY TELEGRAPH P15 THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2004 FORMER POLICEMAN GEOFF BERNASCONI FROM WAGGA WAGGA WHO SUED THE POLICE DEPT.
My dog Mac reading the book
Forensic officer awarded $750,000
While a judge in Sydney was telling the court that a former policeman should receive the maximum compensation – $750,000 – the man in question was visiting the grave of a victim of a crime he had investigated.
“I have been to a few cemeteries,” said Geoffrey Bernasconi, 48, speaking from his home in Wagga Wagga. “It’s just a solace, a place for me to think and reflect.
“I think about those that are left behind, and I feel for the person … I found it quite peaceful there today. I reflect could I have done more, and I reassure myself, no, I have done everything I can.”
On Wednesday in the District Court, Judge Raymond McLoughlin awarded the former forensic services police officer $785,000 (including interest) for his suffering, and lost career due to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
During his 23-year career, in which more than half the cases involved homicides and dead bodies, Mr Bernasconi was only debriefed three times. Those occasions were “poorly organised and often occurred after the event”, the court heard.
A medical report said he had been “repeatedly exposed to some of the most tragic circumstances that may be witnessed in civilised societies”.
Based in Wagga Wagga since 1987, he investigated crime and accident scenes, retrieved body parts from cars, trains and light plane crashes. There were teenage suicides, infant drownings and homicides. Sometimes he was required to remove decomposed bodies because the government contractor “couldn’t stomach it”.
One of Mr Bernasconi‘s strengths was his empathy with the families of victims, who relied heavily on him. But this was also a stress.
The court also heard that for 15 months in the late 1980s he was the only crime scene investigator for the whole region, and was on call around the clock.
Judge McLoughlin criticised the service for failing to properly manage his 70-80 hour week, and failure to order appropriate leave and job rotation.
In 1999, he broke down while giving evidence at a coronial inquiry into a plane crash. The coroner recorded: “I have dealt with this man for 15 years and I have never seen him like this.”
Soon after, his police supervisor took his gun and handcuffs away. He was medically discharged in 2000-2001. He spent months in psychiatric care in hospital.
Judge McLoughlin said there were managerial and psychological interventions which should have been taken by the service. He found Mr Bernasconi was now unfit to work in the labour market.
THE NSW Police Force has wasted millions of dollars fighting “no-brainer” claims by stressed officers, prompting the State Government to order an external review of the force’s legal services unit.
The Herald is aware of at least six cases in which former police officers offered to settle for less than $150,000 but ended up with $750,000 payouts after going to court. Seventy claims are before the courts.
The Police Minister, Carl Scully, said he had “concerns about the performance of the unit, particularly in relation to its management of settlements and litigation”. He mentioned matters “not being handed expeditiously or fairly” and a “reluctance to settle that then causes payouts being larger than what they otherwise may have been”. Payouts include:
■ Child protection officer Rodney Keen: offered to settle for $148,000 plus legal fees of $30,000. Awarded $750,000 plus costs.
■ Forensic services officer Geoff Bernasconi: offer of $150,000 to avoid stress of court before $750,000 judgement.
■ Armed hold-up squad officers Edward Shepherd, Mark Wilson and Craig McDonald: offer of $790,000 for all three. Awarded $2.04 million plus costs.
■ Undercover officer Bob Ridley: offer of $100,000 before $750,000 judgement.
Mr Scully said a solicitor who has worked in the public and private sectors, Helen Vickers, would deliver her report in a few weeks.
He conceded that if the claims were proven, “then obviously I would have to consider ways of improving or potentially changing the way legal services is conducted”.
One police insider said the unit had an “army mentality”. “They want to fight everything and settle nothing and then rage against the courts when things go wrong. It’s scandalous the amount of taxpayer money they are wasting.”
Mr Scully said the current system, under which up to six people must be consulted before making an offer, could be a case of “too many cooks spoiling the broth”. The minister must approve all settlements over $100,000. “No doubt we could potentially streamline that and make it more efficient and effective.”
Mr Ridley‘s solicitor, Philip Sim, settled a case involving another undercover officer – dubbed Miss X – on the fourth day of a District Court hearing last week. “They slow the process down, so they can wear people out,” he said.
He said one attempt at mediation collapsed when police lawyers could not get instructions.
Tom Edmunds, a solicitor and former policeman who represented the hold-up squad officers, was blunt: “$1.4 million – that’s how much the Crown contributed to our legal costs.”
Kim Smith, who acted for Mr Keen and Mr Bernasconi, said the legal costs of running a matter against NSW Police were “so much greater” than her other personal injury matters.
The Crown, which will pay a large amount of Mr Keen‘s estimated $350,000 legal costs, has foreshadowed an appeal.
Ms Smith said the Crown Solicitor’s Office had pointed out many times that NSW Police was exempt from the model litigants’ policy. This demands government departments avoid litigation wherever possible, but only the Attorney-General’s department is bound by the policy.
The secretary of the NSW Police Association, Peter Remfrey, said the way NSW police managed stress had improved but the legal unit’s handling of claims was “dysfunctional”. The association’s research director, Greg Chilvers, said 70 former police – many undercover officers – had negligence claims before the courts.
A precedent was set in a 2000 Court of Appeal judgement which awarded a former child abuse officer, Beth Seedsman, $750,000 for NSW Police’s failure to provide a safe system of work or protection from mental injury. “Given what we know about the law, in these cases it should either be a no-brainer or one to be fought on a matter of principle,” Mr Chilvers said. “It seems on a matter of principle they fight them all.”
* Story behind any Nickname: The man liked a drink.
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.
Information would be appreciated with the Final Rank and Retirement date
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: ?, Moss Vale ( Inspector )( 1981 ),
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 26 May 1947 to ? ? ? = ? years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 26 May 1946to? ? ? = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system for any other National or State Award.
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct ( Imperial ) – granted 20 February 1973 ( Det Sgt 2/c )( in company of SenCon Robert John McNAMARA ) ( Apprehend an armed man )
Scenes at the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi today.A detective with a rifle at the scene of the siege, Det. Sgt. Herb Talarico.
Detective Sgt. H. Talarico and Det. Adrian Allingham are flying to Melbourne this morning with the bomb found at Sydney Airport.
September 11, 1969.
( Photo by Noel Harold Stubbs / Fairfax Media via Getty Images ).
Born: Wednesday 23 July 1924 in Hornsby, NSW
Died on: 1 October 2003 in Tuggerah Lakes, NSW
Age: 79 years, 2 months, 8 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? October 2003
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM ( N/A )
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2023 )
HERB 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.
Betty died on 6 March 2014 and her funeral was 13 March 2014.
They Married in 1924. Margaret was 19 old at time of Marriage.
An Australian Business Number ( ABN ) lookup reveals ABN 50 631 626 936 which appeared to be valid from September 2000 to 1 October 2003 when it was Cancelled.
An Ancestry.com.au search shows that Herbert died sometime in 2003.
02/10/2003: Herb Talarico passed away last night. Tuggerah Lakes Memorial Pistol Club, It’s committee and members express condolences to Herb’s family. Herb will be sorely missed.
Article, Article/Other article – The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia) – 2012
… of an eastern suburbs break-and-enter investigation led by the late and famous detective Herb … Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the infamous bank robber and prison escapee Darcy Dugan. Mr …
Article, Article/Other article – The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia) – 2012
… of an eastern suburbs break and enter investigation lead by the legendary late detective Herb … Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the Qantas bomb hoax extortionist Peter Macari and the infamous …
Access conditions apply
I am unable to access the above links.
From the Archives, 1969: Bondi siege ends peacefully
50 years ago, an armed man barricaded himself in a block of flats in Hastings Parade, Bondi. For Detective-Constable John Tracey, 24, it was a day to remember.
By Staff reporter
First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on September 10, 1969
For 30 minutes yesterday a Bondi detective sat on a garden fence with the barrel of a loaded, high-powered rifle pointed at him.
And talked, and talked.
Passers-by shelter behind fences near the scene of the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi on September 9, 1969Credit: Laurie Shea
And while he talked, all available police from the Eastern Suburbs, the Riot and Emergency Squads, armed with revolvers, rifles, shotguns, tear-gas and bullet proof shields, arrived to help him.
They surrounded a block of flats in Hastings Parade, Bondi, in which an armed man had barricaded himself and refused to come out.
For Detective-Constable John Tracey ( NSWPF # 11404 ), 24, it was a day to remember.
The man had fired one bullet through the front door of the ground floor flat and later fired four others into the garden.
Detective Tracey sat only eight feet away, the barrel of the .22 Magnum pointed at him.
So Detective Tracey talked. He asked the man what his troubles were, keeping him occupied until the other police arrived.
Police run forward to grab the rifle which had been dropped from the window by a man. September 9, 1969. Credit: Laurie Shea
After a siege that lasted 1 ½ hours the man was finally persuaded to drop the rifle, and was captured without police firing a shot.
The drama began at about 11.45 a.m. yesterday when Detective Tracey and Detective Robert Campbell, both of Bondi, were called to the flat.
As the two detectives approached the flat door, a man pointed a rifle over a windowsill.
It was then that Detective Tracey began talking. He lit a cigarette and gradually eased himself on to the sandstone garden fence.
The Riot and Emergency Squad men stayed at a distance, their weapons out of sight.
The man’s girl friend was brought to the scene and she spoke to him from the veranda of a nearby house.
Police spoke to him through a loud-hailer, urging him to give himself up.
About 1 o’clock the man seemed ready to do so.
Holding the rifle by the barrel, he pushed it through the open window.
Then, abruptly, he dragged it in again and fired four shots into the front garden.
A small crowd of sightseers at both ends of Hastings Parade retreated.
Then, at 1.16 p.m., the man dropped the rifle into the garden.
As he did so, a detective grabbed his wrist, while Detective-Sergeant R. Phillips( NSWPF # 7413 ) and Detective-Constables Nelson Chad( NSWPF # 8675 ) and D. Mussey ( possibly D.A. Mussing – NSWPF # 11476 )( No Mussey in 1968 – 1969 Stud Books ) rushed into the flat and overpowered him.
A man being carried by police from the scene of the siege on September 9, 1969. Credit: Laurie Shea
A 24-year-old man was later charged at Paddington police station with unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public street and with wilful damage to a flat door. He will appear in Paddington Court of Petty Sessions today.
Police riddle of who owns painting with a colourful past
By Rachel Olding
IT IS an enigmatic depiction of a voluptuous woman being tempted by a devilish satyr, but this steamy painting may turn into one of the police force’s coldest cases.
Woman with Satyr, a nude by Norman Lindsay, was discovered in 2010 gathering dust in the vaults of the Art Gallery of NSW, with scant details of its origin and date.
Woman with Satyr.
The oil painting had been lent to the gallery by the police in 1980, yet neither they nor the gallery had any records as to how it came to be in their possession.
After hitting several dead ends, the police’s search for the painting’s owner has taken a new twist with much of the artwork’s colourful past coming to light.
However, its owner may remain an enduring mystery, said the detective in charge of Operation Matisse, Tim Axtens ( NSWPF # 37860 ).
He has discovered that Woman with Satyr was taken to the Art Gallery of NSW by an exhibit officer from the former Criminal Investigation Bureau who was responsible for securing all seized drugs, firearms and valuable property in a vault beneath an old hat factory in Surry Hills.
Former Police Sergeant, Peter Chilton ( NSWPF # 07879 ) is now living at Mylestom. A former police officer now living at Mylestom has solved the mystery of how a Norman Lindsay nude painting, Woman with Satyr came to be in the Art Gallery of NSW. But the owner of the painting remains a mystery.
Peter Chilton, now 81 and living in Bellingen on the state’s north coast, said he stored the painting with the heroin and cannabis as it struck him as being unusual and very valuable.
He believes it was seized as part of an eastern suburbs break and enter investigation lead by the legendary late detective Herb Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the Qantas bomb hoax extortionist Peter Macari and the infamous bank robber and prison escape artist Darcy Dugan.
In 1980, the Surry Hills basement became infected with tobacco beetle and Mr Chilton had it sprayed with chlordane. Worried that the painting would be damaged, he obtained authority to transfer it to the art gallery ”for safe keeping”.
”The gallery didn’t even know it existed, they were very happy to take it,” he said. ”I expected that the police would carry on with their investigations to find the owner.”
From there, however, the painting quietly slipped between the cracks. The CIB disbanded, Detective Talarico was transferred out of Sydney, detectives either had no breakthroughs or forgot about its existence and the sensual nude went unloved for more than 30 years.
It was not until August 2010 that the gallery called the police to question the length of the loan, sparking a police investigation to not only determine how it came to be at the gallery but also return it to its rightful owner.
An inscription on the back of the painting reads ”A. Jewell/ Burraburra Ave/ Vaucluse/ f.u. 2962”. The code is an old telephone number for the Rose Bay exchange pre-World War II and Vaucluse post-World War II.
Albert Jewell was an avid and wealthy art collector who died in 1963. A surviving son in Tasmania, however, told police he believed his father was no longer in possession of the painting when it was seized in 1980 and may have even sold it before his death in 1963.
”That 17 years is an enormous gap to fill,” senior constable Axtens said. ”We’ve still got a few lines of inquiry but it may be very difficult to find the owner.”
Neither the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum nor Lindsay’s granddaughter, Helen Glad, an art historian, had come across the painting, which the Art Gallery of NSW said could fetch between $30,000 and $40,000 at auction.
Lindsay was a prolific artist, producing countless paintings, etchings, drawings, watercolours and sculptures until he died at 90, Ms Glad previously told the Herald.
”If it was an early work it could have been posed by my grandma Rose,” she said. ”But in the ’30s he used any number of models.”
If the painting’s owner can’t be found, senior constable Axtens would like it to be donated to a gallery for the public to enjoy.
Mr Chilton would like to see it donated to the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum at Faulconbridge.
”I had always hoped it would have gone there,” he said.
Foster parents … Linda Elliott and Stephen Payne with the Norman Lindsay painting they will exhibit at Wagga Wagga for the next 12 months.Credit: Addison Hamilton
HER owners will remain a mystery but at least she finally has a home – the first of a series of homes, actually.
A two-year search for the owners of a mysterious Norman Lindsay artwork has ended with few answers but the voluptuous nude will have a new home for the next 12 months on the walls of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Woman with Satyr was discovered gathering dust in the vaults of the Art Gallery of NSW in 2010, having been lent to the gallery by the police force in 1980.
With scant details about its origin and date and no record of how the police force came to possess it, or why it was in the gallery’s basement, detectives set about solving the decades-long cold case.
Along the way, much of the oil painting’s colourful past came to light, yet police say they will never know its true owner.
It was taken to the Art Gallery of NSW in 1980 by an exhibit officer from the former Criminal Investigation Bureau who was responsible for securing all seized drugs, firearms and valuable property in a vault beneath an old hat factory in Surry Hills.
Peter Chilton, now 81 and living in Bellingen on the state’s north coast, said he stored the painting with the heroin and cannabis as it struck him as being unusual and very valuable.
He believes it was seized as part of an eastern suburbs break-and-enter investigation led by the late and famous detective Herb Talarico, who was involved in the arrest of the infamous bank robber and prison escapee Darcy Dugan.
Mr Chilton moved the painting to the gallery to protect it from a tobacco beetle infestation but it was then forgotten about for 30 years.
Detective Tim Axtens spoke to relatives of the late Albert Jewell, a Vaucluse art collector whose name was inscribed on the back of the painting, but it is believed he sold the painting before he died in 1963.
Unable to track down any other owners, police have decided to lend the artwork to NSW galleries for 12-month stints.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Saturday 24 June 1989, page 1
Is there something to hide?
VERY senior NSW and federal police have something to hide from an impartial inquiry into police involvement in cannabis plantations in the Bungendore area and the Federal Government knows this, according to NSW Independent MP John Hatton.
For several years, Mr Hatton has been quizzing the NSW Government about the plantations, and recently called for the establishment of a Royal commission.
He has also suggested that “untainted” Victorian police be invited to investigate NSW and Federal Police involvement in up to 14 separate cannabis plantations in southern NSW.
The AFP is not impressed with Mr Hatton’s suggestions that it has some thing to hide. While senior officers might privately admit their embarrassment over the Bungendore affair, they deny strongly any suggestion of illegality on their part. They point out, correctly, that their role was investigated by former National Crime Authority Chief Justice Donald Stewart and that their members were cleared of any criminality.
Again privately, senior AFP officers suggest they were duped by their NSW colleagues. They say they got involved in Operation Seville — the code name for the Bungendore plantations exercise — with the best of honourable intentions: to catch some of the Mr Bigs. They say they were entitled to accept that their interstate colleagues were on the level. If anyone had something to hide, it was the NSW Police.
The Bungendore plantations were established on private and Crown land between 1980 and 1983. Their existence and operation were sanctioned by senior members of the AFP and the NSW Police. The operation was dubbed Operation Seville.
Activities on the plantations — which saw millions of dollars of cannabis harvested and sold — ultimately led to several men being charged last year with conspiracy to supply cannabis. Four of the men were committed for trial, but the NSW authorities have since decided not to proceed with the charges because of the unreliability of the chief prosecution witness, Giuseppe Verducci. One of two Bungendore
crops was grown on Verducci’s property, Montebello. The other was on Crown land nearby.
Operation Seville turned into a monumental embarrassment for both police forces because cannabis worth millions of dollars came to be harvested and sold, despite the close watch police were meant to be keeping on activities. Some have since suggested that this occurred in spite of police involvement.
The whole purpose of the exercise was to catch the major players in the financing, distribution and selling side of organised cannabis growing. However, not one person of this type was arrested at the time. As mentioned above, several of those involved — including three men said to be important organisers — were charged last year by the NCA, but the charges against them have either been dismissed or dropped.
The AFP is quick to point out that Operation Seville had one very important outcome: the arrest of Gianfranco Tizzoni.
Police informer
Tizzoni was arrested with two other men in 1982 by Victorian police. One of the vehicles the men were travelling in to Melbourne was found to contain a large quantity of Bungendore cannabis. Tizzoni subsequently became a police informer. This led to the jailing of himself, James Bazley and George Joseph over the murder of Donald Mackay and of Bazley and Joseph over the murder of Mr Asia syndicate members Douglas and Isobel Wilson.
While the arrest of Tizzoni was a major breakthrough, the NSW and Federal police can take little credit for it. An AFP tip-off enabled the Victorians to arrest Tizzoni, but everything which followed was due to the efforts of the Victorian police. No one knew at the time what Tizzoni’s arrest would lead to.
According to Mr Hatton, police were also “associated” with several other cannabis crops during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These included: one in the Brindabellas ( in the ACT, west of Canberra ); another two
in the Bungendore area; three at Dalton ( near Gunning ); one at East Lynne ( west of Durras, on the South Coast ); one west of Eden ( on the far South Coast ); one at Michelago ( south of Canberra ); two in the Monga State Forest ( near Braidwood ); and one at Hoskinstown ( between Queanbeyan and Captains Flat ). Mr Hatton referred to only one plantation in the Brindabellas, but there were two.
Mr Hatton said he had given the National Crime Authority information about police involvement in southern NSW cannabis plantations two years ago but the NCA had not acted on it. He had also referred potential witnesses to the NCA.
Neither the NCA, because of its past record, nor the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, which was limited by state borders, could properly investigate the matter.
Both the Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, and the Minister for Justice, Senator Michael Tate, had rejected calls for a Royal commission. Mr Hatton wondered if the Government simply wanted to save the AFP from embarrassment or had some other reason for not wishing to pursue the matter.
Mr Hatton thought the involvement of corrupt police in cannabis growing could be proved, but nothing had been really done to investigate this. This was because too many senior police would be seriously embarrassed by the outcome.
On May 11, Mr Hatton placed a long list of questions on the notice paper of the NSW Parliament about cannabis plantations in southern NSW. Among other things, he has asked the Attorney-General, John Dowd, to detail the number of plantations observed by NSW police during Operation Seville and the duration of the operation. He wants to know the names of all police involved in the operation and whether any have been “charged” with incompetence because of their involvement.
Mr Hatton has also asked for details of all crops grown on the Southern Tablelands and South Coast between 1980 and 1985, including the size and value of crops, the amounts harvested
or “ripped of” during police surveillance, and whether any arrests were made. He wants to know who authorised the growing of the crops, what legal advice was obtained beforehand and who within the AFP and NCA knew about them.
None of the questions has so far been answered.
On May 14, Mr Hatton moved in State Parliament that a Royal Commission be established to investigate the growing of cannabis in the Monga State Forest and at Michelago and Bungendore. Among other things, he said the commission should investigate whether cannabis had been harvested and marketed from crops in the Bungendore area while these had been under surveillance.
Long report
Mr Hatton said the Royal Commission should investigate the roles played in these matters by the late Detective Inspector Bill Cullen ( formerly of Queanbeyan and Goulburn ), Detective-Sergeant George Slade, of the NSW Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, Superintendent Reg Martin, Superintendent Herbert Talarico, Executive Chief Superintendent Gallagher, Assistant Commissioner Bob Shepherd and former Commissioner Cec Abbott.
Messrs Cullen, Slade, Shepherd and Abbott were mentioned in evidence during the Bungendore committal hearing in February and March. Cullen — who died in Gosford last month — was the senior detective at Queanbeyan at the time of Operation Seville. He was closely involved with NSW Bureau of Criminal Intelligence officers taking part in the operation.
An NCA officer, Detective-Sergeant Robin Small, told the Queanbeyan Local Court that Commissioner Abbott, Assistant Commissioner Shepherd, and Detective Sergeant Slade were aware of the operation. Sergeant Slade, in fact, prepared a lengthy report on Operation Seville and this was tendered during the hearing. He is currently facing criminal charges unrelated to Operation Seville:
An application was made by defence counsel before Mr Justice Kerr and an ACT Supreme Court jury yesterday for the transcript of evidence of a Crown witness who could not be found to be tendered to the court.
The application was made in the case in which Nikola Talanga, 41, diamond driller, of Gibbes Street, Newtown, NSW, is standing trial on a charge of having feloniously and maliciously murdered Sofia Malovic in Canberra on September 28, 1968.
Mr K. Enderby, instructed by Mr M. Somes, of Gallen, Kelly and Dainer, for Talanga, said he consented to the transcript of evidence given before Canberra Petty Sessions by Antoni Eres being tendered. The transcript should be tendered by the Crown, as the evidence of Eres was not unimportant to the defence.
The Senior Crown Prosecutor, Mr A. R. Watson, said he declined to tender the transcript. Before February 24 the defence had been told that the Crown would not be calling Eres at the trial because he could not be found.
Even if Eres were present the Crown would not call him because his evidence did not advance the case any further.
Mr Justice Kerr said he would not make any observations at that stage, but suggested that if Mr Enderby wished to take the request further he could do so when the Crown case ended.
Earlier, Mr Watson tendered a transcript of evidence given before Canberra Petty Sessions by George Mestitz, who was absent from the Commonwealth.
Mr Enderby consented to the tender of this transcript, which was read out in court.
Rama Hadzic, of Minerva Road, Wedderburn, NSW, said that on the night of September 29 Talanga had come to his house.
When asked by Talanga if he had heard about what had happened in Canberra, he had said he had heard about it over the radio.
When he asked Talanga why he had done it, he had replied that he did not know. Talanga had said he had found Sofia after eight months.
Talanga had said that when he asked her to come out of the shop and talk things over she had refused.
Talanga alleged that Sofia had insulted him, so he had shot her.
Hadzic said that while Talanga was staying with him he (Talanga) could not sleep. He would wake up and jump out of bed and cry. He had threatened to kill himself.
Two wounds in head
Detective Constable John Radalj ( 09566 ), of the NSW Police, said that on October 6 he was with a group of ACT and NSW police who surrounded a house at Wedderburn.
After a gunshot had been heard from the house Detective Sergeant Herbert Talarico had rushed inside.
Constable Radalj said he also had entered the house and had seen Talanga lying on the floor, with two wounds in the head.
Constable Radalj said he had asked Talanga in the Yugoslav language if he had shot and killed Sofia Malovie in Canberra on September 28.
Talanga had replied, “Yes”.
When asked why, Talanga had said, “Because she did not want me”.
Detective Sergeant M. J. Robinson, of the Canberra CIB, said that Talanga had been extradited to Canberra from Sydney on November 7, 1968.
When being brought back to Canberra by car, after being warned by Detective Constable H. G. Harrison, of the Canberra CIB, Talanga had said that he had shot the woman a couple of times inside the shop and shot her again outside.
He had wanted her to come back and live with him. When she spat on him he had become angry and shot her.
Detective Sergeant Colin Victor Letherbarrow ( # 6383 ), of the scientific investigation bureau, Sydney, said that an examination of six fired cartridges revealed that they had been discharged from the rifle produced in court. A cartridge case recovered from a house at Wedderburn had been discharged from the same rifle.
SYDNEY, Friday. A man was fined £100 and had his licence suspended for 10 years by Mr. Meagher, S.M., in North Sydney Court to-day for driving a car while under the influence of liquor.
The man, Alfred de Visne Cornwell, 48, insurance broker, of Pacific Highway, Pymble, had prior driving convictions.
He pleaded “Not guilty” to driving under the influence at Gordon on July 1.
Constable Herbert Talarico said he followed Cornwell along the Pacific Highway at Killara. His car was swaying from side to side. Cornwell’s speech was thick and he smelt strongly of liquor.
Frederick Harold Morris, building contractor, of Kippax-street, Sydney, who was in the car with Cornwell, said Cornwell was not in a condition to drive.
Morris said he (Morris) drove the car until stopped near Gordon Council Chambers by Constable Talarico.
Mr. Meagher said he was satisfied that Constable Talarico was an honest witness.
“Cornwell, according to his own story, was badly under the influence of liquor,” the magistrate added.
SYDNEY, Thurs — A 20-year-old probationary constable, with only two months’ service, knocked out with the butt of his revolver a man who allegedly threatened him with an iron bar.
The constable, Herbert Talarico, saw a man acting suspiciously near the Eastwood post office about 2 a.m. yesterday.
Realising he had been seen, the man allegedly threw a stone on the roof of the post office to warn his mate inside and made off.
When Constable Talarico over took the man, he turned and brandished a piece of iron.
But Constable Talarico knocked him out with the butt of his revolver.
Police searched the Eastwood post office, and found a charge of gelignite plugged in the safe key hole, ready to be blown.
Then followed dashes to suburbs by the wireless patrol, culminating at 8 a.m. with a visit to a shop in Prince’s Highway, Tempe.
Police alleged that as they entered the shop a man thrust his hand, in his pocket, but was over powered and handcuffed. A fully-loaded revolver, was allegedly found in his pocket.
As a result of the night’s work, detectives believe they have put an end to a cycle of safe-blowing in the northern suburbs.
Mr. Barry Gulliver says he finds singing in Grand Opera uplifting after his rather sordid work.
In the daytime Mr. Gulliver works for the Taxation Department, investigating charges of dishonesty made in anonymous letters.
At night Mr. Gulliver is one of the chorus of demons in “Faust,” at the Conservatorium.
The demons sing hideous songs which drive Marguerita to madness and to killing her child.
We met Mr. Gulliver back stage at the Conservatorium this week during the opening scene of “Faust,” in which Mephistopheles tempts Faust.
Mr. Gulliver told us about his work as an investigator of anonymous letters, which the Federal Treasurer (Mr. Chifley) considers desirable.
He said that a lot of the people he had to interview in the course of his duties were rude. Some made use of the word “pimp.” Others used stronger language than this.
At this point there was a blinding flash as Mephistopheles leaped on to the stage. As Faust, the aged philosopher, was selling his immortal soul to Mephistopheles, Mr. Gulliver continued his narrative.
MR- GULLIVER said you would be surprised at the amount of deception and dishonesty that goes on in New South Wales.
Just then Mr. Curt Prerauer, the chorus-master, walked past to conduct the chorus of angels In his inner pocket Mr. Prerauer carries during the performance numerous watches and much jewellery and money which members of the chorus of angels leave with him so they won’t be stolen.
Mr. Gulliver says that when he was investigating some anonymous taxation letters at Wingham, near Taree, in 1938, a young woman was impressed with his voice and advised him to take up singing. He did so, and soon he was singing at church concerts at Wingham. “Opera is a wholesome change from investigating dishonesty,” he said.
At this stage Mephistopheles drew from a stage barrel water which the audience was led to believe was wine. Mr. Gulliver says that you meet interesting and ambitious people in opera companies.
ONE of the people Mr. Gulliver has met in the chorus is Mr. Herbert Talarico, Wahroonga barber.
Mr. Talarico‘s singing name is Lawrence Morrell.
Mr. Talarico is interested in the career of Mr. Joseph Schepsi, Melbourne’s singing barber, who charges £4/4/ for the Schepsi permanent wave and £4/4/ for a seat at his concerts.
Mr. Talarico charges only 1/6 for haircuts and receives the award rate of £5/7/ a week for his work in the opera chorus.
He says Schepsi must be a very interesting man. He would like to have a talk with him.
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.
Western Suburbs Mens Bowling Club · Follow · Today we lost an absolute champion. Life member, great clubman and pleasure to be around. So many stories and life experiences were shared for anyone willing to listen. His larger than life presence will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friend. Rest in peace Peter Hardgrove.
RSL & Services Clubs Association · Follow · It is with great sadness that Leagues Clubs Australia had to pass on the news that their Chairman, Peter Hardgrove passed away on Friday afternoon after a short battle with illness. Our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, close friends, LCA Board, Don and Katrina. He was a great character, a good friend to everyone he knew and a strong voice for rugby league and the club industry. He will be missed! Please see details for Peter Hardgrove’s funeral below…. Date: Friday December 22nd Time: 11.00am Venue: Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel, Barnet Ave Rookwood Dress Code: Black and White or club attire In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Concord Centre for Palliative Care.
Wests Ashfield Leagues Club is with Markets Club and Croydon Sports. · It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove. Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011. He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001. Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005. Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021. That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association. Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club. In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019. Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force. To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time. Funeral arrangements will be advised. SIMON COOK CEO http://tinyurl.com/ms9bhayb
Peter HARDGROVE is in middle row – 5th from left.
Peter HARDGROVE – Rear row, wearing the white jacket.
It is “possible” that Peter was a Clerical Assistant, Grade 1, Fourth Division for the Department of the Treasury – Taxation Branch, prior to joining the NSWPF.
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove.
Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011.
He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001.
Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005.
Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021.
That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association.
Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club.
In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019.
Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force.
To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time.
Peter Hardgrove Obituary, Death – Our Chairman, Peter Hardgrove, passed away earlier this afternoon following a brief battle with illness. He had been battling the illness for some time. We must break the news to you with a heavy heart that he has died away. The LCA is deeply saddened by this news. The election for Peter to serve on the LCA Board took place on January 4, 2005, and he was appointed to the role of Chairman. Up to the moment he passed away, he continued to serve in this capacity. In addition to this, Peter was presented with the achievement of the title of Life Member of the LCA.
In addition, Peter was a Director and Chairman of the Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, where he was awarded Life Membership in the year 2021. In this capacity, Peter was recognised for his contributions to the club. Aside from that, Peter was a member of the Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for life and had previously held the position of President of the club. There was also the Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club, which he served as the Patron of. Additionally, he was a recipient of Life Membership and had previously served as the Chairman of the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club. Both of these accomplishments are noteworthy.
Over the course of his thirty-year career with the police department, Peter eventually reached the point where he decided to retire from his post. As a consequence of this information, each and every member of the LCA Board and Staff is experiencing a great degree of sorrow. During this terribly trying time, we would like to express our deepest condolences and support to Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren, as well as their wives, as well as to his grandchildren, Billie and Ella, as well as to his brother John and his girlfriend, Julie Romero. We are truly sorry for the loss of your loved one.
* Story behind any Nickname: The Nose. Could sniff out anything.
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.
Last of the Pre 1988ers’ in relation to Police Superannuation changing on 1 April 1988
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst # 99706
Regd. # 24895
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 3 January 1988 ( aged 21 years, 7 months ) ( Previously employed as an Electrician )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 25 March 1988 ( aged 21 years, 10 months, 21 days )
Constable – appointed 25 March 1989
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( Newcastle )
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 2003 ( Newcastle )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Chief Inspector
Stations: Lake Macquarie area ( 10 years )( 1988 – 1998 )( GDs ) – Swansea, Belmont, Catherine Hill Bay, Charlestown, Newcastle – Youth Liaison Officer ( 1998 – 2001 ), Newcastle ( GDs )( 2001 – 2007 ), Communications Group ( VKG )( Sgt )( 2007 – 2012 ), Lake Macquarie area ( 2012 – ? )( Field Operations )( Sgt – Acting Insp ), Fairfield ( 34 Division )( South West Metro area )( Inspector )( ? – 2020 ), Lake Macquarie ( Inspector – Duty Officer )( March 2020 ), seconded to VKG Newcastle ( 2021 – 2022 ) but remand attached to Lake Macquarie District as a Duty Officer until his Death.
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 3 January 1988 to 16 December 2023 = 35 years, 8 months, 21 days
Service: From 3 January 1988to 16 December 2023
Retirement / Leaving age: = 57 years, 7 months, 12 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however
For those who worked in Fairfield, SWM, Lake Macquarie and their surrounds, it is with much sadness that I inform you that Inspector Dan SYKES has succumbed to the Black Dog and has passed away.
Dan attempted suicide, on Friday, and was placed on life support but has now passed on Saturday.
Dan, you were a great guy and great cop.
I am sorry that the black dog wouldn’t let you go for long enough to reach out.
Photo – 2014 in Newcastle
Photo = 2019
Make sure that everyone is alright.
Check on each other.
Talk to each other.
Seek Help after a shit job.
Make the Welfare check.
Call on the Team after a shit job.
When you are asked, Say you are NOT O.K.
???? Shattered, such a great calibre of a cop, a colleague you want to have by your side. Funny, supportive and great all round guy, he was a Sgt and did periods of acting Chief Inspector whilst stationed at Newcastle.
Paul Lyth
Retired C/Insp.
Newcastle
17 December 2023
Tributes
Paul Gauci wrote on 29 December 2023
Kim Marsden (nee Thomas) wrote on 27 December 2023
Greg Callander wrote on 26 December 2023 May Dan SYKES ( NSWPF # 24895 from Goulburn Police Academy Class 233 ) who Served the people of NSW for 35 years, 8 months, 21 days between 3 January 1988 – 16 December 2023 ) Forever Rest In Peace.<br />
Joshua David KASUN AKA Josh KASUN – Liverpool ( 22 Division ) reunion in 2017
Excerpt from the NSW Police Force 2016-17 Annyual Report
Commissioner’s Unit Citation
Awarded to police officers who collectively come together for a common purpose and perform outstanding service which may involve bravery or other acts of merit.
Assistant Commissioner Mark John Murdoch
Det Supt Anthony John Cooke
Det Supt Luke Gerard Moore
Det Supt Allan John Sicard
Supt Darryl Wayne Tuck
Ch Insp Catherine Joan Cole
Ch Insp Christopher Bede Hickey
Det Insp David Raymond Goddard
Det Insp David Geoffrey Moss
Det Insp Ian Michael Rotsey
Insp Mark Leslie Smith
Det Snr Sgt Andrew Brian Layhe
Snr Sgt Paul Thomas Bousfield
Snr Sgt Paul Thomas Smith
Det Sgt Glenn Kenneth Chalker
Det Sgt Gary Charles Lowe
Det Sgt Andrew Paul Marks
Sgt Raymond Constable
Sgt Dale Christopher Atterby
Sgt John Samuel Byrom
Sgt Andrew James Garner
Sgt Ty Peter Hayes
Sgt Brook Russell
Sgt Elise Teeling
Sgt Rene van Hoven
Det Snr Cst Lee Kevin Brown
Det Snr Cst Gregory Matthew Camilleri
Det Snr Cst Darren Michael Cooper
Det Snr Cst Mary Kathleen Crumlin
Det Snr Cst Adam Alexander Daniel Evans
Det Snr Cst Mark Tomislav Nestorovic
Det Snr Cst Benjamin Paul Walsh
L/Snr Cst Dayne Peter Brown
L/Snr Cst Craig Holmes L/Snr Cst Joshua David Kasun
L/Snr Cst Matthew Bruce Warwick
L/Snr Cst Paul Andrew Whitehead
Snr Cst Luke Robert Bakey
Snr Cst Luke Douglas Buxton
Snr Cst Brett Andrew Ferrari
Snr Cst Laura Jane Hallett
Snr Cst Julian Edward Hicks
Snr Cst Ashley Robert May
Snr Cst Mark Sydney Reynolds
Snr Cst Todd Steven Seydler
Snr Cst Mark Woodroffe
Snr Cst Matthew Craig Zeibots
Cst Aaron Rhys Gaskell
Cst Adam David Guest
Cst Jason Paul Immens
Cst Karen Elizabeth Lowden
Cst John Michael Porter
Cst Natalie Janet South
Cst Dean Walter Turner
Amanda Jane Duncan
Major Michael Sloman (ADF)
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 # DPP 17 ( Class 17 ) 290
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 40423
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 1 September 2003 ( aged 20 years, 5 months, 24 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 19 December 2003 ( aged 20 years, 9 months, 11 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? 2008 ( YES ) ( Came 2nd in her Course )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: Cabramatta ( 34 Division )( GDs )( ProCst ), Campbelltown( 35 Division ) Commuter Crimes Unit, City Sydney Street Policing Unit, Strike Force Setter @ Riverwood, Penrith / Nepean PAC Detectives (17 April 2007 – ? ), Strike Force Nethina re murder of Mac Moon ( Sept 2020 – Aug 2021 )( with Homicide Squad ), Sex Crimes Squad – State Crime Command ( 15 August 2021 – 8 December 2023 ) – Death
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 19 December 2003 to 8 December 2023 = 19 years, 11 months, 19 days
Service: From 1 September 2003to8 December 2023 = 20 years, 9 months, 11 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however received:
Region Commanders Unit Citation – granted 2004 re Meritorious Action at the Redfern Riots of 15 / 16 February 2004
Police Officer of the Month – Cabramatta Commander – granted 2008
Region Commanders Citation – granted 1 September 2015 – work on Strike Force Orkin
Ethical and Meritorious Police Service medal – granted
NSW Police Service Medal – granted
1st Clasp to the NSW Police Service Medal – granted
National Medal – granted
National Police Service medal – granted
Commissioner of Police Emergency Commendation – granted
Premiers Bushfire Citation medal ( 2019 – 2020 Bushfires ) – granted
Born: Tuesday 8 March 1983 at Sutherland, NSW
Died on: Friday 8 December 2023 during the morning, at home, with family by her side
Age: 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Cancer ( Type = ? )
Event location: at home with family by her side
Event / Diagnosis date: December 2022 ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 19 December 2023 @ 10am ( 20 years, to the day, from her Attestation at the Goulburn Police Academy )
Funeral location: The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW
Loving wife of Andrew and proud Mum of Liam and Charlie.
Daughter of Ken and Jane,
granddaughter of Roni, sister of Kel and her husband Matt.
Daughter-in-law of Barry and Liz, sister-in-law of Wes, Mark and Alison.
Aunt of Hamish, Ayla and Patrick.
Sadly missed by her Shire and Hawkesbury family and friends, and by her Police colleagues.
So Dearly Loved, So Sadly Missed
A celebration of Jo’s life will be held in its entirety at 10:00am on Tuesday 19th December 2023 in The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
* * *
Sandra Ramos
7 days ago
Sending my deepest sympathies to all of Jo’s family and friends.
RIP sweet girl.
Such a beautiful service.
Thinking of you all.
X
Amanda Saad Kharma
7 days ago
My dear Jo… thank God for memories because they will live on forever.
One of the sweetest and kindest people I have known… what a blessing to this Earth xx you will be forever missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends
xoxox
Lyndal and Chris Richardson
7 days ago
Rest in Peace Darling Girl.
Thanks for showing the world how to be kind. ????
Paul Rouillon
7 days ago
What an absolute privilege to have known Jo, lovely to see her remembered in such a beautiful celebration of her life.
Condolences to her family and friends who like me, will miss her every time we see her in brightness and joy in the world like…Read more
Tony and Catriona Steinborn
14 days ago
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and extended families on the loss of your beautiful Jo. Sending strength for the difficult days ahead. We will never forget Jo and her bubbly vibrant personality. RIP…Read more
Delina Buttigieg
14 days ago
Absolute beautiful soul indeed Miss Jo, heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers to all xx God bless ????????????
Scott Harris
It’s no surprise a common sentiment is how bright, happy, kind and energetic you were Jo. The way you carried yourself, even when you were sick is a testament to your enduring strength of character. I don’t think anyone who has met you will ever forget. My heart goes out to Andrew, the boys, and all Jo’s family. I sincerely hope you can eventually find peace and solace with Jo’s passing.
RIP Jo. 18 December 2023
Catriona & Tony Steinborn
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and families on the very sad passing of your beautiful Jo. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
RIP Jo, taken way too soon.
12 December 2023
Natalie Saad
Deepest condolences to the Travers family. You will be forever loved and missed xx
12 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. A life cut too short. In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Elizabeth Jackett
A beautiful soul who will be missed and loved by many.
Thank You for your 20 years of service.
You can rest easy now your duty is done.
19 December 2023
Matt Brophy
Dear Jelder,
Matt BROPHY & Joanne TRAVERS
I’ll always remember you as someone whose smile shone brightly. You were genuinely a beautiful soul. Those who were lucky enough to call you a friend were better people as a result. Thank you for making the footy club a better place with your vibrant presence. You’ll be sorely missed and never forgotten.
My heart goes out to Andrew, Liam and Charlie during this difficult time. Wrap yourselves around your loved ones and share stories of this wonderful human. Be there for each other and know that Jo will be with you every step of the way.
My thoughts and prayers to you all,
Oyster
Xoxox
14 December 2023
Billy
Your forever smile, your infectious laugh and your adoring voice of an angel will be sadly missed by so many. I don’t think any of us will truly understand why such a beautiful soul was taken way too soon. I pray for your family, your closest friends, your loving husband and your two handsome boys who you will forever embrace from the stars above and who will one day hold your hand again.
RIP little Joey xx
love Billy
18 December 2023
Shaun Cain
RIP Jo – Rest easy.
19 December 2023
Claire Hogan and Barbara Wagstaff
We will never forget Jo with her beautiful smile, rest in peace, thoughts are with the family at this time.
15 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest Sympathy to all the family..A life cut short..In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Rebecca Tutill and Malik Arici
Liam TRAVERS, ?, Charlie TRAVERS
It was such an honour to join your family, friends, fans and blue family today, to celebrate your life Jo.
Your three boys did you proud and held their heads high. You have given them the strength to live in your memory. Rest easy beautiful darling.
I will try to keep our boys together.
Thank you for being a part of my world, even just a little.
About 18 months ago, Jo started suffering from pains in her stomach that wouldn’t go away. Testing took place and it was discovered that Jo had bowel cancer that had already spread to her liver. Jo was found to have numerous lesions on her bowel and her liver was riddled with lesions.
Jo has been having extensive chemotherapy since this time and sadly, a recent scan has shown that her tumours have grown and the cancer has also spread to her lungs. Jo is not eligible for liver surgery, bowel surgery, or any type of transplant. It appears as though Jo’s body is no longer responding to chemotherapy. Jo has been informed that she is eligible to trial a brand new immunotherapy drug that has just been brought over from the USA. Unfortunately, this drug is not yet on our PBS and will cost $1900 per fortnight, capped at $27,000.
Regardless of this trial, Jo has been informed that her condition is completely incurable, and that the aim of any trial or medication from this point onwards is to solely prolong her life. About 18 months ago, Jo was given an estimated 3 years life expectancy. Jo has only just turned 40.
Jo is a mother of two beautiful beautiful boys ( aged 8 and 5 ), a wife to a supportive, loving husband and a friend to so many people. She has served the NSW state as a dedicated police officer and Detective over her 20-year policing career. Her shock diagnosis and cancer treatment has taken an enormous toll on her and her family. Despite all of this, Jo has remained so infectiously positive and upbeat which has been an inspiration to us all.
We recently held a fundraising event to raise money for Jo and her family to help make special memories for them. We are now trying to continue our fundraising efforts to raise enough money to cover her ongoing treatment and ease the financial pressure on Jo and her family. We would love Jo to spend as much precious, quality time with her boys as she can.
Police Chaplin – Reverend Susan AVERY leading Jo’s coffin at the completion of Jo’s Service.
* Story behind any Nickname:
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.
A top bloke gone too soon. As the Flickman often said “It must be someone’s shout for a Red Mill Rum.” John has hung up his cue now and is relaxing somewhere with a pint of lager, Cheers John, we all miss you. !!
* Story behind any Nickname: A play on his surname
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.
Police HQ ( 20 Division )( 22 December 1967 – 1 December 1978 )( Five different Sections at HQ over that time, including the formation of Police Internal Affairs with Lionel KELLECK – RIP),
Internal Affairs ( OIC – 1978 ),
Investigator – Internal Affairs Branch ( 13 October 1980 ),
Professional Standards Branch ( name change from Internal Affairs Branch )( November 1985 ),
Appointed Chief Inspector – Senior Investigator – Internal Police Security Unit ( IPSU )( cMay 1986 ),
Internal Affairs ( name changed back from Professional Standards Branch ( 2 March 1989 ),
North West Region Internal Affairs Commander ( 16 August 1993 ),
Port Stephens-Hunter PAC will provide a Guard of Honour at the service
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Conference Room of Internal Affairs, Police HQ, Parramatta, NSW is named the Supt. Len Topping Retired Room
by Assistant Commissioner Joe CASSAR ( December 2023 )
LEONARD 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 Lenny’s wife – Lorraine and 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.
Sadly, on Friday the 1st of December North Bondi SLSC lost one of it’s greats in Craig “Cungy” Cunningham.
The Cunningham’s are a four generation North Bondi SLSC family, the type that make up the fabric of our great club. Craig was a 60 year member and an Australian Champion, winning the senior Surf Boat Championship in 1959. He was a fierce competitor that coached and mentored many athletes in the art of Surf Boat rowing and sweeping. He was a tough but fair man, very well respected in the surf boat community and will be sadly missed.
Steve Larnach
President, North Bondi SLSC
2 December 2023
* Story behind any Nickname: Cungy – ( Cunjevoi ) is a sea squirt.
Cungy was a member of North Bondi Life Saving Surf Club, NSW for 60 years.
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.
Scenes at the siege in Hastings Parade, Bondi today.A detective with a rifle at the scene of the siege, Det. Sgt. Herb Talarico.
