Service: From 20 June 1974to 29 March 1982 = 7+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 6 June 1957
Died on: 29 March 1982
Age: 24
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Driver – Urgent Duty
Event location: Tapleys Hill Rd, Glenelg North
Funeral date: 1 April 1982
Funeral location: Mt Gambier, S.A.
Buried at: Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mt Gambier
Memorial located at: ?
Warren Matheson had two small children when he died. The mother ( Barbara ) of those two small children kept in close contact with the parents of Warren after his death and are still in contact to this day. Warrens, now adult children ( Brett, 38 & Hayley, 36 ) ( in 2017) and their mother ( Barbara ) travelled from Qld to Mt Gambier in November 2016 and visited the grave of Warren. Warren now has two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1. The memory of Warren is still alive and the family will never forget the loss.
Warren Mathesons’ now adult children ( Hayley, 36 & Brett, 38 ) ( as of 2017) as seen in November 2016 with Warrens’ two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1.
This photo is Warrens parents Ian and Maureen Matheson ( seated ) with the family celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary November 2016.
Certificate of Service
[alert_green]WARRENis mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
March 29, 1982 | Two young constables, Warren John Matheson, 24, and Matthew John Payne, 22, died after the vehicle they were pursuing through Adelaide’s south-western suburbs swerved into their police car. Police subsequently charged the driver of the pursed vehicle with a number of very serious driving offences.
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29 September, 2010
Police honour their comrades
By Fred Smith (Cross Media Reporter)
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
March 29, 1982 | Two young constables, Warren John Matheson, 24, and Matthew John Payne, 22, died after a vehicle they were pursuing through Adelaide’s south-western suburbs swerved into their police car. Police subsequently charged the driver of the pursed vehicle with a number of very serious driving offences.
29 September, 2010
Police honour their comrades
By Fred Smith (Cross Media Reporter)
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
Former Euroa public cemetery caretaker Max Burnside never expected to discover the grave of a police officer who died in the line of duty almost 150 years ago.
He was busy mowing the lawn at the cemetery about 10 years ago when he spotted some white marble sticking out of the ground.
‘‘I thought it was just a stone that would hit the mower and do some damage one day, but it turned out to be a headstone completely under the ground,’’ Mr Burnside said.
The headstone belonged to Victoria Police Mounted Trooper Constable Patrick Francis Curtin, who was born in Ireland on March 17, 1836, and died near Violet Town on May 28, 1872.
Mr Burnside managed to uncover Const Curtin’s headstone and cleaned it up.
Having an active interest in history, Mr Burnside then went home and started researching the police officer’s death.
It was believed Const Curtin was the first police officer to serve at the Euroa police station and died when he was travelling back from Violet Town by wagonette after obtaining a warrant.
While attempting to avoid a rough area on the road the horse stopped, causing Const Curtin to be thrown from the wagon.
The incident caused Const Curtin’s pistol to perforate his bowel and his neck was broken during the incident.
He died a short time later, aged 36, and was buried at the Euroa public cemetery, where he quietly rested until his grave was brought to the attention of police in 2009 when a break-in happened at the cemetery’s storage shed.
During this event Mr Burnside met Leading Senior Constable Simon Hutchings, who was stationed at Euroa police station and showed a keen interest in the discovery.
Leading Sen Const Hutchings obtained a range of records about Const Curtin’s service and brought the grave to the attention of the Victoria Police Graves Committee.
The committee was known to restore graves of police officers who died in the line of duty and hold ceremonies to honour the sacrifice they made in the line of duty.
Const Curtin was honoured during a grave re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday at the Euroa public cemetery.
The service was attended by Victoria Police Chief Commission Graham Ashton, who spoke about the importance of these ceremonies in showing police that their service would never be forgotten.
Const Curtin’s great-great-granddaughter Dawn De Vond accepted a Victoria Police Star from Chief Comm Ashton.
Ms De Vond said it was wonderful for her great-great-grandfather to receive recognition.
‘‘When I got the initially phone call I was just blown out of the world, I just thought this is incredible,’’ Ms De Vond said.
‘‘I’m proud to be here, it’s just really lovely and I didn’t expect such an occasion.’’
Before Victoria Police contacted Ms De Vond she did not know a lot about Const Curtin.
She said the Victoria Police Star she accepted on her great-great-grandfather’s behalf would be donated to the historic society.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 29 April 1871, page 2
SHOCKING DEATH AT EUROA. Dr. Henry, M.B., deputy coroner for the Benalla district, held an inquest on Wednesday, the 26th inst., at the Pilgrim Inn, Euroa, on the body of Fritz Bohlmann, a waggoner.
The jury consisted of Messrs. Joseph Freeman, foreman ; James Fraser, David Cree, John Morgan, Charles Pratt, William Hewish, William Hogg, William Beaton, Andrew McGee, Charles Clusky, Thomas Lake, and John Gordon.
The jury having viewed the body, Daniel Kelly, carrier, residing at Benalla, deposed on oath.- I know the deceased Fritz Bohlmann. Have been acquainted with him seven or eight years. He was about 40 years of age. He was born in Holstein-Schleswig. He was, I believe, a single man. I saw him last alive at the Duck Ponds about 12 o’clock noon yesterday. He was a little the worse for drink when I first saw him; and I advised him to go into his waggon and have a sleep, and I promised to drive his team till we came to Euroa, which I did. When I went to awaken him I found he was dead. He was lying with his face downwards on his blankets. His head was lower than his feet, which were resting on some sheep. skins. I reported the matter to the police immediately.
By the Foreman. – It is five miles from the Duck Ponds to Euroa. I saw him several times during the journey, and he had not altered his position. He never spoke to me after he got into the waggon. I did not disturb him thinking him to be asleep.
By the Police. – He has a brother in Melbourne. He has a waggon and seven horses. On the waggon were some sheepskins and a hide. The harness was complete all but one set.
John Nicholson, M.D., deposed.- I am a legally.qualified medical practitioner, residing at Benalla. I have this day made a post-mortem examination of the body of deceased Fritz Bohlmann, now lying dead at the Pilgrim Inn. The body is of a stout, muscular build, height about 5 feet 7 1/2 inches, and aged I should say about 40. The head,, neck, and upper part of the chest were very much congested and black. There were no marks of violence externally, nor any old scars. Internally the lungs were gorged with blood; all the other organs were healthy. It appears to me that deceased died from suffocation. Lying on his face in the manner described by last witness, during a state of intoxication, would be sufficient to account for the suffocation. There was no blood in the pleural cavity. I did not examine the stomach.
Patrick. Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed.- From Information I received yesterday I proceeded to a waggon in the main street of Euroa. nearly opposite the Pilgrim Inn. – I found the deceased Fritz Bohlmann, and had him removed to the Pilgrim Inn. I searched him in company with several others. and found 17s. in one pocket and 6d. in another, also a knife. I and two others searched the waggon by candlelight to see if we could find any money, as the deceased was supposed to have some. Not finding any last night I tried again to-day in company with others, and found three £5 notes and two half-crowns. The total amount in my possession is £16 2s 6d., together with seven horses, a waggon and harness, a hide, and some sheepskins When I went first to the waggon he was partly sitting, one leg being bent under him.
The jury brought in the following verdict:- ” That Fritz Bohlmann did, on the 25th day of April, 1871, on his journey from the Duck Ponds to Euroa, die of suffocation, and that there were no marks of external injury on the body of deceased.”
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 15 April 1871, page 2
FATAL ACCIDENT AT EUROA.
A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr Gall, on Friday evening, the 8th instant, at the Seven Creeks Hotel, Euroa, touching the death of Henry Bond, who had been run over that morning.
John Wakenshaw, residing at Model Farm, near Violet Town, deposed — I have seen the deceased, Henry Bond. He was in my employment about seven weeks. He was assisting me to break in a young horse to harness for Alexander Munroe, and to see him safely on the road. Henry Bond took charge of the break at the incline on the bridge where the floods washed it away. I was in charge of the body horse when going up the incline, and I looked back and saw the wheel go over the deceased’s body. I called to Mr Munroe to stop the team, but seeing that the wheel was likely to come back on the body I called to him to go on to level ground. I then assisted deceased to the nearest hotel. He then said he thought he was dying. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time.
Alexander Munroe deposed — The deceased, Henry Bond, was helping me with a young horse to break it into harness. When we came to the Euroa bridge I asked him to take charge of the break. Next saw him lying on the road. I stopped the horses and came back to his assistance. Deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over him. Assisted to carry him to the nearest hotel. The weight on the dray was about 35cwt. There were three horses in the dray at the time of the accident. We started this morning from Mr Garrett’s, Euroa. The accident happened about half-past 11 this day (Friday).
John De Boos deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day I saw the deceased Henry Bond, and assisted him into my hotel and placed him on a bed, having heard he had been run over. I assisted to undress him. A doctor who was in the township arrived 10 minutes after the accident. In answer to the doctor, deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over his body. The doctor examined deceased and said that he could not do anything for him at the present, that the injuries were internal, and deceased was bleeding internally. Remained with deceased until he expired, which was at 12 o’clock at noon. The doctor, being under engagement to attend a patient at the Broken River was unable to be present at this inquiry.
Thomas Bond, son of John Bond, farmer, residing at the Bald hills, near Violet Town, deposed — At about half-past 12 o’clock to-day (Friday) I received information that my brother Henry Bond was hurt at Euroa. Arrived at Euroa at about 1 o’clock, and then saw my brother dead. He was about 22 years of age, and in the employment of John Wakenshaw.
Patrick Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day from information received I ran from the tollhouse on to the road. I saw Mr Wakenshaw assist Henry Bond off the road. Mr Munroe came up nearly at the same time. I spoke to deceased and asked him what had happened to him. He told me that the wheel of the dray had gone over his loins. He then walked about 70 yards with the assistance of two men to the Seven Creeks Hotel, at which place he was supplied with a bed and other necessaries. His clothing and boots were taken off. Mr Clarke was sent for. The doctor was in attendance in about 12 minutes after he was placed on the bed. From the time of the accident up to his death was about half an hour.
The finding was that the deceased, Henry Bond, was accidentally killed by a loaded dray going over him on the bridge at Euroa.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Friday 1 April 1870, page 2
Inspectors of slaughter yards have been gazetted within the shire of Benalla as follows.:. Constables Patrick Francis Curtin, Euroa;. Timothy Riordan, Violet Town; William Arthur, Benalla, and Augustus Harris Purcell at Longwood.
The Charleville Times of the 11th instant says :- Constable Patrick Curtin was accidentally killed at Adavale through his horse running him against a tree. The deceased had served several years in the Central Division, and was transferred here during the strike.” The deceased was well-known both in Rockhampton and at Mount Morgan, having been stationed at each place for a considerable time. He left here for the south in December last.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 19 July 1989
Senior Constable – appointed 9 December 1996
Stations: D 24 General Duties, Traffic Operations Group – Melbourne Metro,
Benalla General Duties, Benalla Traffic Management Unit from 10 November 1997 – Death
Service: From 13 March 1989to 26 December 1998= 8+years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star – posthumously in 2007. Presented to his sister – SenCon Megan De Winne.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1969
Died on: Saturday 26 December 1998 about 9.35am
Age: 29
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Driver – Urgent Duty -v- Tree
Event location: Midland Hwy, Yin Barun, near Swanpool, Victoria
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: 1/ Benalla Police Station Memorial Garden
2/ Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital
Senior Constable Simon De Winne Plaque Located at 19 Bridge Street West, Police Station, Police Memorial Garden, Benalla, 3672 in Victoria in Australia. GPS Location: Lat: -36.555495 Long: 145.975424
Senior Constable Simon David De Winne was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star
[alert_green]SIMONIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
At 9.35 a.m. on Saturday, 26th December 1998, Senior Constable De Winne was travelling south along the Midland Highway, near Swanpool, intending to intercept a vehicle for a traffic offence. He lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree, killing him instantly.
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Simon David De Winne joined Victoria Police on 13th March 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony on 19th July 1989. Simon worked on General Duties, D.24 and the Traffic Operations Group in metropolitan Melbourne before transferring to Benalla General Duties where he was promoted to Senior Constable on 9th December 1996. Senior Constable De Winne then transferred to the Benalla Traffic Management Unit on 10th November 1997.
On Saturday, 26 December 1998, Senior Constable Simon De Winne died on duty when his patrol vehicle collided with a tree on the Midland Highway, 15 kms south of Benalla.
The Victoria Police Star was posthumously awarded to Senior Constable Simon De Winne at graduation ceremony in 2007. The award was presented to Senior Constable De Winne’s sister, Senior Constable Megan De Winne.
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Senior Constable Simon David De Winne died doing what he loved.
It was 9.35am on Boxing Day, 1998. It was wet and miserable, but Sen Const De Winne was out on our roads working while most of us were at home recovering from an indulgent Christmas feast.
Sen Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Hwy near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. But as he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly.
Almost 15 years on, his brother Nick De Winne said the memories of his best mate were still so vivid and the pain of his tragic and unexpected death still so raw.
As Victorians prepare to remember our 131 fallen officers with National Police Remembrance Day on September 29, Nick paid tribute to the work of his brother and his colleagues.
“Simon was the type of guy who just made the best of every day, he loved life and loved being a police officer,” Nick said.
“I appreciate the work of our police more now, they deal with a lot of ferals every day,” he said. “I definitely do respect them (the police) a whole lot more.”
Nick said his brother’s zest for life continued to be an inspiration.
“Simon lived life to the full and he was just a bag of fun to be around,” he said.
Nick said for Simon joining the police force was his lifelong dream.
“He was like a father figure to us; we grew up without dad so he took me under his wing,” Nick said.
“It is shocking, nothing ever replaces it and no matter what I do I won’t be able to see him or hear him again and that’s the hardest thing.”
Sen Const De Winne joined the Victorian Police on March 13, 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony in July that year.
Like all officers, Sen Const De Winne began his career at the frontline of the force, in general duties in Melbourne before driving his passion into highway patrol.
But when country life took over, Sen Const De Winne transferred to Benalla Police Station where he accepted a general duties position before securing another highway patrol berth.
Sen Const De Winne didn’t just inspire his brother Nick or other brother Byron, he also encouraged his sister Megan to pursue a career within the force.
Megan De Winne is a police officer in Melbourne and has often starred on the television show Highway Patrol.
“Megan failed the first time but after Simon was killed she had more determination than ever to do it and she did,” Nick said.
His legacy continues to live on through Nick and his two mates from the station, Senior Constables Paul Bronsgeest and Richard Cameron.
“I guess I wonder why people speed, why they do it — I ask myself that all the time,” Nick said.
“It’s unnecessary and it’s not cool and it causes trauma. What our family has gone through I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.”
National Police Remembrance Day is on September 29.
Benalla Police will host a ceremony at the station on September 28 from 9.20am. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family.
Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
Front Inscription
Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre
Plaque :
The Urgent Health Care Unit at Benalla Health was officially dedicated as a Police Memorial in memory of Senior Constable Simon De Winne, (27590) by Mr William Noonan, OAM Chairman, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation on Thursday, 10th May 2012
Location of Urgent Care Centre: 45 – 53 Coster Street, Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre, Benalla Hospital, Benalla, 3672
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family. Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
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Benalla Health Report – 2012
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the former emergency department in July, now known as the ‘Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre’, a Dedication Ceremony was held earlier this year by the Police Blue Ribbon Foundation to honour Simon.
The Ceremony was attended by over 100 guests and officiated by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Road Policing, Kieran Walshe APM.
We are very fortunate to have a generous community and we are extremely grateful to those who support us through philanthropy, volunteering and membership
of one of our auxiliaries. We sincerely thank them all for their tireless efforts to ensure that both patients and staff are given the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
Ann Brimblecombe’s life was one well spent with almost 1000 mourners turning out to Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday to bid the Victorian policewoman farewell.
Killed in a car accident at Larsens Cutting near Eskdale, last Wednesday, Sen-Constable Brimblecombe was known about the North East for her work in schools as a bicycle education officer.
The service, conducted with full police honours, reflected her jovial nature, her sense of community and voluntaryism and most of all, her strong relationship with the region’s children.
Her older brother, Peter Brimblecombe spoke of her love for sport, the Geelong Football Club, her idol Gary Ablett and of the North East as her “spiritual home”.
“After graduating from Chadstone College, she attended teachers’ college at Bendigo and after getting her degree there were no primary teaching jobs available,” he said.
“It was then she made the decision to join the Victoria Police.”
Mr Brimblecombe said his sister had eight nephews and nieces and remembered all their birthdays, was highly active in the Wangaratta bowls club, and taught adult literacy.
“Her other great loves were dogs and chocolate,” he said.
“She was old fashioned, quirky, bright and bubbly, she had a daggy sense of humour.
“Ann was a one and only.”
The service was attended by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Christine Nixon and Victorian Police Minister Tim Holding.
Most knew her as Senior Ann, and pupils of Wangaratta West, Chisholm St Primary, Wangaratta Primary, Cathedral College, St Monica’s Primary in Wodonga, St Patrick’s at Wangaratta, Moyhu Primary, Everton Primary, Wangaratta West, Yarrunga, Appin Park Primary and Bright P-12 College formed a guard of honour.
Wangaratta Primary teacher David Capper paid tribute.
“She had a terrific sense of humour, she used to make the kids do her Prince Philip walk and make them say ‘just like Senior Ann’ whenever she taught them anything,” he said.
Beth Hutchinson, of Beechworth, said her daughter India-Rose, 11, taught by Senior Ann, had asked to attend the service.
“She really got through to the kids, we were ever so grateful — she’s such a loss to the community,” Ms Hutchinson said.
– By Riccarda Burley, August 22, 2006
Police form honor guard at Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe’s funeral.
In memory of our friend and colleague Ann Brimblecombe Senior Constable 21795 `Senior Ann` Tragically killed performing road safety in active duty August 16, 2006 Member of the Wangaratta Police complex ——- Commemorates Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe placed in the Wangaratta Paediatric Unit. The memorial plaque was officially dedicated at Batchelor’s Green on the 10th May 2012. Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a Wangaratta Highway Patrol member who was killed in a car crash in August 2006 while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to give a bicycle safety lecture. She was affectionately known as “Senior Ann” by children as she ran bicycle education programs throughout the North East. Address of plaque: 21 Handley Street, Wangaratta Police Complex, Wangaratta, 3677, Victoria, Australia
BRIMBLECOMBE SEN.CON. ANN JANE “SENIOR ANN” 8.12.1957 – 16.8.2006 Loved daughter of Alex and Jennifer. Sister to Peter, Claire, Ian & Ross Treasured Memories
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‘Safety – Think It .. Do It’ to win $2,000 for your school
A message about safety at your school or in the community could win your school $2,000 and also have them receive the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award. The ‘Caring About Regional Safety’ (CARS) program, which is now in its eighth year, is a primary school based competition that gets kids thinking about safety.
CARS began as a way to both commemorate the valuable work that Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe did with primary school children and also help ensure her messages about safety are ongoing. Tragically ‘Senior Ann’ as she was affectionately known by hundreds of school children, died as the result of a motor vehicle accident in August 2006.
Get Your Class Involved
The competition is open to all local primary schools in NE Victoria and Southern New South Wales and asks children to actively think about safety and create a promotional poster. It could be safety at home, in the school yard or even when they are travelling.
Teachers may like to encourage students to think about a safety message that they are individually interested in or have the class decide on a safety theme that everyone can concentrate on.
Teachers should collate all their students’ posters (ensuring that each students name, class and school are written on the back) and send to the CARS Action Team before the competition closes each year.
To help stimulate the students, a representative of the police force will be available to visit every school to talk to students about safety. If your school would like to organise a visit or if you would like to find out more about CARS contact:
CARS Action Team – Senior Sergeant Michael Connors
Wangaratta Police Station
1 Handley Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Phone: 0357 230 830
Safety Sam – Think It .. Do It
‘Safety Sam’ is our mascot to help promote the ‘Safety- Think It .. Do It’ message. If the winning poster has the image of Safety Sam included in it, the students who created it will (pending parental approval) win a ride in a police car as well as a ride in a police boat. Download an image of Safety Sam here.
Canberra United?Verified account @CanberraUnited 10 Dec 2016 Congratulations @ashsykes91, winner of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal for Player of the Match! #BlueRibbonCup #MCYvCBR pic.twitter.com/HZjAC0OM5c
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The Blue Ribbon Cup – Melbourne City v Canberra United
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Canberra United
Melbourne City & Canberra United will play for the Blue Ribbon Cup on Saturday in their second meeting of the 2016/17 Westfield W-League season.
The Blue Ribbon Cup is held in partnership with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, which perpetuates the memory of members of the Victorian Police Force killed in the line of duty, by supporting worthwhile community projects within the State.
This will be the first edition of the W-League Blue Ribbon Cup, with the player of the match to be awarded the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe passed away on duty in 2006 when her vehicle ran off the road while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a serving member of the Victorian Police Force for over 26 years, and was promoted to Senior Constable in 1985 after six years in the force.
Canberra United Head Coach Rae Dower, a former member of the Queensland Police Force for over 20 years, said that the occasion adds something of a personal feel to the matchday.
“It’s a lovely initiative from Melbourne City, the Blue Ribbon Cup, played for between the two teams,” she said.
“And with nearly 21 years in the Police service I’ve lost a lot of friends on the job, unfortunately, but also with some illnesses; a lot of emergency services personnel commit suicide after they retire, or whilst they’re still on the job.”
“So it certainly will be a more personal touch, and probably gives us a little more incentive to go on and win that as well.”
More information on the Blue Ribbon Foundation can be found at http://www.remember.org.au/, including information on the projects managed by the organisation, and an honour roll of those who have served.
– See more at: http://www.canberraunited.com.au/article/the-blue-ribbon-cup—melbourne-city-v-canberra-united/camla3n5avhj1y2g4ax87nq9a#sthash.9P5iK5hl.dpuf
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2016
Brimblecombe, Senior Constable Ann Jane
08/12/57 – 16/08/06
To those involved in keeping ‘Senior Ann’s’ work and memory alive for ten years. Thank you with pride and gratitude from her family.
Published in The Border Mail o – See more at: http://tributes.bordermail.com.au/obituaries/bordermail-au/obituary.aspx?pid=181073547#sthash.1Mi0dvMF.dpuf
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Claire Lewis with the pink rosemary to be planted in memory of her sister, policewoman Ann Brimblecombe who died 10 years ago. PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
TWO rosemary bushes will be planted next to an existing commemorative plaque for Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe.
The plants will be installed at Wangaratta Police station by Ann’s sister, Claire Lewis, on Tuesday on the 10th anniversary of Ann’s death.
The former Wangaratta police officer, affectionately known as ‘Senior Ann’, was tragically killed in a car accident at age 49 in 2006, on her way from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to present a bike safety session.
Rod JohnsI attended and took charge at this collision a very sad day and one I reflect on often, a lovely lady who put so much energy into the children at the schools she attended. A great community loss and to her family.
Nicole ShortisI was a member at the Wangaratta bowls club with Anne and her family when this tragedy happened. It was nice to see her face come up on Facebook. Great to see such a good project come from a sad tragedy.
Greg DohertyAnne was always on the look out for teaching aids I managed to get hold of the bicycle helmet that my sons mate was wearing when he was hit by a car the inner helmet was shattered saving the boys life it made a great teaching aid for her . Anne was always pleasant to talk to despite her illness she just kept on going. She was a very dedicated person and her sudden demise came as one hell of a shock to the T.M.U office at wangaratta. Vale Annie Brimblecombe.,
Pam O’SullivanRIP Ann. I hope those school kids get the message you were on your way to deliver. You’ve shown by example how quickly and without warning death can take the life of a road user. My condolences to your family and colleagues..
Ann Brimblecombe’s students teach police a thing or too
NATALIE KOTSIOS
Winners are grinners: Sgt Michael Connors and WAW Credit Unions Peter Challis gave Wooragee pupils their prize yesterday. Picture: MATTHEW SMITHWICK
A COMPETITION designed to give children safety awareness is teaching Victoria Police a thing or two, too.
This year’s Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award was launched yesterday at Wooragee Primary School, the winner of last year’s safety awareness competition.
The award, in its 7th year, commemorates Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe, the North East’s road safety in schools officer, killed in a car accident in 2006.
She was the state’s only such officer and there hasn’t been another in the North East since.
Her memory lives on through this competition, which involves North East and Albury pupils creating posters with safety messages.
Sgt Michael Connors, of Wangaratta highway patrol, encouraged children to talk about all aspects of safety.
He said their observations gave police greater insights and were often “completely different to what the police are thinking”.
“I can’t stress enough how important that is. You couldn’t gauge how many kids have been saved by Ann Brimblecombe’s message,” he said.
Wooragee’s winning entry focused on stranger danger. Other themes were cyber-bullying, kitchen safety and phoning while driving.
The winning school receives $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
Wooragee Primary School principal Christine Varker said the children were already brain-storming ideas.
She said the competition had changed how pupils thought about safety and they “now talk about much broader issues than just road safety.”
The school will spend its prize money on building a chicken coop.
“They’ve even considered the safety of the chickens,” Ms Varker said.
“They’ve ensured it will be fox and wedge-tail eagle-proof.”
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
The Wangaratta community joined forces to honour one of their most beloved police officers and continue her dedication to road safety with the launch of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award today at Yarrunga Primary School.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe was Victoria’s only dedicated Road Safety in Schools officer, making her “truly one of a kind” according to her colleagues.
Tragically, S/C Brimblecombe was killed in a vehicle collision in August 2006 on her way to Mitta Mitta Primary School.
Assistant Commissioner (Region 4) Bob Hastings said the award was a fitting tribute to S/C Brimblecombe.
“One of Ann’s strengths was her commitment to road safety and the impact she had on hundreds of young lives in the area,” A/C Hastings said.
“I’m very proud to launch the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award and I strongly believe it will continue her work in road safety.
“Victoria Police is grateful for the support of WAW Credit Union and local schools in this initiative, which allows the community to be actively involved in promoting and developing the road safety message.”
The award was the idea of a number of Wangaratta police members after Region 4 Division 5 Superintendent Jock Menzel suggested they look at a way of honouring S/C Brimblecombe’s memory.
It invites schools to ‘Care About Road Safety’ (CARS) by identifying a road safety issue and developing an action plan to combat it.
The school that submits the entry judged to deliver the most benefit to their school community will also receive $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
A/C Hastings spoke at today’s launch about the impact S/C Brimblecombe had on the community.
“Ann had her own way of passing on the road safety message, trying to make it as fun as possible and as a result her messages would be remembered,” A/C Hastings said.
“There would be many occasions where Ann would purchase small toys or action figures on her own initiative, in an effort to show kids a message she was trying to get across, such as toy rollerblades and the correct way to lace them up.
“If you went to her class, you would probably remember the big board game of safety she invented so children could remember the rules of road safety. The message at number 100 was ‘You made it to school safely – well done!’.”
A/C Hastings also reflected on S/C Brimblecombe’s generous nature and her ability to make everyone feel special.
“Ann was awarded prize money at one point by the Wangaratta Council Youth Representatives and approached Senior Sergeant Bill Gore to check she was allowed to keep it, then spent it on prizes for the kids at schools,” he said.
“She had a way of making sure nobody missed out and when there were kids who maybe needed a helmet for riding their bike to school but perhaps couldn’t afford it, Ann always made sure they had the right equipment.
“She also received money from the North East Community Road Safety Council each year to communicate the road safety message through schools and Ann always spent this money on equipment to ensure ‘her’ kids were on safe bikes.”
In an effort to promote road safety, WAW Credit Union has also lent their support to the award.
“As part of our Community Support policy, WAW Credit Union actively looks for ways to support worthwhile projects in the areas our service centres operate,” said WAW spokesperson Linda Butler.
“The work S/C Ann Brimblecombe did within our region’s schools was invaluable and so we were very excited to be asked to be part of the Caring About Road Safety initiative.
“WAW knows that these sort of activities are certain to keep the memory of Ann and the work she did ongoing for many years to come and we applaud Victoria Police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation for their work in this area.”
A/C Hastings urged all students to think about how they could best make a positive impact on their school.
“This competition is about the school community so think about the ways you can improve road safety around it,” he said.
“A safer bus shelter, a fence around your school crossing to ensure children don’t spill out on to the roadway, road signs, anything else that you can think of that will make your school safer – put it together in a submission and send it in.
“We’ll never know how many young people are alive today because of Ann’s work over the years and Victoria Police and its partners in this competition hope to see this work continue.”
THICK fog is believed to have caused a single-vehicle crash that killed a country policewoman dedicated to teaching children about road safety.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, 49, was on duty and travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta yesterday when her vehicle ran off the Omeo Highway about 2½ kilometres south of Eskdale and struck a tree.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe, a bicycle education officer, was on her way to give a lecture at the time.
Police believe she left Wangaratta at 7.30am and at some stage her car left the road in foggy conditions. It was discovered by a farmer about 11am.
She had been a police officer for 27 years and had worked at force reserve in Russell Street before being stationed at Kew.
In 1981 she was stationed at the Russell Street policewomen’s division and also served in the community police squad in Melbourne’s east. She was promoted to senior constable in 1985 and while she returned to force reserve in 1993, she transferred to Wangaratta in 1995 where she had worked ever since.
Yackandandah Primary School, where Senior Constable Brimblecombe had spent the two days before her death teaching road safety, was in shock after learning of the tragedy.
Principal Kathy Petzke said the pupils looked forward to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s annual visit.
“It was quite an interactive program she provided with a lot of home-made props … We’re all very shocked about what has happened yet grateful for the important role she played.”
Wangaratta police acting Inspector David Ryan said her death was a great loss not only to Victoria Police, but also to the general school community.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings said Senior Constable Brimblecombe regularly travelled long distances as part of her job. “She was always a very cautious and safe driver … she was well prepared and knew the country and the terrain,” he said.
“I went to visit Ann’s parents and spoke with her mum and dad and brother and sister there and they are handling it as well as can be expected.”
Police Association secretary Paul Mullett said Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a well-respected member who would be sadly missed.
Police Minister Tim Holding yesterday expressed sympathy to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s family. “Our thoughts also go out to her friends and fellow officers,” he said. “We honour her service and are greatly saddened by the tragic circumstances of her passing.”
About 5.40am on Friday 19 February 1971, Constable Fleming was the observer in a police divisional van travelling along the Boulevard, Kew, when the vehicle ran off the road, crashed through a fence and plunged down an embankment. Fleming received massive head injuries and died instantly.
He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star on the 5 April 2007.
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Western Port News, Victoria Tuesday 17 January 2017 Page 12
The Mornington Peninsula Branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation together with our local police, Chief Commissioner and other distinguished guests today hosted a dedication to Constable Phillip FLEMING 15731 who was killed on duty in a motor vehicle accident on 19 February 1971.
The ceremony with Police Honours dedicated a purpose built emergency operating theatre at Peninsula Health as a permanent memorial to Constable FLEMING.
The service was a moving tribute to his memory and the creation of this new state of the art facility at Peninsula Health will ensure his memory lives on.
I take this opportunity to thank the Blue Ribbon Foundation, business and community alike for enabling the creation of this important medical facility.
Brett Coloe
A/Inspector
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A committed officer takes the exit ramp
John Silvester
THE sight of the apparently unflappable senior policeman giving calm television updates as the state burnt provided just a measure of reassurance as we faced our greatest natural disaster.
On Black Saturday, and in the days and weeks that followed, Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was the front man, running the police response, from initial evacuation to the grim process of identifying victims.
With the death toll by late Saturday standing at 16, he knew it would get ”much worse”, but no one could have imagined the count would rise to 173.
Much has been said about then chief commissioner Christine Nixon choosing to head to a North Melbourne pub for a meal on the night of February 7, 2009, as Victoria burned.
But little has been said about how Walshe ran the emergency operation, providing strong leadership for police out in the carnage and a measured tone for the community trying to come to terms with an event almost beyond imagination.
What few knew at the time was that, behind the carefully constructed professional facade, the deputy commissioner was in turmoil as – like so many – he had been touched by those fires.
The father of four daughters, he had feared early on that his son-in-law’s family had been caught in one of the blazes. The worst was confirmed the next day. ”His mother and brother were victims who were lost in the Strathewen fires,” he says.
”I was trying to provide support for my daughter and her husband, but at the same time we had a job to do. I believe that if you take on a role, then you have to step up during the testing times.”
It has been part of the philosophy that has sustained him during his 44-year career, which has seen him rise from a 16-year-old police cadet to a deputy commissioner who served under three chiefs.
Big, broad and bald, with a copper’s handshake and a friendly manner, the senior policeman, now 61, will retire at the end of next week, proud at what he has achieved and confident the force has moved on from the poisonous office politics that previously infected its top ranks. This included assistant commissioner Noel Ashby’s bugged conversations that showed him trying to damage rival Simon Overland’s chances of becoming the next chief commissioner, and then deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones’ well-documented spat with Overland.
”I have always believed that you must remain loyal to the organisation and to your leader,” says Walshe. ”So it was particularly disappointing when certain members of the executive showed less than true loyalty to the chief commissioner.”
The manner of Simon Overland’s forced resignation last year still grates. ”He had the organisation on the right track and was totally committed to the Victoria Police. The way he left remains one of the low points of my career.”
He says he also enjoyed working with Nixon. ”Christine has a different, more relaxed, management style. She recognised people’s skills and trusted them to do a job.”
Many kids flirt with the idea of joining the police. Most grow out of it. Walshe didn’t. Ever since he was nine, growing up in Bendigo, his career path was set. His father knew many of the local coppers, who left a lasting impression on the youngster, and as soon as he was old enough he moved to Melbourne to join.
It was 1968 and Australia was just starting to feel comfortable about decimal currency; former fighter pilot John Gorton was prime minister; and Richard Nixon moved into the White House.
As a cadet, Walshe was sent to get experience at busy stations, including Northcote, where he no doubt got under the feet of the head of the crime section, a certain Detective Senior Sergeant Fred Silvester. After graduating, he went to Russell Street before transferring to Collingwood, where he experienced firsthand the dangers of his job.
On a night shift in 1971, the Ford divisional van he was driving along The Boulevard in Kew smashed through a fence and plunged 45 metres down an embankment. When he regained consciousness he tried to help his partner, Constable Phillip Fleming, who was motionless in the passenger seat. Walshe radioed for help then clambered back up the hill, his head badly gashed. What he didn’t yet know was that his partner had been killed on impact.
Walshe, now finishing up as Victoria’s traffic chief, says that having been involved in a fatal accident (”losing a mate … you carry it your whole life”) taught him the consequences of each road death.
”There is the victim, the family and the friends. The effect is devastating to so many people. I think it is one of the reasons I have been passionate about road policing.”
Walshe moved around busy inner-city stations before moving to Ascot Vale and the CIB (criminal investigation branch). ”I tried to treat each investigation as a learning experience and a chance to build your skills.”
By the 1980s, he was in charge of the air wing, which he built up from one helicopter and two fixed-wing aircraft to a service that provided emergency rescues, ambulance response, transport, traffic observation, drug crop identification and criminal surveillance. Despite not being a pilot, he was once given a million dollars and told to go out and buy a single-engine helicopter. Considering the number of lame buys senior police have made over the years, including spending a fortune on a computer system with the power of a crystal set, it is a wonder he didn’t come back with a blimp.
His career – in which he has moved through all ranks and most areas of the force – proved to be the perfect grounding for high office. This included a stint with the ethical standards department, an area that he thinks too many police avoid as they ”don’t see it as a good career move”. While there are still police (including some elite investigators) who refuse to work in ESD, dubbing it ”The Filth” or ”The Toecutters”, Walshe says a spell in the area improves leadership skills. ”You learn to recognise the early warning signs of when someone might be about to make some poor decisions.
”ESD deals with serious criminal and disciplinary matters. We accept that when someone in the community commits a crime they should be prosecuted and we should have the same attitude when it comes to police.”
From 1999, Walshe also spent two years at Seymour, where he found a new respect for country police. ”Country policing is so different to metropolitan policing. There is no sense of anonymity as you live in the same community where you work. Everyone knows you are a police officer.” He sees police in Victoria’s 99 one-person country stations as ”the last bastion of authority. The house is usually next door to the station, so you are expected to be available 24/7.”
Like many, Walshe watched the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre, soon realising it would change the face of policing. In 2005, he was made assistant commissioner counter terrorism and was involved in Australia’s two biggest terrorism investigations, Pendennis and Neath. ”These were significant disruption exercises. It remains of great concern that these cells were operating not only in Australia, but specifically Melbourne.”
He says there has been a marked shift in the expectations of police recruits today. ”It is a generational thing. The vast majority are as committed to serving the community as we were back in 1968, but more of them see it as a job rather than as a career. That never entered my mind when I joined, as I fully expected to stay until I retired – although I didn’t dream I would last 44 years.”
”When Ken [Lay] was appointed Chief Commissioner, I knew the time was right for me to go. There are some things I want to do while I am still fit enough to do them.” These include travel with his wife, Denise, and spending time with his family, including his eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren.
Mate and long-time colleague Lay told us, ”Kieran has had a magnificent career. I was his subordinate and he was the sort of boss you would die for. When we were peers I always appreciated his wise counsel and as my deputy he has been rock solid and loyal.
”You always know where you are with him. He will look you in the eye and tell you what he thinks. I will miss his wise advice, and the organisation will miss his leadership.”
Victoria’s top road safety policeman, Kieran Walshe says a fatal crash he was involved in 40 years ago puts him in a better position to understand road trauma.
Constable Phillip Fleming was killed when a police van driven by Kieran Walshe crashed in Kew, in February 1971.
Deputy Commissioner Walshe has spoken publicly about the crash for the first time, ahead of the launch of the international decade of action for road safety.
He has rejected allegations he was driving inappropriately and has told ABC Local Radio, he is able to do his job well, because of his experience.
“I live with it, I deal with it. I think it makes me a better position to understand what other people endure when they experience and go through road trauma,” he said.
“I think it helps me be a little bit more passionate about the message that I need to make sure I give to the community of Victoria.”
He has spoken out because of questions from former officers about his ability to do his job.
“Obviously, for some reason, someone wants to challenge my reputation, or challenge my credibility to do my job,” he said.
“I dispute that. I think that I’ve done my job and continue to do my job very well and you never get over these things.”
MARK COLVIN: There’s been more controversy around senior figures in Victoria Police today, with revelations that the state’s top traffic cop was the driver in a fatal car crash in Melbourne 40 years ago.
The facts of the accident have resurfaced, just days after the State Government ordered an independent inquiry into the upper echelons of police.
Liz Hobday reports.
LIZ HOBDAY: Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was driving a police wagon at a notorious accident spot on Kew Boulevard in 1971, when he lost control of his vehicle. The van ran off the road and plunged down an embankment, killing his passenger and good friend 22-year-old constable Phillip Fleming.
Kieran Walshe was 19 at the time, and says he woke up in hospital.
KIERAN WALSHE: I have no actual recollection of what took place at the time the vehicle left the road.
LIZ HOBDAY: A coronial inquest delivered an open finding.
KIERAN WALSHE: There has been a thorough investigation. There is no evidence to implicate or any impropriety in the way I drove the vehicle.
LIZ HOBDAY: The revelations emerged in the Herald Sun this morning, two days after the Victorian Government ordered an inquiry into the actions of those at the top of the force, after a string of controversies.
Kieran Walshe says he doesn’t know who told the newspaper about the crash, or why.
KIERAN WALSHE: I don’t know what their motivations are. All I can say is that I can only assume there’s some endeavour by somebody to discredit me.
LIZ HOBDAY: Kieran Walshe says he didn’t tell Chief Commissioner Simon Overland about the crash when he got the job of deputy commissioner, regional and road policing.
KIERAN WALSHE: Simon Overland has only been in Victoria Police for a little over eight years, nine years. It wasn’t something that I thought it was necessary to go and say to him. This happened 40 years ago.
LIZ HOBDAY: The Police Association’s Greg Davies says the latest story won’t affect morale; the problem is more the numerous inquiries now underway.
GREG DAVIES: Well we’ve got obviously at least three inquiries running at the moment into the police force, we’ve got turmoil at the top levels, that has to have a cascading effect to other levels of senior management, down all the way to the youngest constable.
LIZ HOBDAY: And he says retired officers could be behind the latest story.
GREG DAVIES: As far as who might be behind it, well we can only speculate. I’d be more inclined to think it would be a retired police officer than a current serving one.
LIZ HOBDAY: The latest inquiry into senior management at Victoria Police, is expected to report to Government within six months.
VICTORIA’S top traffic cop has spoken publicly for the first time about the trauma of crashing a car in which his passenger, a fellow police officer, died.
Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe lost control of the police divvy van he was driving 40 years ago as it was travelling on The Boulevard in Kew.
The Falcon van crashed through a fence and plunged 45m down a steep embankment, killing Constable Phillip Fleming, 22, about 5.40am on February 19, 1971.
Mr Walshe decided to tell his story to reject recent claims by former police officers that he was driving inappropriately on what has for decades been one of Melbourne’s most notorious street racing black spots.
“That’s not something that I ever did. It was not in my nature to drive in that manner and there is just no evidence to say that I did,” he told the Herald Sun.
Mr Walshe said Chief Commissioner Simon Overland was not aware of his involvement in the crash when he appointed him head of the traffic branch, but was now, and was happy for him to continue in the role.
Mr Walshe said: “I have been subjected to a thorough investigation. I have been subjected to a coronial inquiry and at no stage was there any evidence identified that gave any indication of any inappropriate behaviour on my part.”
Coroner Harry Pascoe recorded an open finding in 1971, saying from the evidence available it was not possible to determine if Constable Fleming’s death was “accidental or otherwise”.
The former officers this week claimed they were raising the issue only because Mr Walshe was recently put in charge of road safety policing in Victoria.
“The question arises how he, with any credibility, can criticise people in their 20s for hoon-type behaviour on Victorian roads,” one of them said.
But Mr Walshe, 60, said yesterday that having been involved in the fatal accident made him better able to do his job.
“I certainly have a greater appreciation than other people would who haven’t been involved in trauma like I have been,” he said.
“It makes me more passionate about the message I am trying to deliver out there – anybody can be involved in road trauma.”
The death of Constable Fleming continued to haunt Mr Walshe.
“When you are the driver … and you lose a close mate it has an impact … that you carry for the rest of your life. It’s just a really difficult thing that you have to live with,” he said.
Mr Walshe was quizzed by accident investigator Sen-Constable James Kenneday about why he was driving on The Boulevard.
“Did you go to The Boulevard for a burn in the van?” Sen-Constable Kenneday asked in 1971.
Mr Walshe replied: “I don’t remember.”
The issue comes as the administration of VicPol has become a major political issue. Premier Ted Baillieu this week appointed Jack Rush, QC, to examine, among other things, the effectiveness of the senior structure of police command.
On 15th November 2006 the senior sergeant was in Canberra to attend a Conference of the National Counter Terrorism Committee on behalf of the New South Wales Police Force in his capacity as Police Technical Unit National Capability Advisor. He collapsed and passed away at his accommodation while preparing to attend the conference.
The senior sergeant was born in 1962 and was sworn in as a probationary constable on 26th October 1984. At the time of his death he was attached to the State Technical Investigation Branch. He is listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
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David John MANSFIELD
| 12/04/2017
David John MANSFIELD
aka Dave
( late of Edgeworth )
New South Wales Police Force
Commenced with Goulburn Police Academy Class ???
Regd. # 43664
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 1 February 2007 ( aged 31 years, 4 months, 27 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 28 August 2007 ( aged 31 years, 11 months, 23 days )
Constable – appointed ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ?
Senior Constable – appointed ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, City Central, ?, Tuggerah Lakes
Service: From 1 February 2007 to 7 September 2016 = 9 years, 7 months, 6 days Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Friday 5 September 1975
Died on: Wednesday 7 September 2016
Cause: Bowel Cancer – diagnosed early 2015
Age: 41 years, 0 months, 2 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 13 September 2016 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Macquarie Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium, 405 Cessnock Rd, Ryhope
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
DAVE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Dave has lost his battle with Bowel Cancer and passed away on Wednesday 7 August 2016.
We pass on our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife and three children.
May you forever Rest In Peace Dave.
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The Funeral is at 2pm with the Service commencing at 2.30pm by Reverend Mark Watt, Police Chaplain, and the Service will be a full Police Funeral.
Those wishing to march in the Marching Escort Party are to be at the Memorial Park at 1.30pm for rehearsal in full uniform.
The family have invited all, after the service, to Central Leagues Club, Bula St, Charlestown to celebrate Dave’s life and it was on of Dave’s last wishes that those attending the funeral ( not in uniform ) wear a Hawaiian Shirt and bright colours to ‘celebrate his life’ and not mourn it.
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MANSFIELD, David John ‘DAVE’
Late of Edgeworth
Passed away peacefully surrounded by His loving friends & family
7th September, 2016
Aged 41 Years
Dearly loved Husband of KY-LEE.
Much loved Dad of SARAH, KYAN, & LILA.
Adored Son of BRIAN MANSFIELD, SONJA & EDWARD HERIVEL,
Son-in-law of DAVID & MARGARET STODDART,
Brother of DEBRA, GLEN, & IAN,
Brother-in-law & Uncle to His Family.
A good friend to many.
At DAVE’S request, bright colours & Hawaiian shirts to be worn.
The Family & Friends of DAVE are warmly invited to attend a Celebration Of His Life to be held in The Chapel of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope this TUESDAY 13th September, 2016 service commencing at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers & In Memory of DAVE donations to the ‘Starlight Foundation at JHH‘ may be made at the service.
Message dated: Thursday 8 September 2016 May you rest in peace Dave Mansfield. You fought the entire battle with more courage than anyone known. We would break any world record to still have you here. Sincerest of condolences to the Mansfield family.
22 Apr 2015
Central Coast Express Advocate Wyong
Emma Herd
Police leap to challenge of helping stricken mate
WHEN Senior Constable Dave Mansfield was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year, he had many colleagues willing to literally jump to his aid.
Senior Constable Jay Stewart and colleagues Graham Smith, Mick Errickson, Karen Bertram and Steve Bancroft warming up for their Guinness Book of World Records attempt for continuous jumping on a jumping castle.
As a fundraiser for the father of three, officers from Tuggerah Lakes police are preparing to set a new Guinness Book of World Records mark for continuous jumping on a jumping castle .
The record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds, and the group is determined to blow that time out of the water at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, on May 29-31.
Such was the interest in assisting the Mansfield family, organiser Senior Constable Jay Stewart had to knock back some prospective jumpers as only eight are required.
While there is no strict training schedule planned, Sen-Constable Stewart said they had a plan of attack for their record attempt.
“We’re going to try half an hour stints,” he said.
“We were going to try an hour at a time but I don’t know if you could do it for that long.”
The group have set up a Facebook page and are seeking support from businesses in the lead-up to the event.
Sen-Constable Mansfield was speechless when his colleagues told him of their plans, although he confessed to having a laugh when he was told about the jumping castle.
“I thought it was hilarious to begin with,” he said.
“But I’ve been speechless at how much support has been generated.”
Hunter Valley Amusement Hire has donated the use of a jumping castle.
Details: Search Jumpfor Dave Tuggerah Lakes on Facebook.
Eight officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police will begin a world record attempt for the longest marathon bouncing on a jumping castle at Mingara Recreation Club on Friday, May 29.
The attempt is to raise funds for their Tuggerah Local Area Command colleague, senior constable Dave Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year.
SC Mansfield is a married man and a father of a young family, so, according to the Police Association of NSW, his “police family” is banding together to raise funds to assist the Mansfield family.
The current marathon on a jumping castle world record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds.
“We believe we can blow that record out of the water by jumping well into Sunday,” said Ms Alison McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Police Association.
A family fun day will be held on Saturday, May 30 as part of the world record attempt including raffles, barbecue, NSW Police Dog Unit, POLAIR landing and “Dunk a Cop”.
Email, 27 May 2015 Alison McLaughlin, Police Association of NSW
‘Jump for Dave’ fundraiser day at Mingara Rec Centre, Tuggerah, in support of Sen Cst Dave Mansfield & his family during his medical treatment. Come by for a Sausage sandwich & see the great displays of NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue NSW, SES, VRA, Marine Rescue, PCYC. Till 2pm.
Finally tonight, a group of Central Coast police officers has set a new world record for the longest team marathon on a jumping castle, by bouncing for 43 hours and 25 minutes.
They smashed the previous mark by more than six hours.
It was all about raising money to support fellow Tuggerah Lakes officer, David Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February.
“I… I truly am speechless. How do you thank so many people? I guess you keep fighting. This is the most humbling experience I think you could ever have.”
The longest marathon on a bouncy castle by a team is 43 hr 25 min 1 sec and was achieved by Tuggerah Lakes Police (Australia) in Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales, Australia, on 29-31 May 2015.
The team consisted of Jay Stewart, Graham Smith, Steve Bancroft, Mick Erickson, Nicole Bird, Jon Paul Dinsdale, Karen Bertram, and Dave Brown. They attempted this record to raise money for a New South Wales Police officer who was diagnosed with cancer.
A quick-thinking driver and two alert off-duty police officers saved 32 foreign tourists from the smoke, flames and explosions of a burning tour bus in Sydney.
The group were travelling on the Gore Hill freeway at Artarmon about 6.30pm yesterday when the driver noticed an engine fire, prompting him to stop in a breakdown lane and quickly start evacuating his passengers.
Two off-duty police officers, Constable David Mansfield and Senior Constable Bryon Williams, happened to be travelling in a car nearby and decided to follow the bus after noticing smoke coming from its rear.
“As the bus pulled over we got out of the car,” Senior Constable Williams told reporters yesterday.
“The back of the bus was engulfed in flames and smoke.”
By the time the officers got to the front of the bus, passengers were scrambling to get off.
“Obviously there was a lot of chaos,” Senior Constable Williams said.
“Within minutes the whole bus was alight.
“There were numerous explosions … the windows on either side were blowing out with the heat.
“I thought, if we don’t get these people off there’s going to be a big fatality.”
None of the passengers were injured. The officers and the bus driver suffered smoke inhalation.
All that remains of the bus is a burnt shell.
The freeway at Artarmon was closed between Willoughby Road and Reserve Road for nearly an hour while firefighters fought the blaze, causing traffic problems.
Two off-duty police officers who had just seconds to save passengers from a burning bus on Sydney’s North Shore last night say they feared the bus would explode.
Senior Constable Bryon Williams and Constable David Mansfield were travelling behind the bus when it caught on fire while carrying 32 tourists on the Gore Hill Freeway in Artarmon about 6:00pm.
The driver pulled over and the officers only had seconds to get the passengers off before flames engulfed the bus.
Senior Constable Williams says the officers’ first concern was the passengers.
“It was out of control. Within a minute, the whole bus was nearly alight. The windows on either side of the bus were blowing out with the heat and the amount of fire and that coming from the bus,” he said.
“It was close… I actually thought this thing’s going to blow up and if we don’t get these people off, there’s going to be a big fatality.
“It was very scary from my point of view, from the point of view of the people on the bus and the poor bus driver himself.”
The fire started in the engine bay of the bus.
The southbound lanes of the freeway were closed for more than an hour, causing traffic problems.
BALL died on a Thursday after being struck by a passing motor vehicle, whilst struggling with an offender on Crawford St, Cannington. BALL was born 15 March 1969 and joined the police force on the 18th of December 1995.
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Constable Peter Ball Memorial Youth Award
Constable Peter Ball was stationed at Gosnells Police Station and was on duty on 6 August 1998 when he was run down by a car while chasing a suspected car thief in Cannington. Peter died in hospital the next day, leaving behind a young wife and his 18 month old daughter.
Tributes and support from police and the public followed. Peter was given a State Funeral and memorial services are held each year to commemorate him. Memorial rose gardens were also established at the Gosnells and Cannington Police Stations, where he had worked.
Constable Peter Ball Memorial Youth Award
The award aims to recognise young people, youth groups or organisations that have:
Improved safety or promoted the prevention of crime
Enhanced the profile of young people
Increased opportunities for young people
Who is Eligible?
Youths or a group of young people aged 12 to 25, living in the City or not-for-profit organisations or groups supporting youth activities in the City.
Prize: $1000 + plaque
Nominations
Entries can be submitted any time during the year with submissions closing at the end of September. Award presentations will take place at the Australia Day Ceremony on 26 January each year.
Nominations should be no more than two A4 pages and where appropriate, include supporting material such as photos, media clippings, pamphlets etc.
Applications will only be eligible for one category per program. A separate Application Form is required for each entry. Previous winners are not eligible to nominate the same project for a period of 3 years effective 2016.
Send to:
The Safe City Constable Peter Ball Memorial Award
City of Gosnells
PO Box 662
Gosnells WA 6990
For more information please contact the Safe City Initiative 9391 6022 or Email Safe City.
Plans for new medal to recognise slain, seriously injured WA police
Nicole Cox
EXCLUSIVE
Every slain and seriously injured WA police officer would be automatically honoured with a special commendation medal to mark their selfless community sacrifice, under a new plan to be mooted at the WA Police Union conference today.
The idea, which is modelled on an award offered by Victoria Police, has been raised by outgoing union deputy vice-president Jon Groves and has won support from the state opposition and families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan will unveil a proposal at the police union’s annual conference on Monday for a WA medal, similar to the Victoria Police Star and the US military decoration the Purple Heart, to acknowledge officers killed or seriously injured while on duty.
Under the concept, fallen officers including Constable Damien Murphy, who was run down and killed by a drunk and drugged driver in Craigie in 2007, would be posthumously awarded the medal, along with those who sustain life-changing injuries – like Senior Constable Matt Butcher, who was left partially paralysed by a “flying headbutt” during a brawl in Joondalup in February 2008.
It would apply to all work-related injuries, including psychological illnesses, regardless of whether the conditions first manifestedon or off-duty.
“The Victorian Government has struck a medal for police officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and it recognises the sacrifice, valour and contribution of those police officers,” Mr McGowan told Fairfax Media.
“It’s only awarded rarely, but it is an appropriate recognition and certainly gives families of those who have died in the line of duty some additional recognition of their mother or father, husband or wife.
“It’s also for those who are seriously injured in the line of duty – so officers who put their lives on the line and get injured as a consequence…that they are appropriately recognised for that.
“It is rare recognition, but appropriate recognition and I think that should happen here in WA.”
Mr Groves said a medal that acknowledged officers killed and maimed in the line of duty – and not only acts of bravery – was needed to highlight their community sacrifice and the risks that police officers come up against every day of their working lives.
“We need a medal that recognises the police officers in this state who have paid the ultimate price – either with their lives or their health – in serving the community,” he said.
“It’s something tangible for those who have been kicked out the door of WA Police, due to work-related illness or injury, to have in their hands to remind them of the good times and the good work they did for the community.”
WA policeman Simon Bowen was five years old when his father WA Detective Sergeant Geoff Bowen was killed by a parcel bomb at the National Crime Authority in Adelaide in 1994.
Detective First Class Constable Bowen, who has served with WA Police for seven years, welcomed the idea saying a special medal would validate the ultimate sacrifice his father made.
“I think it’s a great concept in not only is it a keepsake, but it’s something else in the present that will identify the sacrifice and the memory,” he said.
“It’s a small token that you can just marvel at and look at it and say, for my situation, the memory of Dad is never going to be forgotten not only by me but by the blokes that he used to work with and generations to come.
“It’s a small bit of recognition. It would be humbling.”
Tracey Ball, who was widowed when her husband Constable Peter Ball was run down by a car and killed while chasing a suspected car thief in Cannington in August 1998, welcomed the police medal proposal.
The couple’s daughter, Brianna, now 17, was only 18 months old when her father died in the line of duty.
“Brianna was just 18 months old so she really has no memories of her dad,” Ms Ball said.
“She’s very proud of him but she never really knew him, she never got the chance. So to have something physical and tangible that links who he was as a police officer, I think would be extremely important to her.
“My granddad served in World War I and we have his medals. Having those medals, we used to do the Anzac Day parade and we were so proud and patriotic. To have chance to have that for someone in the police force, I think would be awesome.
“I know the defence forces award medals posthumously and with Legacy the kids go on camps with the armed forces kids who talk about their dads’ medals whereas the police kids don’t have that, they don’t have anything.”
A WA Police spokesman said the force already offered several Police Commissioner’s awards for bravery and conduct including the Cross for Bravery, commendations and a group citation for conduct.
In addition, there is also the WA Police Medal for diligent and ethical service, service medals, the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence, a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and a WA Police Cadet Medal.
The spokesman said the Western Australia Police Cross for Bravery could be awarded to officers killed or seriously injured after a specific act of bravery and members killed in the line of duty were also recognised on the WA Police Memorial Honour Roll and the National Memorial Honour Roll.
He said the “existing awards and medals are quite comprehensive” but declined to comment about the proposal for a medal for officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
“I am unaware of any proposals for new medals and the department does not make a habit of commenting on speculation or possible proposals,” he said.
Comments:
les bassednean,
that is all well and good, but what do those officers who put their body on the line for their state, and then get arrested, interrogated, humiliated, insulted and shamed get?
Mrs Elliott Watt (9038)
I wonder if the medal will be awarded to officers with psychological injuries who have died from these injuries like PTSD, depression and anxiety? My husband died on duty from depression after 15+ years service….surely he, and other officers like him deserve to be recognized too?
Long overdue Perth,
This issues has been raised for quite literally decades that I have been aware of, and yet the Dep’t has chosen to ignore the injured in the hope they will leave. It is only if you suddenly become high-profile media interest then they cannot ignore you.
The embarrassing fact is as things stand, all the officers who came to Matt Butcher’s aid can be recognised, but there is literally nothing that can be given in acknowledgement to Matt himself as there was no “clever act” they can use for a special commendation. And not even Toxic Tony could spin a believable one for the actions of an unconscious man. This has been raised at the highest levels in emails that were ignored and not replied to.
If they finally come to the table on this one, great! Allow retrospectivity, even better. The men and women who put their life on the line so you can be safe deserve nothing less!
We must also acknowledge that violence in the community as a whole is greater these days. That is not something for which the Government or the Police Service can take responsibility; it is a problem for society as a whole. For whatever reason, more and more people in the community are likely to display acts of extreme violence. We have seen tragic examples of that within the past few years. It is a deep-seated problem for the community. In part, it relates to the amount of violence shown on television which is resulting in much more normalisation of levels of violence in the community. We must tackle that problem from a fundamental perspective if we are to be successful in fighting it.
I touched earlier on the issue of young offenders in the community. We have seen tragic examples recently of young offenders who, in many respects, cannot be expected to take full responsibility for their actions. One example is the absolute tragedy of the death of Constable Peter Ball last week, whose funeral was held today, and who was allegedly killed as a result of the activities in part of a 13 year old offender.
BALI-BOMBING survivors are concerned some victims will miss out on travel assistance to mark the 10th anniversary.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed today that she will travel to the holiday island to attend a memorial service on October 12 and will offer victims of the attack free flights to commemorate the day.
The assistance package will include airfares, ground transport, accommodation, travel insurance and visa costs, in line with the package provided for the first anniversary.
Assistance will be granted to family members of the 88 Australians who died.
Those seriously injured are also eligible and will be able to take a partner, child or a close relative and a support person if required for medical reasons.
But, the definition of “serious injury” has sparked concerns by survivors such as Peter Hughes and Tracey Ball, as well as Kingsley Football Club president Keith Pearce.
Mr Hughes, who sustained burns to more than 50 per cent of his body, said he was worried some people may miss out on assistance because their pain will not be deemed serious enough.
“I am happy they are offering what was offered for the first anniversary,” he said. “But I don’t think they should be singling out people. I just want everyone to be able to go back and pay their respects.”
Government sources said the definition would include psychological injuries.
Mr Hughes said he had asked the Prime Minister several weeks ago about the funding package and then wrote to her this week.
Tracey Ball, widow of Constable Peter Ball who died chasing a suspected car thief in August 1998, was also injured in the bombings along with her sister Melinda Kemp.
The pair, who were on a family holiday at the time, are concerned the assistance package will not extend to their mum and dad.
Mrs Kemp said while their father was not injured, he was left scarred by the event.
She said he had the grim task of searching makeshift morgues looking for them, a task no father wanted to endure.
Last night the Kingsley Football Club, which lost seven players in the horrific attack, held a legends match to commemorate the 10th anniversary as well as help raise money for anyone who wanted to go back.
Mr Pearce, whose son Duane was one of the players who did come home, said the club had been inquiring for months about government financial assistance and in the end decided to organise their own fundraiser to help those who couldn’t afford the travel costs.
“What is meant by seriously injured?” he said. “Is that physically or mentally, what does it mean? And how serious is serious? It should be available to everyone.”
Services will be held in both Bali and Canberra on October 12, with Governor-General Quentin Bryce to lead the service in the nation’s capital.
“It was a moment of horror that had a profound effect on Australia as a nation and on the lives of survivors and the family and loved ones of those who died,” Ms Gillard said in a statement on Sunday.
“Time has healed many of the physical wounds caused by the bombings but it can never diminish the sense of wrong we feel at this act of terror.
“Forgetting would be the ultimate injustice – and we will never forget.”
The memorial service in Bali will be held at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and the Canberra service will be held in the Great Hall of Parliament House.
