Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Much loved father to Taylor and Blake, and their mother Daile.
Son of Thomas (deceased) and Margaret, brother to Merilyn.
Much respected colleague and loyal friend to many – will be missed but his presence will always be felt.
RIP
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 13, 2025.
David was a wonderful colleague and friend. We worked together for well over a decade and got to know one another at Fair Trading. While Dave was a big, gruff guy when you first met him, he was, in reality a sweet man with a wonderful heart. He was a loyal friend and it was an absolute joy to have him around. His children were the light in his life. Dave, you will be missed. Condolences to family and friends. RIP my friend.
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.
It comes with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joanna Lincoln on the 5th December 2025 aged 49 years.
Loving and devoted mum to Olivia (dec) Charlee and Marcus (dec). Jo was the loving daughter of George and Beverly LINCOLN. A much loved sister to Brenda and Tracy and proud Aunty to all her nieces and nephews.
Jo served with great pride as a member of the NSW Police Force for 28 years and will be greatly missed by her former colleagues and friends. Her strength generosity and love has shaped us all. Our lives are richer because of her but will never be the same without her. The memories she created and leaves behind will stay with us forever in our hearts. Jo will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
There will be a funeral service for Jo at Camelia Chapel Macquarie Park Cnr Delhi and Plassey Rd North Ryde on 19 December 2025 at 1.30pm. All family friends and former colleagues are invited to attend.
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 13, 2025.
Our deepest condolences to daughter, Charlee – may your mum Forever Rest In Peace.
Joanna LINCOLN AKA Joanna GODDARD
* 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.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
McDonald Jones Stadium to host funeral for fallen Port Stephens police officer and rugby league veteran Tony Townsend
Updated August 29 2022 – 4:47pm, first published 3:30pm
Foundation Newcastle Knights player and highly respected Hunter policeman Tony Townsend will be farewelled on Thursday.
The full police funeral at McDonald Jones Stadium will celebrate the life of Chief Inspector Townsend, affectionately known by fellow officers as TT, who died at his home on August 22.
The funeral, which is open to the public, will start at 10am.
NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and other members of the police executive will attend.
TOWNSEND, Chief Inspector Anthony John ”Tony”
Late of Duns Creek
Passed away 23rd August, 2022
Aged 61 Years
Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Kaitlin and Declan, Lauren and Jackson.
Loving Pa of Charlotte.
Loved son of William (Bill) and Ella, Margaret and Thomas.
Brother of Mark, Susan, Michael, Michelle, and Jason.
Brother-in-law and uncle of their families.
The family and friends of Tony are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of his life, to be held at McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow, NSW this Thursday 1st September, 2022. Service commencing at 10am.
Interment will follow at Dungog Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Dungog, NSW.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be forwarded to The Leukemia Foundation or Men of League in Tony’s memory.
In his short 61 years with us, Tony made such an enormous impact, as a foundation player for the Newcastle Knights, he also played for St George Illawarra Dragons, was a soldier, worked in the timber industry and later worked with NSW Police Force as prosecutor and finished his career as Officer in Charge at Maitland.
Tony was self effacing and humble, intelligent, dedicated to keeping our community safe and always took time to engage with everyone.
This photo was taken just few months ago in May, at a community event to provide positive play spaces in one of our local neighbourhoods.
This little girl came up to Tony and they had a very in depth conversation where he demonstrated the very best example of community policing.
We have lost a great one.
Rest In Peace.
Helen Ping: Such sad news. He was a wonderful man. He gave my husband an award for his volunteer work he did with Raymond Terrace Police with cell watch. And also escorted my husbands hearse to the church and organised police cars to block the traffic for him to get through. He was a very nice man , my family and I will never forget him for what he did for my husband My thoughts go to his family , friends and work Colleagues.
Mayor Philip Penfold: Vale Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was most recently officer in charge at Maitland Police Station and passed in recent days after long battling cancer. I had the opportunity to spend time with Tony twice this year as he reached out to engage with our community. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and workmates. Rest In Peace.
Inspector Tony Townsend with Worimi elder Uncle John Ridgeway at a NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony in Raymond Terrace in July 2022. Picture: Ellie-Marie Watts Sonia Hornery MP: · I was shocked to hear of the passing of Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was one of the first players for the Newcastle Knights, a great police officer for nearly 40 years, and a beloved community figure. My thoughts go our to his family, friends and colleagues who are so deeply affected by his loss. Rest in peace Tony. Photo credit: Newcastle Herald
1 Across: Bloody Great Bloke
Melissa Henshaw: He presented my son with his Community PBL award. Was able to have a chat with him afterwards and he was such a lovely man. Condolences & prayers of healing to his family, colleagues & friends
Kate Washington MP: · Devastating news today, with the passing of Port Stephens Hunter Police District Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was respected by all. Gone far too soon. Tony was dedicated to our community. In his own humble and genuine way, he made a difference to the lives of many. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and colleagues – I can only imagine how deeply this loss is being felt by all. We’ve lost a good man. Rest In Peace.
The Newcastle News: · Stoic, courageous and one of nature’s gentlemen. Tributes have begun pouring in for one of the Newcastle Knights foundation players – highly respected police officer Tony Townsend – after he died on Tuesday night.
Lloyd Stanimirovic: Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Townsend. I first met Tony when I worked at Newcastle Court and he was a police prosecutor. At that time (about 30 years ago) I found Tony to be such a humble man. Even when I spoke to Tony about his rugby league career, he passed it off with modesty and integrity. Last year I met Tony again after many years at the Maitland Anzac Day service. He was still humble. Earlier this year, I was helping youth at a Police operation, when some officers spoke so well of Tony. They described him as someone they could speak to about anything and trust. At this year’s Anzac Day service, Tony spent time speaking to my daughter about her interest in the Police Force. Not surprisingly, when I thanked him for speaking to Gracie and how much he was appreciated by others, Tony just smiled and passed off with humility. From what I saw, heard and experienced, Tony had a positive impact on others, something we all need. Thoughts and prayer with Tony’s family and friends.????
https://www.australianpolice.com.au/vira-helen-dew/ Vira Helen DEW nee JENKINS Widow of Retired Superintendent Eric DEW # *** Local Caption *** NSW Police Legacy 7 April 2021 Congratulations to NSW Police Legatee Vira Dew, who last week turned 103! Vira was one of the first policewomen to work in the Newcastle area. After retiring at the age of 56, she lived on a farm in Maitland with her husband, retired Superintendent Eric Dew, for several years. Vira is pictured here with Chief Inspector Tony Townsend, Snr St Alyssa Willetts, and Det Snr Sgt Maree Maynard, who all visited to wish her well. Happy birthday Vira!
Pat JARVIS # 18416, Tony TOWNSEND # 20978 & Craig YOUNG # 17746. The Front Row of Police of Illawarra Dragons
The nib Newcastle Knights extend our sincere condolences to friends and family of the late Tony Townsend, who passed away overnight.
Townsend, Knights Old Boy No.11, played hooker in the first ever team in 1988 and continued a strong association with the club through the Once a Knight Old Boys and his work in the NSW Police Force where he rose through the ranks to Chief Inspector.
Tough, resilient and one of the nicest blokes you could meet. Tony epitomised the Knights early culture, which set a standard for unparalleled later success.
He didn’t complain, despite his various health battles over many years, he just smiled and got on with life.
Rest In Peace TT, Once A Knights Old Boy. Always a Knights Old Boy.
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.
Tim had attended the Pistol Range at Lucas Hts for Firearm Training in his own private vehicle and was returning to Liverpool Police Station to return his firearm when this collision occurred.
It has to be asked whether this collision would have been survivable, for Tim, had he been in a modern police vehicle with air bags.
Tim’s Life Support was turned off on Friday morning due to the horrific and non survivable injuries that Timothy suffered in this collision.
Funds to support Tim’s wife and unborn child. Please follow the hyperlink just above and donate.
Death of NSW Police Force officer, Probationary Constable Timothy Proctor
The NSW Police Force regrets to inform the community of the death of a serving police officer after a crash in Sydney’s south last week.
Probationary Constable Timothy Proctor, aged 29, died in hospital this morning (Sunday 3 February 2019) following a four-vehicle crash at Lucas Heights on Thursday 31 January 2019.
P/Cst Proctor attested as part of ‘Class 333’ on Friday 27 April 2018 and was working in general duties at Liverpool City Police Area Command.
Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Proctor family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
“My thoughts are with Timothy’s wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him.
“He joined the Police Force after being a volunteer fire-fighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community,” Commissioner Fuller said.
P/Cst Proctor’s family has requested their privacy at this time.
‘Well respected’ policeman Timothy Proctor dies after head-on collision
A NSW police officer who was involved in a head-on crash in Sydney’s south last week has died in hospital.
Timothy Proctor, 29, a probationary constable who worked in the Liverpool region, was driving northbound on Heathcote Road at Lucas Heights about 2pm on Thursday when a Honda Civic crossed to the wrong side of the road and crashed into him and two other cars.
Mr Proctor was cut out of his car and rushed to Liverpool hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Sunday morning.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller paid tribute to Mr Proctor’s time in the police force and offered his condolences to the man’s family.
“Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“He joined the police force after being a volunteer firefighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community.
“My thoughts are with Timothy’s wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Police Association of NSW president Tony King said his staff were “providing support on the ground with the family, friends and colleagues at the hospital since this tragedy unfolded and we will continue to support them as they attempt come to terms with the tragic loss”.
“Collisions like this are always difficult but it hits even harder when it one of your own involved,” Mr King said.
In the collision, the Honda Civic was driving southbound in the 100km/h zone when it failed to negotiate a bend, continuing straight and clipping a Toyota Yaris before it hit Mr Proctor’s red Honda Jazz.
The 65-year-old female driver of the Honda Civic was taken to Liverpool hospital, where she remained in a critical condition on Sunday.
Police said a Mitsubishi Triton which had been driving behind the officer was unable to stop in time and was also involved in the crash.
Two teenagers in the Triton and the driver of the Yaris were not injured.
Vision of the crash, broadcast by Nine News on Friday, shows the Civic travelling in the left-hand lane before it drifts across the middle lane and hits the officer’s oncoming hatchback.
Van driver Kamran Rowshanzadeh, whose dash cam recorded the crash, said he initially thought the car was trying to cut into his lane without using its indicator.
“Next thing I know it was actually drifting,” he said.
He was able to swerve around the cars as they impacted in the single northbound lane. “The car literally came off the ground and the back kicked up and I dodged it. It was just so sudden and so quick,” Mr Rowshanzadeh said.
He added that he heard the officer brake at the last second.
Mr Proctor graduated from the NSW Police Academy in April 2018, as part of class 333, and was one of 15 officers posted to the Liverpool region.
Speaking to the Liverpool City Champion shortly after his graduation, Mr Proctor said he was formerly a volunteer firefighter and had worked in IT repairing laptops before deciding to pursue a career in policing.
He said he had grown up in the area and noticed a “bad perception” of police, which he wanted to change.
A group of 15 police recruits who’ve just graduated from an intense 9-months’ training at the Police Academy were welcomed to Liverpool police station last Monday.
The group were part of Class 333 – 164 policemen and 70 policewomen who are set to complete 12 months’ on-the-job training while studying for an Associate Degree in Policing Practice before being ranked as constables.
A couple of Liverpool recruits shared their hopes and dreams, including Hinchinbrook identical twins Marc and Nathan Brown. “You could say we’re inseparable. We took different paths at the end of high school. Nathan did a trade, I did accounting. But I got bored and wanted to do something to help people and something different each day. This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid and it’s definitely a lot more interesting than spreadsheets!” said older twin Marc. “We made the change at the same time but they split us up with me at Liverpool and Nathan at Green Valley. We still might end up together eventually. It’ll be good fun!”
Marc’s background in martial arts inspired him to choose a career where he could be more active. He’s looking forward to tackling community problems such as domestic violence and drugs. “I’m over-the-moon about starting here.”
Brother Nathan, 24, hopes they get to work together. “That was the plan. It ‘d be fun to see the reactions. We know each other and how we react to things. But we’re also pretty competitive – especially at the academy. They kept us apart when they could and it was probably best.”
Nathan has a background in rugby and hopes to work with disadvantaged youth.
Another recruit is Camden resident Clare Leone, 25. Instead of working in general duties for a three-year probationary period after 18-months she’ll transfer to forensics. “I was constantly changing my mind and then uni started and I really loved science and not doing the same thing each day. Whereas with other scientific jobs you’re often stuck in a lab all day. I’ll still be in the NSW Police Force. I’ll be specialising in fingerprinting at Parramatta. I found it really fascinating – not one person has the same fingerprints. To be able to pursue that as a career is really interesting.”
One recruit who began policing a little later is Prestons’Timothy Proctor, 28: “I wanted to be a firefighter and volunteered for a while but it’s extremely selective and that made me look at alternatives. I worked in IT as a laptop repairer but it was limiting and so I pursued policing. When growing up I noticed the bad perception of police due to corruption. I want to change that. I believe growing up here I have a good understanding of the cultural groups, too.”
Two drivers involved in a horror head-on car crash in Sydney’s south remain fighting for life in hospital, as shocking footage obtained by 9News has showed the moment both vehicles collided.
Emergency services were called to Heathcote Road, north of New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights, about 2pm yesterday following reports four cars had been involved in a serious crash.
Dashcam footage of the incident shows a Honda Civic, travelling south on the road, crossing a lane of traffic and then onto the wrong side of the road.
The vehicle first nudged an oncoming Toyota Yaris before smashing head-on into a Honda Jazz, driven by 29-year-old male probationary police officer Timothy Proctor from the Liverpool City Area Command.
Both the officer and the 65-year-old female driver of the Civic had to be cut free from their vehicles, and remain in critical conditions today at Liverpool Hospital more than 24 hours after the crash.
It is understood the officer had just completed a training exercise at a facility in the area and was travelling in his private vehicle to Liverpool Police Station to drop off his firearm, at the time of the incident.
After being pulled from the wreckage of his vehicle, he was placed into an induced coma at the scene.
Following the initial point of impact, a Mitsubishi Triton driven by a 19-year-old woman crashed into the woman’s Civic.
The teenager, her 18-year-old male passenger and the 63-year-old driver of the Yaris all escaped injury.
“Obviously, police turning up to a police officer injured is extremely upsetting for first responders – and it was a devastating accident,” acting inspector Melissa Thompson told reporters yesterday.
The horror collision forced the closure of Heathcote Road for six hours yesterday afternoon as major crash investigators examined the scene.
Kamran Rowshanzadeh
Witness Kamran Rowshanzadeh, an electrician from Moorebank who was on his way to a call-out job at the time of the incident, said he first thought the Civic was trying to cross into his lane at about 100km/h.
“It was split second, and the next thing I know is the high impact,” he told 9News.
“The car literally came off the ground and the back kicked up and I dodged it.
“I just heard (Mr Proctor) brake at the last second. It’s like 200km/h int a wall.
Three people, including an on-duty police officer, have been hospitalised after a multi-vehicle crash in Sydney’s south.
Just after 2pm today, police, paramedics and fire crews were called to Heathcote Road, north of New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights, after reports three vehicles were involved in a serious crash.
Seven ambulance crews and a medical team were called to the location and NSW Fire Rescue were required to help free one person trapped.
A police officer aged in his 30s, and a female driver of another vehicle were both taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.
A third person was taken to Sutherland Hospital.
The officer had just completed a training exercise at a facility in the area and was travelling in his private vehicle.
Traffic is heavy in the area and Heathcote Road remains closed in both directions with diversions in place at Alec Campbell Drive and New Illawarra Road.
Police are warning drivers to expect delays and make alternative arrangements if possible.
The crash investigation unit is currently at the site.
Updated 1 May 2026 with additional information, photos and calculations.
Norman ROBERTS
13/12/2025
Norman ROBERTS
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘Q‘ 9511
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, North Sydney Police Station – WW 1
Service: From Tuesday 20 August 1912 ( aged 24 years, 8 months, 23 days ) to ?
Joined the Australian Imperial Force and went to war.
Embarkation: aboard HMAT Euripides A14 at Sydney, NSW, Au.
Age at embarkation: 27
Occupation: Policeman
Address: 41 Albany St, North Sydney, NSW
Next of kin: Son of Horace Frederick and Mary Jane Roberts, of “Adelong,” Victoria Rd., Bellevue Hill, Sydney, New South Wales; husband of Louise Roberts. Native of Waverley, New South Wales.
Religion: C of E
Single / Married: Married
Returned to Australia: No
Date of Discharge: ?
Awards: Victory Medal – granted 14 August 1922 ( Posthumously )
Panel 38 of the Commemorative Area ( as indicated by the poppy on the plan )
NORMAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location: ?
First published on 26 April 2015
Updated 17 June 2026 with additional information.
Vera CAVANAGH
13/12/2025
Vera CAVANAGH
Wife of Reginald ( deceased ) – New South Wales Police Force
Mother of Geoff – New South Wales Police Force – Retired
Aged 96
Died: 3 January 2014
Funeral: 8 January 2014
With regret I advise the death of Vera CAVANAGH, 96 old, the widow of Reginald and the mother of RPA Newcastle Branch member Geoff.
Vera passed away on 03/01/2014 and her funeral is proposed to be held at 10am on Wednesday 8th Instant at Ryhope Lawn Cemetery, Cessnock Road, RYHOPE, NSW.
