Just three months ago at the young age of 28, our dear friend Kalem was diagnosed with stage and grade 4 cancer, turning his own life and the lives of those close to him upside down.
He was recently married 2 years ago to the love of his life and just bought his own home a year ago. He is also a loving husband, son, brother, and friend to so many, as well as a dedicated police officer who has spent his life serving and looking out for others, including many of us. Now, he is facing the toughest battle of his life.
There is hope in the form of a clinical trial drug, even if it just gives him more time, but unfortunately Kalem has not been able to secure a place in the trial and is unlikely to do so. However, we can still access the drug privately, but each dose costs $10,000 AUD and must be taken every three weeks. To see if the treatment is effective, he needs between 3 to 5 doses. There is also a chance that access to the drug will be denied depending on other medical factors. If this is the case, all donations will go towards helping the Saras/Fuda family with other treatment options and costs or be refunded as per Gofundme T&C’s.
Kalem is one of the best individuals we all know – his kindness, dedication to those around him, and strength are unmatched, and every dollar raised will go directly towards giving him a fighting chance.
Please consider donating, and if you’re unable to, sharing this page to friends and family will mean the world to us. Together, we can give Kalem the opportunity he needs to continue his fight.
Thank you for your support, love, and generosity.
Updates (1)
28 October 2024 by Benjamin Cannon, Organiser
We did it, and we did it together. $50,000 raised in just 3 days was unimaginable before the weekend started, and it is the reality today as the response from everyone has been nothing short of amazing. We cannot thank you all enough, and the Saras/Fuda family are also extremely grateful, as are all extended family and friends.
We should have an update on Kalem in the next week or two, pending the results of a liver test where we are hoping to see reduced Bilirubin levels. Updates will be posted here on the campaign site, so please keep an eye out for those.
Once again, thank you to everyone who donated and shared the campaign. We could not have done it without you all.
PARISH PRAYER REQUESTS
Recently deceased: Phil Smith
For the dearly departed: Carlo Esposito, Nicola Nadile, George Downie, Angelina Pardo-Adan, David Morrow, Toshio Sato, Marianna Scuglia, Rosa Araujo, Ivan Ceccato, Rocco Marafioti, Mary Cumbo,
Domenica & Francesco Barbaro,
Please pray for the sick: Joe Luezzi, Kalem Saras, Anthony Attard, Roy Cutrone, Frances Perri, Paul Refalo, Pat Brush, Bob Burke, Miriam & Vansen Tsueng, William Chapman, Rocco Scardino, Kia Benete, Nathan Luezzi, Greg Lambert, David Tierney, Yvonne Bolland, Brenda Riley, Henry Field, Aura Krakowszky
If you would like someone to be included among these requests, please use the Mass offering envelopes found in the foyer of the Church or email the office kenthurst@parracatholic.org
Funeral Service – Castlebrook Memorial Park, Rouse Hill, NSW Monday 16 December 2024
Funeral Service – Castlebrook Memorial Park, Rouse Hill, NSW Monday 16 December 2024
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.
Today was the last day for one of our much loved and long serving officers, Senior Constable Wayne GOUGH, who is retiring after 31 years of service.
Senior Constable GOUGH served all of his career in the Hunter Region after joining the NSW Police Force as a trainee in 1987.
His ongoing legacy remains with both of his sons, who currently serve as NSW Police Officers, and also as Senior Constables.
We wish him well in retirement and thank him for his commitment and service he provided to the community over the past 31 years.
Wayne ( centre ) with his two Serving sons.
Wayne ( centre ) with his two Serving sons and grandsons.
Leaving Newcastle Police Station for the last time.
Leaving Newcastle Police Station for the last time.
Fair Well salute
the final, Police, ride
With family & friends
* 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.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 081
NSW Police Cadet # 1440
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9528
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy as a Police Cadet on Monday 19 May 1958 ( aged 17 years, 5 months, 26 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Monday 23 November 1959 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 23 November 1965
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 23 November 1969
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Appears in the 1979 Stud Book but not the 1984 issue
Final Rank: = Senior Constable?
Stations: ?, South District ( 1965 ), ?
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: Monday 19 May 1958 to ? ? ?c1980 = 22+? years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From Monday 19 May 1958 to? ? ? = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980 ( SenCon )
Born: Saturday 23 November 1940
Died on: Friday 31 December 1993
Age: 53 years, 1 month, 8 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?, Canberra, ACT
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 6 January 1994
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Big Hill Uniting Church graveyard, Arthursleigh Rd, Big Hill, NSW
Grave Location: Section: Row: 05 Plot: 07
Grave GPS: -34.562461, 150.010382
Buried at: Big Hill Uniting Church graveyard, Arthursleigh Rd, Big Hill, NSW Grave Location: Section: Row: 05 Plot: 07 Grave GPS: -34.562461, 150.010382
Although the grave stone indicates that he is ” At Rest Middlingbank, Eucumbene, NSW “
Middlingbank is located about the intersection of the Middlingbank Rd and Slacks Creek Rd – about 2 kms from Buccanderra Caravan Park on Lake Eucumbene, NSW.
It is ‘assumed’ & most probable ( that Selina is his mother because of the age difference ),
his Mother – Selina May MARTIN ( nee THOMPSON )( Born 1913 – Died 1988 ) is located in the grave at the head of his Marker at Big Hill, that Peter was Cremated and his Ashes scattered at Eucumbene at a location they called Middlingbank and that Peter’s Marker ( at the foot of Selina’s grave ) is a Cenotaph.
Grave of Selina MARTIN – ‘assumed’ to be the mother of Peter James MARTIN
4 row ( l to r ):
L. C. Bennett; D. W. Stolle # 9460; M. W. Kirk # 9512; R. C. Landers; B. Symons; A. Southall # 9527; John C. Dunbar # 9482; Peter J. Martin # 9528; B. K. Leaney # 9533; D. W. McLaughlin; J. R. Dorsett # 9498; P. W. Medway # 9444; J. McGregor # 9518; F. J. Ryder # 9506; Ray. N. Morris # 9517; P. R. Clemson # 9523; J. O. Parry; P. J. Woodward # 9478; D. C. Newton # 9480; Rod. L. Power # 9477; A. W. McDonald # 9510; B. A. Kearns; P. R. Leembruggen # 9530; R. G. Dunn.
3rd row ( l to r ):
E. H. Williamson # 9507; Syd. K. Isedale # 9490; T. G. Purcell # 9468; Allen J. Murphy # 9509; A. P. Lynch # 9500; R. W. Stone # 9488; M. C. Adams; H. J. P. Munro # 9484; J. E. Hawley # 9522; S. C. Heckenberg # 9487; H. T. Auliff # 9464; Barry A. Melouney # 9492; M. R. Turk # 9526; Anthony C. Frost # 9516; C. A. Hermanson # 9525; Edward ( Ted ) F. Doherty # 9446; W. McCormick # 9529; Ken. J. Williams # 9461; M. C. Moy # 9449; K. G. McNeill # 9455; A. D. Morris # 9469; R. L. Scarf # 9457; J.R. Press # 9462; R. J. Mahoney # 9514.
2nd row ( l to r ):
J. J. McNamara # 9465; T. J. Webber # 9504; B. A. Bennett # 9453; J. F. Bostock # 9535; R. N. Thornett; W. A. Allan; K. J. Hall; Mick R. Hay # 9452; Ken. Waters # 9494 or 9505; Keith Waters # 9494 or 9505; G. N. Crouch # 9532; R. C. Rogerson # 9536; D. S. McAfee # 9459; G. A. Wilson # 9470; B. Garland # 9511; J. Peterlin # 9503; Thom. C. Coleman # 9496; R. J. Canning # 9473; Victor A. Schweikert # 9458; R. Pearson; B. Kerrison # 9485; J. G. Kinnane; L. R. Kriss # 9483.
Front row – seated- ( l to r ):
Sergeant 3/c. Ben Hall; C. C. Greenham; G. R. Gibb # 9445; R. C. Jenner # 9486; J. C. McGingley; Darcy W. Cluff # 9463; R. J. Graham # 9467; David E. Nelson # 9481; F. B. McGoldrick; Ernest G. Mercer # 9515; E. W. Kelly; J. Kelly # 9531; Sergeant 1/c. Sligar # 8146; Sergeant 1/c. Barber # 4474; Sergeant 3/c. Porch; Miss. Sylvia W. Paull # P/W 0038; Mrs. Eileen. M. McLean # P/W 0037; Miss. June W. Fielding # P/W 0039; S. Favot # 9493; J. P. Boon # 9519; L. E. Ervine # 9497; R. T. Milligan # 9479; Denis W. Wardrobe # 9456; D. C. Rugers; H. V. Clarke.
Recently, in October 2024, I was again driving aimlessly in Goulburn PAC area and came across this graveyard.
I actually forgot that I have been here back in 2006.
I took a new photo of the Grave Plate and Plot and have now done, as much as I can, as a Memorial Post.
Cal
15 October 2024
SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2006
In the yard of a small Church at a place called ( Goulburn Police Patrol ) ‘BIG HILL’ WE STOPPED AT A CHURCH AND TOOK A FEW GRAVE PHOTOS IN THE Cemetery BEFORE HEADING OVER TO TARALGA AND THEN BACK TO GOULBURN.
THIS PLAQUE HAS THE NSW POLICE CREST BADGE ON THE UPPER LEFT CORNER. I DON’T KNOW THE STORY BEHIND IT AT THIS STAGE.
020108: Note added:
We were driving around aimlessly one day (090406) in the depth of Goulburns’ Patrol and we came upon this small Church at a place called ‘Big Hill’. Nothing there except for this Church and a few headstones.
One of the headstones had the NSW Police Crest on it – together with another Crest – which is the Free Masons Crest. Even though it is relatively a new grave – the fact that it has the NSW Police Crest was interesting.
I have no idea who he was, where he was Stationed etc or what the reference to Eucumbene is. I assumed that he has a Head Stone at ‘Big Hill’ (Goulburn / Taralga) but is buried at Eucumbene.
But Peter James Martin was only 53 when he died and died on New Years Eve. I did a “Google” search on him but didn’t find any information on him.
Plaque location: row 5 plot 7
Cal
9 April 2006
* 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.
After his retirement, Rogers was named as one of the five “immortals” of the Cronulla club.[3] He became involved in the administration of rugby league, and held the position of Cronulla’s CEO at the time of his death.[4]
Rogers died after swallowing a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol on 3 January 2006. In April 2006, the NSW state coroner ruled that the death was accidental.[5]
Biography
Steve Rogers was born on the Gold Coast and played his first senior game for the Southport Tigers.[6] In the 1972 Gold Coast Group 18 competition 17-year-old centre Steve Rogers helped a Gold Coast Tigers outfit to victory in the Grand Final against Tweed Heads Seagulls.[7] The following season he moved to Sydney to play in the NSWRFL Premiership.
1973
Rogers began playing first grade rugby league at the age of eighteen for the Cronulla-Sutherland club in 1973. Playing the position of centre, his talent did not go unnoticed. He was described by the club’s captain/coach, Tommy Bishop as a “rare, rare talent – the greatest all round centre three-quarter I have seen.” In that year, he played in his first Grand final, which Cronulla lost to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and made the first of three Kangaroo Tours.
1974–1982
Rogers led Cronulla to the grand final as captain, in 1978, once more against the Sea Eagles. The match was a tie, and Cronulla lost a replay in the following week. During that season, he was often switched to lock forward and was effective in that role. Three years later, he won the Dally M Lock of the Year award.
As a result of Cronulla’s serious financial difficulties, Rogers signed for 1983 with Cronulla’s local rival, the St. George Dragons. He played with them for two seasons, culminating in playing five-eighth in the Saints 1984 reserve grade Grand Final (a side which featured others such as Michael O’Connor), which the Dragons lost.[8]
1985–1986
Rogers returned to Cronulla in 1985, but only played nine minutes in the season after breaking his jaw in his first game of the year against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, in a tackle from Mark Bugden.
In 1986 Rogers signed with Widnes in the English competition, but only played for 13 minutes before breaking his leg in his first game of the year against Wigan. This was the last game of his career.
Post playing
After retiring from the playing field Rogers remained involved with rugby league coaching. He coached for a time in Queensland, and worked in administrative roles for the Australian Rugby League in Darwin and Perth. After an unsuccessful business venture running a hotel at Lennox Head, Rogers became involved once more with the Cronulla club, becoming the football manager and later, Chief Executive Officer of the club.
His personal life was marred by tragedy. After losing his father (Don) and mother (Marj) to cancer, his wife Carol also died from the disease on 11 May 2001. Rogers’s brother also committed suicide.[9]
On 3 January 2006, Rogers was found dead outside the door of his Cronulla unit. Initial reports of a heart attack soon turned to suggestions of suicide as the existence of three letters—apparently suicide notes to his three children—was revealed. His son Mat also confirmed that his father had been suffering from depression: “He was suffering from some depression and, as a person of his stature and a public figure, he found it really hard to talk about it to other people and therefore exacerbated the problem,” he said. Police believed that he had swallowed a cocktail of alcohol and prescription drugs. There has been some speculation that Rogers may have attempted to make an emergency telephone call in the moments before his death.[10]
Accolades
In February 2008, Rogers was named in the list of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players (1908–2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code’s centenary year in Australia.[11][12] While playing football, Rogers also served in the New South Wales Police Force and in 2008, rugby league’s centennial year in Australia, he was named at five-eighth in a NSW Police team of the century. Also in 2008 Rogers was named in New South Wales’ rugby league team of the century.[13]
Until 2002, Rogers held the record for the most points scored in a match (26) for the Cronulla club.
Rogers is one of twenty Australian internationals to come from the Cronulla club, and one of two players (alongside Greg Pierce) to have captained the national side.
Rogers holds the standing record for the most points ever scored for the Cronulla club (1253)[15]
Mat Rogers ( son of Steve ) with wife Chloe Maxwell, 2012
Rogers married model and media personality Chloe Maxwell on the Gold Coast on 26 October 2008.[21] Rogers has four children: Jack and Skyla from a previous relationship, Max Danger (born 5 June 2006) and daughter Phoenix (born 21 September 2007) with current wife Chloe.
Rogers has been committed to raising awareness about depression since the death of his father Steve in January 2006. His father battled depression for three years and, while suicide was initially suspected, his death after taking alcohol and prescription drugs was ruled an accident.
He has signed on to be an ambassador for Movember, an initiative that encourages men to grow a moustache during November to raise funds for research into depression and prostate cancer. Rogers has said he fears inheriting a propensity for the mental illness. He has made a pact with brother Don always to be honest about their feelings and encouraged men to talk to family, doctors or mates.
The legacy of one of rugby league’s greatest players will again be remembered at 4 Pines Park on Sunday, May 14.
Outside of the two competition points, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks will do battle for the annual Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy in round 11 of the Telstra Premiership.
An Immortal of the Cronulla Sharks, Rogers played 202 first grade games and led the Sharks in the 1978 grand final and grand final replay against the Sea Eagles.
Rogers represented NSW 21 times and Australia 24 times. He had many good friends at the Sea Eagles in Immortal Bob Fulton and Max Krilich through the Kangaroos tours.
The Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy was first played in March 2006 and had been played for each time the teams met up until the end of the 2010 season.
The trophy was then only contested just once a season at the current holders’ home ground should both clubs be drawn to play each other twice.
However, Manly and Cronulla agreed in May 2016 to return to the original format of playing for the trophy each time the two clubs meet to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Steve’s passing.
Manly has won 20 of the 27 premiership matches contested for the Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy, including eight of the last 12 games played.
Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy
Results
2022 Rd 23: Cronulla 40 d Manly 6, Rd 7: Cronulla 34 d Manly 22
2021 Rd 20: Manly 40 d Cronulla 22
2020 Rd 7: Cronulla 40 d Manly 22
2019 Rd 10, Manly 24 d Cronulla 14; SF: Manly 28 d Cronulla 16
2018 Rd 21: Manly 33 d Cronulla 32
2017 Rd 16: Manly 35 d Cronulla 18
2016 Rd 3: Manly 22 d Cronulla 12, Rd 11: Cronulla 20 d Manly 12
2015 Rd 26: Manly 14 d Cronulla 12; Rd 17, Manly 28 d Cronulla 16.
2014 Rd 6: Manly 24 d Cronulla 4, Rd 15: Manly 26 d Cronulla 0
2013 Rd 6: Manly 25 d Cronulla 18; SF: Manly 24 d Cronulla 18
2012 Rd 3: Cronulla 17 d Manly 14
2011 Rd 5: Manly 19 d Cronulla 13
2010 Rd 5: Manly 40 d Cronulla 12; Rd 19: Manly 48 d Cronulla 18
2009 Rd 19: Manly 32 d Cronulla 26: Rd 25: Manly 18 d Cronulla 16
2008 Rd 1: Cronulla 16 d Manly 10, Rd 18: Manly 34 d Cronulla 6
2007 Rd 19: Manly 29 d Cronulla 22
2006 Rd 3: Manly 20 d Cronulla 18, Rd 16 Cronulla 15 d Manly 12
* Story behind any Nickname: the Prince of Centres – in relation to his footballing position on the field.
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.
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 1 November 1965 to 6 January 1981 = 15 years, 2 months, 5 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 1 November 1965to6 January 1981 = 15 years, 2 months, 5 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 36 years, 10 months, 27 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 43 years, 3 months, 1 day
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981 ( SenCon )
Born: Thursday 10 February 1944
Died on: Sunday 7 April 2024 during the evening
Age: 80 years, 1 month, 28 days
Organ Donor: No
Cause: Hans had suffered a brain injury for the past couple of years after striking his head as the result of a fall. This ultimately led to him being in a Nursing Home where he Passed away from suspected Heart failure.
Event location: ? , Nursing Home,
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ? ( A private cremation will happen )
Funeral location: ?
A Private funeral & cremation is being held
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2024 )
HANS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Hans Resigned from the NSWPF and took up employment within the Mines.
Class 105 of December 1965
Redfern Police Academy
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
A man has died following a crash in Sydney’s south west.
About 11.15pm yesterday (Thursday 2928 March 2024), emergency services were called to Oxley Street, Campbelltown, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car.
The pedestrian – believed to be an 80-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver – a 26-year-old man – was not injured, and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Campbelltown Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Liverpool Police Cadet – NSW Police Cadet John. J. W. Hillier a former Labourer and Shop Assistant entered the Police Training Centre at Redfern to join the New South Wales Police Cadets.
Following his induction as a Police Cadet he was stationed at the C.I.B. Modus Operandi Section.
In 10/1961 he was transferred to No. 3 Division (Darlinghurst) on Station Duties.
In 1/1962 he was transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on Station Duties and then from the 8/1962 his duties at Liverpool were changed to the Public Safety Bureau Office.
During his examinations in 1961/1962, having received top marks, he obtained the Silver Baton – signed N. T. W. Allan Commissioner of Police.
Liverpool Police Officer – Probationary Constable John. J. W. Hillier who had returned to the Police Training Centre at Redfern to commence his Initial Training as part of Class 94.
He was attested 4/1963 as a Probationary Constable of Police and stationed at Liverpool Police Station on General Duties, where in 2/1964 he was promoted to the rank of Constable.
In 6/1964 he was transferred to Merrylands Police Station as the Inspector’s Clerk, a position which he held for approximately 18 months.
In 9/1965 he was transferred to Fairfield Police Station (which was part of No. 26 Division ( Merrylands ) at the time) on General Duties.
In 11/1966 he was transferred to No. 21 Division on Criminal Investigations Training.
In 10/1967 he was transferred to the Pillage Squad, where in 2/1968 he was promoted to the rank of Constable 1/c., and in 11/1969 he was designated a ‘Detective’.
Then in 12/1970 transferred to No. 28 Division on Criminal Investigations, where in 2/1972 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
In 5/1974 he was transferred to No. 26 Division on Criminal Investigation and in 1/1978 transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on similar duties.
Liverpool Police Officer – Detective Senior Constable John. J. W. Hillier transferred from Merrylands (No. 26 Division) to Liverpool Police Station on Criminal Investigation Duties.
Then in 4/1979 he was transferred to No. 7 Division (Redfern) returned to Uniform Duties and was place on General Duties, where in 4/1983 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant 3/c.
A Couple of weeks later in 4/1983 he was transferred to No. 2 Division (Regent Street) on General Duties.
Then in 8/1983 he transferred to the Traffic Branch on the Accident Investigation Squad.
While at the Accident Investigation Squad he wrote a ‘Training Course’ for those transferred into the Squad.
He was then the ‘head’ of its Training Unit, and took part in the first three Training Courses conducted at the Police Academy at Goulburn.
Later in 1980’s he transferred to Macquarie Fields Police Station on General Duties.
After a number of years he transferred to Campbelltown Police Station on similar duties.
Later he transferred to Revesby Police Station from where he was discharged medically unfit in 6/1999, after serving the NSW Community for a period of 38 years.
Above Service History Sourced from ‘History of the NSW Police At Liverpool ( 1788 – 2022 ) penned by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
* 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.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
A 32-year-old Tasmanian policeman who took his own life in 2016 has been described as “gentle, kind and popular” with a “deep love for animals and his family” — and whose struggles with depression weren’t “a secret”.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of suicide, depression and substance abuse; reader discretion is advised
Constable Paul Hunt is one of four policemen whose death is being investigated as part of a coronial inquest in the Launceston Magistrates Court.
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke will also form part of the inquest.
All four men took their own lives in the period between 2016 and 2020.
Council assisting the coroner, Cameron Lee, said the inquest will look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the policy and procedures of Tasmania Police and the nature of welfare and fatigue management.
“The life of a police officer is a very dangerous one, they’re often exposed to dangerous and traumatic events,” he said.
“It’s very much the luck of the draw, one cannot unsee what they have seen.”
Constable Hunt was found dead on the July 8, 2016 at his father’s property at Mount Direction, near Launceston.
His father, Matthew Hunt gave evidence during the inquest and told the court his son battled for years with anxiety and depression and was in and out of hospital.
He told the court he first noticed signs of his son’s depression when he was visiting him for Christmas one year while Paul was working as a policeman on King Island, off Tasmania’s north-west coast.
“I believe he was first diagnosed there,” he said.
“We went over there quite regularly to visit … he met his wife Jess there.”
Questioned over drug purchases
The court heard on the day Constable Hunt died he was called in for an unannounced meeting with officers from the Professional Standards Command.
The meeting was regarding allegations he had been using his Tasmania Police badge and fake driver’s licence numbers for several years to obtain codeine-based and pseudoephedrine-based medications from a number of pharmacies in Hobart.
In early 2014, the court heard he was identified through Project STOP, which is a tool pharmacists use to track purchases, as being in the top four purchasers in Tasmania between January and August.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the tool is aimed at preventing the use of pseudoephedrine-based products to manufacture methamphetamine.
He was spoken to by senior police following this — and was flagged again the following September.
On 13 November 2015, he was interviewed by Professional Standards about the allegations.
On the day he died, his work station and locker were also searched and his personal phone was confiscated. He was also officially stood down from his role.
He then withdrew $600 from his joint bank account with his wife and took a taxi to Launceston, and then another taxi to his father’s property in Mount Direction.
His father Matthew Hunt was travelling at the time and wasn’t home.
Constable Hunt then sent his wife a message on Facebook on his dad’s computer saying goodbye.
“Paul had always wanted to be a policeman, and he had depression, it wasn’t a secret,” Matthew Hunt told the court.
He said his son’s wife or another person who could have offered support should have been included at the meeting with his police superiors.
“It was a pretty significant event for him,” Mr Hunt said.
The inquest also heard in the days after his death, Matthew Hunt was told by a Tasmania Police officer that “it wasn’t a compensable issue” which he said he felt was a strange thing to say.
“I checked with other family members afterwards that I had heard that correctly and they said yes,” he said.
“It was very strange … this was before the funeral.”
When asked if other members of Tasmania Police visited him afterwards, he said three had.
The inquest is continuing.
Key points:
A coroner is investigating the deaths of four Tasmania Police officers between 2016 and 2020
Paul Hunt, a constable, died by suicide in 2016 at his father’s property
The inquest heard he had been called in by the Professional Standards Unit on the day he died
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.
Deepest condolences to Randalls wife – Janean, family and friends.
My husband Sergeant Randal Moulden was one of those officers that tragically took his own life on Tuesday 29th June 2021.
He couldn’t carry the pain of the trauma of what he had experienced over the 30yrs as a serving Police officer.
He was one of a kind, Professional, Caring, Empathetic, Understanding, Passionate. These traits that not only I as a wife, but his children, his friends, his colleagues are what we loved about him.
Regardless of what he had seen, experienced and witnessed.
Every day that he put on his uniform he wore it with pride, dignity and grace, ultimately it was these traits as a serving officer that made him suffer.
To EVERYONE I can not stress this enough, PLEASE, PLEAS,E PLEASE, get help.
There is ABSOLUTELY no shame in reaching out.
As partners we are here to support, to love and to comfort those suffering. Your burden is our burden to share.
Don’t let this tragedy be in vain, lets learn from it and try to change it as death is never the answer.
To all the people that have shared their respect and Grief, there are not enough words to thank you.
This is an Audio file by Janean MOULDEN – wife of Randall MOULDEN, about the impact that his suicide has had on her, the family and Policing families.
MOULDEN (Randall Phillip):
The Commissioner of Police and all Members of the Western Australia Police Force regret the passing of our colleague, serving Police Officer, Randall Phillip Moulden, Registered Number…
Randall Moulden: Wife of cop who took own life says WA Police, State Govt still not providing enough support
Daryna Zadvirna The West Australian
Randall Moulden was a larrikin, the “fun” parent and so dedicated to his job as a WA Police officer, he literally gave his life to the role, according to his widow Janean.
She recently commemorated one year since her husband died by suicide on June 29 by spreading his ashes across the desert in Morocco.
“I had coppers ring me the next day to tell me how graphic and horrendous it was out there.
“He became very withdrawn. I just couldn’t help him.”
Finding helpful support
It was not until January 2016 that Mr Moulden realised he needed help and started seeing a counsellor employed by WA Police.
“Then in the August, the counsellor said, ‘I can’t help you. You need medication,'” Ms Moulden said.
“He just felt like it was just a horrible thing to say, you know?
“So then he was just sort of left stranded.”
It wasn’t until he found Soldiers and Sirens, a free not-for-profit service for veterans and first-responders, that Mr Moulden’s health began to improve.
The service was co-founded by Danielle Baldock, a psychologist and former police officer who felt there was a gap in support for police and other emergency services staff.
“There was no service for first responders that was independent and external and confidential,” Ms Baldock said.
“One of the big concerns that officers have is that if they go to their internal support it might limit their career in some way.
“That’s not a reality, it’s more of a perception. The WA Police psych unit is amazing — they do great work.”
Ms Baldock said because police officers were often hesitant to seek counselling through their workplace she was motivated to provide external support.
“We wanted to provide this separate space where they could come together and be a community,” she said.
‘A massive improvement’
Ms Moulden said the counselling Soldiers and Sirens provided to both her and her husband was a godsend.
“He was doing amazing, he really was. Every time he saw Danielle he walked out with bounce in his step, a smile on his face,” she said.
“He had made such a massive change this year.”
Ms Moulden said the key difference was that the service was independent and staffed by people who had lived experience in emergency services.
“It’s the essential ingredient. You cannot speak to someone who does not have a clue about trauma,” she said.
“And there is a genuine fear out there.
“I’ve spoken to many police officers and they all say the same thing, that they would not go to the police psychiatrist or the police doctor — not when the commissioner is in the same building. You can’t be honest.”
Funding discontinued
Soldiers and Sirens received initial start-up funding from the federal Department of Communities as well as bulk-billing fees from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, at the end of June the federal funding ended and has not been renewed.
“We were hoping in the time that we could fundraise, that we could apply for the grants and get some funding from somewhere,” Ms Baldock said.
“But unfortunately, with the COVID situation, we just haven’t been able to secure any further funding.
“So on the first of August we shut our doors.”
Service closure ‘daunting’
Ms Moulden said the news that the service was closing devastated her husband as he faced the prospect of having to re-tell his story to a new psychologist.
“He had built a rapport with Danielle and that’s half the key,” she said.
“The thought of going to another psychologist is daunting; you’ve got to keep reliving it. It’s cruel.”
In June, Mr Moulden died by suicide.
His death has motivated his wife to fight for funding for the Soldiers and Sirens service.
“I know that he would want me to speak up [and] speak about my own experience,” Ms Moulden said.
“Not just for me, but for anyone suffering. He would want me to be their voice.”
Request for state funding
Soldiers and Sirens is now hoping the WA state government will provide the additional funding needed for the service to remain accessible.
“We want there to be no barriers to entry,” Ms Baldock said.
“[So] that you can ring up and get an appointment straight away within a couple of weeks without lots of triage barriers in the way, and we really wanted it to be free.
“WA Police are amazing. They paid for all of the sessions for their officers. We were also cost-recovering from Medicare and DVA and the places that we could, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to sustain us.”
In a statement, Minister for Police Paul Papalia said the WA government provided funding to the WA Police Force for “a range of wraparound services through the Health and Welfare Division”.
“In addition to internal outreach services which include 24/7 access to on-call clinical psychologists and chaplains, officers are able to access private psychological and psychiatric support services from a network of external providers,” the statement said.
“Soldiers and Sirens is one of a number of those approved external providers which police officers are able to access.”
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.
Senior police officer found dead at work in horrifying discovery in Melbourne’s inner south
Police have confirmed the death of a senior sergeant who was found at a police station in Melbourne’s inner south.
WARNING: Confronting.
Jessica Wang
less than 2 min read
January 14, 2023 – 1:44PM
NCA NewsWire
WARNING: Confronting
A senior Victoria Police officer has been found dead at a station in Melbourne’s inner south, police have confirmed.
Victoria Police confirmed the death of the senior sergeant which happened at around 7.30pm on Friday.
A spokesman confirmed he was not on-duty at the time.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm a senior sergeant has taken his own life on Friday 13 January, ( 2023 )” a statement from Victoria Police reads.
“The male police officer was located deceased at the station just before 7.30pm.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
The senior sergeant’s death has sent shock waves around the police community.
The Police Association of Victoria shared their condolences and said the officer’s family and colleagues will be taken care of.
“We can confirm reports of a non-operational incident that occurred at the Moorabbin police station yesterday afternoon where a police member has sadly passed away,” read a post made on social media.
“Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the deceased member who will be supported by The Police Association and Victoria Police.”
In a Facebook group dedicated to fallen members of the force, one member said it was a “sad day” for the force.
“RIP Sarge,” he wrote.
“Rally around the troops and make sure they’re okay.
“It’s going to be hard for them.”
Former police officer and Opposition corrections spokesman Brad Battin also shared his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of a life gone too soon,” Mr Battin, who is also the MP for Berwick, shared on social media.
“Today, reach out and thank all police for the stress and pressure they put themselves and their family under to protect our community.
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.
**********
Cal
24 February 2024 Above newspaper article discovered by me on 23 Feb 2024 relating to this 2023 suicide
Warren John MUSTOW
03/12/2024
Warren John MUSTOW
AKA Warren MUSTOW
Nickname: Matey Bob, Warrants, Waz, Musty
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 113
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 12954
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 30 October 1967 ( aged 27 years, 6 months, 13 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 11 December 1967 ( aged 27 years, 7 months, 24 days )
‘Warrants’ Mustow as Phil Clay called him. Every time I stuffed up the Warrant Books he quietly fixed them up. Sad news as he was a really nice fella.
‘ Matey Bob ‘:
?
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.
CLASS 081
