NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class #? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7452
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 20 October 1952 ( aged ? years, ? months, ? days )
Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?( aged ? years, ? months, ? days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Darlinghurst ( 3 Division ),
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 20 October 1952 to 15 May 1965 = 12 years, 6 months, 25 days Service
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 20 October 1952 to 15 May 1965 = 12 years, 6 months, 25 days Service
Time in Retirement from Police: 60 years, 8 months, 29 days
Age at Retirement / Leaving: = 33 years, 0 months, 11 days
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system
John Richard Furber DAVIES AKA John DAVIES, Jack DAVIES, Davo
Born: Wednesday 4 May 1932 in Sydney, NSW
Died on: Friday 13 February 2026
Age: 93 years, 9 months, 9 days
Organ Donor: No – Age restrictive
Cause: Old age
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 27 February 2026 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 165 Serpentine Rd, Terrigal, NSW
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 ( March 2026 )
JOHN 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.
If you have anything further to add to what is recorded here, please get in touch.
Deepest condolences to his wife, Mira, family and friends.
John Richard Furber DAVIES AKA John DAVIES, Jack DAVIES, Davo
John Richard Furber DAVIES AKA John DAVIES, Jack DAVIES, Davo
John Richard Furber DAVIES
?, John Richard Furber DAVIES AKA John DAVIES, Jack DAVIES, Davo & ?
John Richard Furber DAVIES AKA John DAVIES, Jack DAVIES, Davo
* 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.
( L – R ) Alan KAY # 9185, Charlie PARSONS # 7336 ( Region Commander ? ), Ken BECK # 9675 ( Commander – Taree ), Supt. Bob HUISH # 7406
Tribute
… In loving memory of …. Charles Vincent Parsons …
Late of Wyrallah.
Aged 94 years.
Dearly loved husband of Fay (dec).
Much loved father and father-in-law of Peter & Kerri, Kelvin (dec), Anne (dec) & Danny, Jennifer, Ben & Leonie.
Loving grandfather of Luke, Louise, Elise, Casey, Alex, Dane, Hannah, Sam and Joe.
Loving great grandfather to his 17 great grandchildren.
Loving brother and brother-in-law of Alma & Yvonne, Margie, Lyall, Valma, Lola, Richie, Leonie and Joan (dec).
Loving uncle and great mate to many.
Forever in our hearts
Kerri Parsons
21 November 2025 – NSW Fallen Police FB Group:
On behalf of my husband, Peter Parsons, Assistant Commissioner APM, Retired.
Death of former Assistant Commissioner Charles Vincent Parsons APM – registered number 7336.
It is with great sadness that the family of Charlie Parsons regret to inform of his passing yesterday, 20/11/2025 at Lismore Base Hospital following a short illness.
Charlie was 94 years old and retired from NSWPF in 1993 as an Assistant Commissioner, North Region. Country born, he served the majority of his service in country NSW.
Among his many achievements, Charlie always maintained that his proudest was his marriage to Fay (decd), and his five children – Peter, Anne (decd), Kel (decd), Jennifer and Ben.
Charlie was an avid proponent of the basic rights of the Police Officer, and served as a representative of the NSW Police Association for most of his career. His service was recognised by being made a life member on 25/5/1983. Before he passed he was the second oldest living life member in the history of NSWPA. He was awarded the Australian Police medal in the Queen’s birthday honours awards in 1988.
An avowed people person, Charlie was well respected by all who served with and under him.
He leaves 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Whilst extremely proud of all of them, with a majority serving in first responder occupations in QLD, NSW and VIC, Charlie’s proud policing family and legacy continued with sons Peter (Ret A/C), Kel (decd Det Snr/Sgt), grandsons Alex (current S/C – Port Stephens PAC), Joseph (current Det S/C QLDP), nephew Greg Hargraves (S/C – resigned), brother in law Mike Rogers (NSWP – resigned), nephew Jason Rogers ( QLDP – resigned) and lastly (not least) Charlie’s great grandson Billy Parsons enters NSW Police Academy in early 2026.
A loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, he will be sorely missed.
RIP mate.
Peter Parsons.
Funeral details will be forthcoming
Father & Son – Charlie & Peter PARSONS
You’re putting too much water on the roses. Let me do it.
* 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 # 087A
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # P/W 0049
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 29 May 1961 ( aged 28 years, 6 months, 14 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Monday 3 July 1961 ( aged 28 years, 7 months, 18 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? 1973 ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
1st mentioned in the 1977 ‘Stud Book’ as women were not considered, at the time, to be included in the male ‘Stud Book’. They allegedly had their own ‘Seniority list’.
If placed in the male ‘Stud Book’, Ida would have fallen between Registered #s 10033 ( Trevor NEILL ) & 10034 ( R. JEWELL ).
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 June 1976 – Seniority date = 30 October 1977
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 31 July 1984 – Seniority date = 6 July 1984
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed 27 August 1986 ( went from Sgt 2/c – C/Insp in 2 years )
Final Rank: = Chief Inspector
Stations: ?, Women Police Office, Detectives Training Course ( 1973 ( passed with Distinction ), Central Police Station ( 1 Division )( Detectives )( 1974 – 1981 ), Waverley ( 10 Division ), Kogarah ( 12 Division ), Rockdale ( 12 Division )( Det Sgt In Charge ), State Intelligence – Telephone Intercept Branch ( 1988 – 1992 )( Commander ), Retirement
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 29 May 1961 to 10 July 1992= 31 years, 1 months, 11 days Service
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From 29 May 961 to 10 July 1992 = 31 years, 1 months, 11 days Service
Time in Retirement from Police: 33 years, 0 months, 20 days
Age at Retirement / Leaving: = 59 years, 7 months, 25 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 11 December 1980 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( Det C/Insp )
Australian Police Medal – granted26 January 1989 ( C/Insp )
Mike Stephens Visual Storyteller · March 31, 2019 Posting two group photos taken 40 years apart of the same members. My Class 87A from 29 May, 1961 and our 1st reunion 40 years later 2001 at the Swansea RSL Club Lake Macquarie. Our class was the first to pass the 9999 registered Nos into the 10,000s.
When Ida joined the NSWP in 1961 she was older than her peers but brought with her the experience of working in the private sector. Ida’s early years of policing were in the traditional field of looking after the wellbeing of women and children. In 1973 she joined a number of women and undertook the Detective’s Training Course, which she completed with distinction. Ida’s work in criminal investigation at Central Police Station spanned 1974 – 1981 after which she moved to Waverley Police Station and then Kogarah where she was the detective sergeant in charge of Rockdale Police Station. In 1978 Ida was awarded the W.D. & H.O. Wills Trophy for the most outstanding female police officer. Ida’s background as an accountant served her well, as her later interest and roles involved working on the development of systems, including the Crime Information and Intelligence System and Licensing System. These skills fitted perfectly with Ida’s final role as Commander, Telephone Intercept Branch ( 1988 – 1992 ). Ida retired from the NSWP in 1992 at the rank of Chief Inspector after 31 years service. Ida was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 1989.
The reunion photo identified as follows ( 2001 ): Left to right – back row
Mike Stephens, Rod Fulham, Paul McGowan, John Imeson, Merv Braithwaite, Kevin Mongton, Barry Luckie, Brian Rowley, John Baker, Brian Borthwick, Barry Cooper, John Hayes, Tony Madigan, Bruce Spencer, Barry Lawson, Bernie Lee, Roy Fry (partly obscured by Ian Robb standing at end of middle row), Roy Leadbeater (Instructor).
Middle row –
Ross Goodwin, Brian McIlvenna, Leo Gately, Gordon Doyle, Harvey Juergens, Wally Lark, Helen Clark ( later Magnus ), Ida Luke, Fred Sewell, Ron Blake, Terry Lester, Tom Powick, Ian Robb (standing).
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 #? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9183
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 17 November 1958 ( aged ? years, ? months, ? days )
Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?( aged ? years, ? months, ? days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 17 November 1964
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 17 November 1968
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1974
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 20 November 1981
Last appears in the 1988 ‘Stud Book’ as a Sgt 2nd Class but not the 1989 issue.
Final Rank: = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: Don Served in Cyprus as a United Nations Civilian Police officer ( sometime between 1964 – 1976 ), ?, S.T.P. @ Traffic Branch, Liverpool ( 22 Division )( S.T.P. )( June 1966 – ),?, Fairfield ( 34 Division )( early 1980s )( Sgt ), ?
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 17 November 1958 to ? ? c1989? = 31+ years, ? months, ? days Service
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 17 November 1958 to ? ? c1989? = 31+ years, ? months, ? days Service
Time in Retirement from Police: ? years, ? months, ? days
Age at Retirement / Leaving: = ? years, ? months, ? days
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 May 1986 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986 ( Sgt 2/c )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986 ( Sgt 2/c )
Sgt 2/c – taken in the meal room of the old Fairfield Police Station, Smart St, Fairfield, NSW in the 1980s.
Born: Thursday 18 April 1929
Died on: Tuesday 14 May 2024
Age: 95 years, 0 months, 26 days
Organ Donor: No – Age restrictive
Cause: Age
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
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 ( July 2025 )
DON 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.
( L – R ): Col PATEMAN ( # 16846 ), Warren McDONALD ( # ????? ), Sgt Don PATERSON ( # 9183 ), Bob McDONAGH ( # 8565 ), Bruce McKEACHIE ( # 6785 ), Trevor TOBIN ( # 14323 ) taken in 1980s in the meal room at the old Fairfield Police station, Smart St, Fairfield, NSW.
* 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.
2nd last Class to be Sworn In at the Penrith Police college, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7642
Rank: Commenced Training at Penrith Police Academy on Monday 26 October 1953 ( aged 21 years, 5 months, 11 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed ? November 1953 ( aged 21 years, ? months, ? days )
Constable – appointed ? November 1954
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? October 1959
Detective – appointed ? October 1961
Senior Constable – appointed 26 October 1964
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 January 1969
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 31 January 1977
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? December 1979
Inspector – appointed 26 May 1983
Chief Inspector – appointed 6 November 1985
Final Rank: = Detective Chief Inspector
Stations: Daceyville ( 15 Division )( GDs )( ProCst ), Randwick ( 15 Division )( GDs ), Randwick ( 15 Division )( ‘A’ List ; precursor to becoming a Detective ), Vice Squad ( Training )( Sept 1956 – Oct. 1958 ), Redfern ( 7 Division )( Relieving and Testing Duties )( Oct. 1958 – Feb. 1959 ), Paddington ( 10 Division )( C.I. Duties )( Feb. 1959 – Jan. 1961 ), Liverpool ( 22 Division )( Dets )( Jan. 1961 – Jan. 1971 ),Merrylands ( 26 Division )( Dets )( Jan. 1971 – Mar. 1974 ), Fairfield ( 34 Division )( Dets )( Mar. 1974 – Dec. 1975 ), Central ( 1 Division )( Det )( Dec. 1975 – Jan. 1979 ), Hurstville ( 31 Division )( Dets – Divisional Det. Sgt )( Jan. 1979 – Jan. 1980 ), Bankstown ( 19 Division )( Det. Sgt 1/c )( Chief of Dets )( Jan. 1980 – Sept. 1981 ), ‘ G ‘ District – Assistant to the Det. Insp. ( Sept. 1981 – June 1983 ), ‘ H ‘ District – District Detective Inspector – ( June 1983 – ), Bureau of Crime Intelligence ( B.C.I. )( c1986 )( Det C/Insp ) – Retirement
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 26 October 1953 to 5 April 1988 ( optional Retirement ) = 34 years, 5 months, 10days Service
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 26 October 1953 to 5 April 1988 ( optional Retirement ) = 34 years, 5 months, 10days Service
Time in Retirement from Police: 37 years, 3 months, 14 days
Age at Retirement / Leaving: = 55 years, 10 months, 14 days
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however;
won the Sir Robert Askin Memorial Award
Commended for his part played in the search for Monica Schofield, missing from Heathcote Hostel from the 17th June, 1963, and in relation to inquiries which resulted in the arrest of her attacker, Barry Rodrick, and his subsequent conviction for murder.
Signed N. T. W. Allan. Commissioner of Police.
Born: Sunday 15 May 1932
Died on: Saturday 19 July 2025
Age: 93 years, 2 months, 4 days
Organ Donor: No – Age restrictive
Cause: Natural – Old Age
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Thursday 31 July 2025 @ 12.30pm
Funeral location: South Chapel, Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington, NSW
Liverpool PAC will provide an Official Police Guard of Honour
LIVE STREAM can be found HERE link expired before I had the chance to record it.
Ray was the President of the Cabramatta Golf Club for 7 years.
He was a well known sportsman, footballer and Policeman.
On Saturday, 19 July 2025, retired Chief Inspector Raymond Douglas Millington 93 , past away after a short illness.
Ray was an outstanding man! A very good detective, outstanding Policeman and accomplished athlete, he played 1st grade rugby Union for Easts, 1st grade rugby league for Easts, he was an excellent basket ball player and was in the graded finals for selection for the 1956 Olympics!
Ray was a man of old fashion principles and integrity, he excelled as a policeman, teacher and a friend.
Ray worked at Central Dets in the 70’s and at Bankstown in the late 70’s where he was the boss.
He was a man of wisdom, intelligence and compassion.
He recently was awarded a special commendation where he and 3 other persons were recognised as being the only sportsman too play 1st grade in 3 disciplines, rugby Union, rugby and AFL, on the Sydney Cricket Ground. An amazing feat for an amazing man.
Australia has lost a great Aussie!
1953 October: Liverpool Police Officer – Probationary Constable Raymond. D. Millington a former Driver’s Assistant, Cabinet Maker, Tally Clerk and Labourer entered the Police College at Penrith and commenced his Initial Training.
This was the second last class to be attested at the Penrith College.
Then four weeks later, in 11/1953 he was attested as a Probationary Constable and stationed at No. 15 Division (Daceyville) on General Duties.
In 5/1954 he was transferred to Randwick Police Station (a sub-station of No. 15 Division) on General Duties, and after a short time he went onto the ‘A’ List, where in 10/1954 he was promoted to the rank of Constable.
In those days a prospective Detective was transferred either to the Vice Squad or No. 21 Division for Criminal Investigation Training.
In 9/1956 he was transferred to the Vice Squad. In 10/1958 he was transferred to No. 7 Division (Redfern) on Relieving and Testing Duties.
In 2/1959 he was transferred to No. 10 Division (Paddington) on Criminal Investigations, where in 10/1959 he was promoted to the rank of Constable 1/c.
Then in 1/1961 he was transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on Criminal Investigation Duties, where in 10/1961 he was designated a ‘Detective’. Around this
period Liverpool stretched from Guildford to Bargo, and the Police Station located within No. 22 Division were Liverpool (Head Station), Fairfield, Cabramatta, Guildford, Ingleburn, Campbelltown, Camden, The Oaks and Picton.
1961 January: Liverpool Police Officer – Detective Constable 1/c. Raymond D. Millington was transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on Criminal Investigation Duties, where in 10/1964 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
In 7/1968 he was one of the Criminal Investigators involved in investigating the Wally Mellish Glenfield Siege.
In 1/1969 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant 3/c.
In 1/1971 he was transferred to No. 26 Division (Merrylands) on Criminal Investigation Duties.
In 3/1974 he was transferred to No. 34 Division (Fairfield) on Criminal Investigation Duties.
In 12/1975 he was transferred to No. 1 Division (Central) on Criminal Investigation Duties, where in 1/1977 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant 2/c.
In 1/1979 he was transferred to No. 31 Division (Hurstville) at the Divisional Detective Sergeant, where in 12/1979 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant 1/c.
In 1/1980 he was transferred to No. 19 Division (Bankstown) as the Divisional Detective Sergeant.
In 9/1981 he was transferred to ‘G’ District as the Assistant to the Detective Inspector, where in 5/1983 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Inspector.
In 6/1983 he was transferred to ‘H’ District as the District Detective Inspector.
Source: Liverpool Police History time line by Joe Stanioch.
Bankstown Detectives: C1979
Back Row ( L – R )
Det SenCon E. HAWRYSIUK, P.C.Cst 1/c I.B. KEENAN, P.C. SenCon Joe STANIOCH, Det SenCon M.A. DONOVAN, P.C. Cst 1/c Michael P. McGANN # 16758, Det SenCon Ulrich BRAMANN # 14184, Det SenCon G.C. PRENTICE, Cst 1/c R.N. RYAN.
Second Row ( L- R )
P.W Det SenCon M.A. WESTAWAY, Det SenCon Trevor Lyle BEAUMONT # 14058, P.C. Cst G.Md. ABEL, P.C. Cst 1/c J. KHALIFEH, P.C. Cst A.J. BICKHOFF, Det SenCon A.A. TOWNSEND, P.C. SenCst K.J. PLATT, P.C. Cst 1/c TUNNICLIFFE, P/W Cst 1/c G. M. LAPHAM.
Front Row ( L – R )
Det Sgt 3/c Allan R. LYTHALL # 9291, Det Sgt 3/c W. J. HADLEY, Det Sgt 3/c Ray F. WEBSTER # 10213, Det Sgt 2/c R.N. MURRAY, Det Sgt 1/c Ray D. MILLINGTON # 7642, Det Sgt 3/c R.E. LYNCH, Det Sgt 3/c J.D.G. BARTLETT, Det Sgt 3/c M. COUGHLIN.
The Glenfield Siege, 50 years ago….
In July 1968, small-time criminal Wally Mellish held his girlfriend Beryl Muddle and her child hostage in a fibro house in Sydney’s southwest. The bizarre turns of the eight-day siege captured the attention of Australians and made headlines around the world.
THE SYNOPSIS: Small-time criminal Wally Mellish, 22, was living in a house in Glenfield Road with his girlfriend Beryl Muddle, 19, and her 11-week old son when police arrived to talk about local car thefts.
Mellish told them to “go to hell”, fired a shot in the air and for the next eight days the house was surrounded.
Mellish forced Police Commissioner Norman Allan to arrange for his wedding to Beryl and to be best man. Allan provided the ring and the police canteen the wedding breakfast. Mellish forced police to give him an Armalite rifle and ammunition.
When the siege ended Mellish was taken by Commissioner Allan to Ingleburn Army Camp to enlist for service in Vietnam but he was rejected and committed to Morisset Psychiatric Hospital. No charges were ever laid. The marriage was annulled.
DAY ONE: July 2, 1968: On a cold winter’s morning local detective Ray Millington knocked on the door of the fibro cottage to talk to Mellish about car thefts. He was told to “go to hell” and a shot was fired.
Riot Squad police surrounded the house. Mellish threatened to kill Beryl and the child and more shots were fired. Detective Superintendent Don Fergusson, chief of the CIB, and Long Bay Jail chaplain the Rev Clyde Paton negotiated a truce.
Earlier, a detective in the house talking to Mellish was ordered out by Commissioner Allan when he phoned to talk to Wally.
DAY TWO: Commissioner Allan took personal charge and organised the wedding of the year. He got special dispensation to avoid the statutory seven-day waiting period. Rev Paton married Wally and Beryl with Allan as best man and Fergusson as a witness. Allan brought five rings so one would fit.
The mobile police canteen provided a curry wedding breakfast washed down with Coca-Cola. Mellish laid down his weapons for the wedding but Allan and Fergusson honoured their promise and didn’t grab him. The world began to follow the Glenfield Siege.
DAY THREE: Allan admitted to astonished pressmen that Mellish had been given an Armalite rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition because he wanted to match the fire-power of the police. Allan denied he was a hostage, claiming Mellish threatened the life of his wife and child. Police also gave Mellish food and a radio. Allan said Mellish claimed to have hand grenades and this was supported by Beryl.
DAY FOUR: Police stopped serving food to Mellish but continued to provide for the child. Plans to dope Mellish’s food were ruled out. Mellish would only communicate with Rev Paton. The use of tear-gas was ruled out because of the effects on the baby.
DAY FIVE: Mellish again refused food and cigarettes as police tried to wait him out. Police Association began to question handling of the siege by Commissioner Allan. Power to the house was cut and searchlights installed.
DAY SIX: As the waiting game continued, police defied orders and rained rocks on the tin roof of the house. “If we have to be awake so does he,” one detective said. Riot police were openly contemptuous of Mellish reading papers in full view of the siege house. Dr Tom Lonie, superintendent of Morisset Hospital where Mellish had been a patient, spoke to him.
DAY SEVEN: Mellish reported to be twice on the verge of surrendering after telephone talks with Rev Paton but was still in the house at the end of the day. Police Association censured Commissioner Allan for handing over the Armalite rifle.
DAY EIGHT: After 174 hours, on a sunny afternoon at 3.09 pm. Wally and Beryl walked out of the house with the baby. Wally went to Ingleburn and then to Morisset in Allan’s car. Police and press packed their gear and Glenfield returned to its quiet state.
THE AFTERMATH: The next day Beryl announced she was seeking to annul the wedding. Commissioner Allan, Rev Paton and Superintendent Fergusson were decorated for their bravery. Rev Paton moved into obscurity
^ ^ ^ ^
Glenfield Siege. Liverpool Police attended premises in Glenfield Rd, Glenfield, the home of Wally Mellish (23old), to enquire about some stolen car parts and also execute an arrest warrant for car theft, initiating the siege.
After Detective Raymond Millington from Liverpool knocked on the front door he was told to “go to hell” and Mellish fired a shot in the air and the house was then surrounded for the next eight days.
NSW Police Commissioner Norman. T. W. Allan personally negotiated with a petty criminal Wally Mellish who defied police in a siege by holding his girlfriend Beryl Muddle and their 11 week old baby as hostages.
Having persuaded Mr Allan to arrange his marriage to Beryl and to provide the wedding ring and the feast, Mellish refused to surrender as promised.
Mr Allan acceded at gunpoint to the Mellish demand to be furnished with an Armalite rifle and 200 bullets.
The marriage celebrant Rev Clyde Paton persuaded Mellish to surrender 5 days later.
He was sent to the Morisset Mental Hospital. Soon after release from the Hospital, Mellish was arrested for demanding money with menaces, in an unrelated matter, and subsequently jailed for 3 years.
Detectives who complained about not been able to arrest Mellish following the siege were transferred to Uniform Duties by the Commissioner.
Commissioner Allan rewarded himself and Rev Paton with the Queen Medal for Bravery.
No charges were ever laid, and the marriage was annulled.
^ ^ ^ ^
Former Liverpool Police Officers – Detective Inspector Raymond. D. Millingtonwas the Detective Inspector at ‘H’ District Office. He and Detective Chief Inspector Jim Loomes were chosen to commence an investigation into allegations of corruption ( bribery for early prisoner releases ) by former NSW Corrective Services Government Minister Rex Jackson.
Their initial investigation later lead to a Royal Commission, which resulted in Jackson’s conviction in 9/1987 and serving a term in prison. He was released from prison in late 1990. The Royal Commission also exposed a number of other high profile persons acting corruptly.
^ ^ ^ ^
Scholastic Achievement: Sir Robert Askin Memorial Award. This award was presented annually for attainment during the Senior Police Course. Detective Inspector Raymond. D. Millington, who was attached to the Bureau of Crime Intelligence at the time, was the recipient.
Source: Liverpool Police History time line by Joe Stanioch.
The three-code pioneer who paved the glittering path for Folau and Hunt
Footy fans everywhere are familiar with the code-hopping stories of Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt. But the pair were beaten in playing all three football codes by a Sydney policeman sixty years earlier.
It was a balmy Brisbane night. The kind of night that has citronella candles flickering right along the river.
Israel Folau knew the kind well, never once batting his eyelids as the Lang Park crowd milled around him, many still in singlets and thongs.
But while the multi-million-dollar dynamo was on familiar ground, he was entering new territory. All 102 kilograms of him.
With two seasons as a Brisbane Bronco already under his belt, Folau’s bus ride down Caxton Street that night was filled with a smorgasbord of familiar sights and sounds. Maroon-clad fanatics downing mangos in the swamp. Saturday night specialists sipping on whiskey apples at Lefty’s. The riff-raff congregating suspiciously outside of Honey B’s.
Only this time, none of the locals would be cheering his name. Even if every last one of them had turned up, and paid up, to see him.
Sweaty shoulder to sweaty shoulder, 35,081 made their way through the Lang Park turnstiles on the 23rd of February, 2013. 35,081 were on hand to witness history.
Or so they had been told.
Spruiked as the first man to play Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby union at the highest levels possible in this country, Folau made his return to Suncorp Stadium after 905 days. His hand poised to re-write the history books.
Despite earning detractors along the way, the gravity of the then-33-year-old’s achievement couldn’t be understated. Folau’s ability to hop from the Melbourne Storm to the Broncos (NRL), then over to the GWS Giants (AFL) and jump into place with the New South Wales Waratahs (Rugby Union) had kids weaving several dreams into a singular naptime.
No longer were aspirations of becoming a Kangaroo, a Wallaby, or an All-Australian mutually exclusive.
Two years on from his rugby union debut, Folau would be joined in this rare club by Karmichael Hunt, after the Auckland-born, Australian representative made his way from Brisbane to Biarritz, then to the Gold Coast Suns and onto the Queensland Reds’ roster in 2015, all while changing gears – and gear – with relative ease.
Yet, for these Polynesian superstars to stake their claim across all three codes, earning a chance to stroll contentedly down streets paved with gold, their path first needed paving.
For eight years, footy fans from all three codes have been under the impression that Folau was the first man to spin a Steeden, shoot a Sherrin, and grab a Gilbert professionally, to be paid for the honour.
But what if this collective belief was wrong?
What if the history books had been etched incorrectly?
What if we told you that more than six decades ago, it took a Sydney copper to sprint, so Folau and Hunt could stroll?
As the maxim goes, truth is often stranger than fiction. But for Raymond Douglas Millington, this strange truth is his life’s work.
Not that many had noticed.
Unless you are a nonagenarian that packed scrums around suburban Sydney, chased leather in inner Melbourne, or featured in the Harbour City’s first-grade competition during the 1950s, it is unlikely you have ever heard the name, Ray Millington.
However, for the vast uninitiated, the New South Welshman – all 76 kilograms of him – became the first name to sit at the table of three when he completed the trifecta way back in 1957.
A feat completed to absolutely no acclaim.
Take a beat and check out Ray’s entry in any edition of The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers. You will find it is only marginally larger than a jelly baby. Folau and Hunt’s by comparison? Theirs are more like mini Mars bars.
“I’ve had a pretty colourful sporting career,” Millington wryly told Zero Hanger from his home in Sydney’s West.
Now less than a month shy of his 91st birthday, and over 63 years since he hung up his boots for good, Ray Millington no longer moves like the whippet-like competitor he once was.
“I’m getting old. I say that every day and I don’t like it very well, but it creeps up on you and you have no alternative,” he admitted through a fatigued drawl.
“Don’t rush yourself, mate. It’s all I can say to you.”
But as whippet-like competitors of any age are prone to, Ray still has plenty to say.
Precursor to Pendles
You could be forgiven for believing that for someone to play VFL football, top-grade rugby union and pull on the Sydney Roosters‘ famous Tricolours in one lifetime, they must be a near-supernatural entity, an all-conquering athlete touched by the gods themselves.
Part Scott Pendlebury, with a touch of James Tedesco, and just a sprinkle of Roy Hobbs in there for good measure. What most would call a natural.
However, if you took the short odds to back Millington in as the most gifted galloper in the race, the bookie would be holding your hard-earned. That ticket would be worthless.
“No, no, no,” Ray rebuffed. “I was never a natural. I had to work pretty hard to get to where I got.”
Raised in the country surrounds of Grose Wold – an 80-minute drive north-west of Sydney’s centre – Ray spent the early years of his childhood playing cricket and rugby league with the 10 others in the school yard of his one-horse town. A town where, ironically, most blokes earned a crust as horse studs.
But with the Curtin government committed to sending fit men to war following the German’s march into France, the Millington family traded the sticks for the tight-knit, double-terraced streets of Paddington in 1942, after Ray’s father was asked to make the barracks on Moore Park Road home.
With rations, blackouts, and tightened purse strings the norm, 10-year-old Ray wandered to the end of the road and changed the course of his life.
Once located less than a Phil Manassa run from the SCG’s stately Members’ stand, the Moore Park Playground was filled with kids of the depression honing their sporting skills from dawn until dusk, each enjoying unfettered access to enough poles, goals, nets, bats, and balls to keep dreamers of every persuasion in business.
“The playground was only about three or four hundred yards from where I lived, so I’d go there straight after school and stay there until around 7 o’clock at night,” Ray recalled.
“We played cricket, rugby league, basketball, rugby union, tennis, baseball, and whatever else.”
It was on this field of dreams that Ray was moulded into the precursor to Scott Pendlebury, with his own basketball background fostered under the watch of Australian hoops royalty.
“We were always bouncing basketballs or swinging bats or something. That was seven days a week. That’s how I got my start,”
“We had a very, very, very good supervisor in Ray Rosbrook. His skills as a sports coach were of an international standard. He was a superb head coach of the New South Wales basketball team.”
The playground’s posts and courts are long gone now. Each removed or sealed over with bitumen and marked into multiple gridlocked lanes. These days, the junction of Moore Park Road and Dowling Street acts as the mouth to the Eastern Expressway – a route used by tens of thousands of Sydneysiders every day, and avoided by hundreds of thousands more.
“The place I lived in Paddington just sold for $3.5 million,” Millington sighed. “Such is progress, I guess.”
Like present-day developers, progression would soon become the name of Ray’s game, with all roads soon leading to the SCG’s greener pastures, and the playground fading fast in his rearview mirror.
Collate the history books, and they will say that Ray was the first person to play any form of Aussie Rules, rugby union, and rugby league on the cricket ground. Still, his first mark at the venue came without a ball at all.
During the summer of 1950, a time in which Menzies was still moving furniture into the lodge, Ray took on all comers during the NSW Junior Athletics carnival, heading home as state champion in javelin, hammer throw, and the pole vault.
A burly lad, by then on the verge of adulthood, Ray’s crowning vault wasn’t without misfortune, as he flew for the heavens, crashlanding like an ungainly Roy Cazaly.
An 18-year-old Ray Millington tumbling from his pole at the SCG – February 25, 1950. Photo – supplied
“I’ve got a photograph of that. Me going through the air, arse upside down,” Millington said with a prideful chuckle, recalling with ease the events of an afternoon that unfolded more than 70 years ago.
“I think the bar was at about 10′ 6 – over three metres in today’s measurements – and the pole broke. In those days, the sandpit was just two inches of sand thrown on the grass.”
It was this size and courage that had served him well as he wandered into view of Australia’s own game. His sticky hands and high leap were more than handy, too.
“I wasn’t a natural, but just having a basketball in your hand every day gave you that hand-eye coordination and that’s why I adapted to Aussie Rules a lot easier than most,” he explained.
“I had good hands, very good hands, and because I used to compete in athletics carnivals, I could jump.”
“Learning to kick came with difficulty, but back then it wasn’t much of an issue, as everyone just went back and laced off big torpedo punts.”
Originally turning out for the now-defunct Dellmuth Football Club, Ray stab-passed his way around the ovals of suburban Sydney, eventually lining up with Eastern Suburbs – a club once home to Swans co-captain Dane Rampe and triple premiership Blue, Mark ‘Sellars’ Maclure.
Tasting grand final defeat in his first season at Trumper Park, the 17-year-old with the dukes and the hops had made waves since his rise to the seniors. Waves that would carry him into a sky-blue jumper and a date against a Hall of Fame spearhead.
Wollongong, October 1949 – A combined NSW side before their fixture against VFA premiers Williamstown – a 17-year-old Ray Millington can be found dead centre of the front row – PHOTO CREDIT – NSW Football History Society.
“I was selected in a composite New South Wales team in 1949 to play Williamstown, who had just won the VFA competition down in Melbourne,” Ray said.
“We played them at Wollongong and the great Ron Todd was at full-forward for them. They only beat us by six points and I kicked three for the day.”
Ray’s goalkicking prowess would continue throughout the 1950 season, with the Sydney Morning Herald routinely reporting on his ability to “dazzle spectators with high marks and long kicks”.
An 11-goal outing against Balmain in late May saw him skyrocket into the state side, booking a place on the plane for the 1950 State Carnival.
“We went up to Brisbane for about 10 days or so. We played on what’s now the Gabba and beat Canberra and Queensland.”.
With the Waratah stamped on his chest, the pride that filled Ray way back when remains a sensation he can vividly recall today, even if his jaw may have been a bit jutted at the time.
“I was just a kid. I was overawed, but I was up myself…”
“You think that you’re Superman.”
“But I played alright. I played pretty well.”
Man of Steel or otherwise, avenues were beginning to open for the nippy forward with a bloodhound’s sense for goal.
Although the dog days of rationing and blackouts had been shrugged off by the spring of 1950, with the nation now finding itself on the doorstep of economic prosperity, VFL outfits still took a decidedly narrow view when it came to signing talent.
Time and again, the stars and also-rans of the day came from within the near reaches of all 12 clubs, or from the bush just beyond town. But whether city slickers or hayseeds, there was a tie that bound almost every teammate: the ‘Barassi Line’.
More than 30 years on from landing a league side to call their own, Sydney may as well have been on a different planet to Melbourne in those days, with few in the Harbour City caring for a game that remains more religion than sport south of the Murray River.
But this Millington kid had something. Something that was too sharp to ignore. From the sticks to the big smoke; from the playground to national recognition, a chance to travel to football’s Mecca would soon follow.
New South Wales’ 1950 State Carnival Side on the tarmac at Mascot Airport – an 18-year-old Ray Millington can be found third from the left – PHOTO CREDIT: NSW Football History Society.
Gorillas and Galloping Greens
1951 was the quintessential ‘almost season’ for the Fitzroy Football Club.
10 wins, six losses, and, peculiarly, two draws, saw the Gorillas – the club’s overtly aggressive mascot between 1939 and 1956 – finish just outside the top four, forcing them to watch on as the hated Pies, Cats, Dogs, and Dons did battle in September.
By then, it had been four years since the Roys had last punched a finals ticket – their last look coming during their preliminary final loss to Essendon in 1947. It had also been eight years since their last premiership – a drought that would remain unbroken throughout their final 45 years of existence.
Though little more than the tracks of a sliding door had kept Fitzroy from a spot in the four, the club’s brass sought an alternative fix for their marginal woes. One that would cost them a mere fraction of the hard-earned spent elsewhere.
In an effort to climb the ladder, the Gorillas looked north, asking a raw utility to trade pre-bohemian Paddington for Fitzroy, a suburb still light years away embracing frothed oat milk in their fairtrade coffees.
“I was approached by the president of the NSW Aussie Rules competition, Les Taylor, at the end of 1951. He must have been approached by Fitzroy because he told me to head down to Melbourne and sign with them,” Ray explained.
News report from The News of Adelaide – January 10, 1952. PHOTO CREDIT: Trove.
“There were articles in the paper down there about how Fitzroy’s officials met me at Essendon Airport because other clubs were interested in signing me. They never told me who those mystery suitors were.
“At that stage, I was the youngest from New South Wales to ever go down to Melbourne. I was only 19 at the time.”
Young, brash, and keen to get his hands dirty, Ray and his wife, Norma, made a home for themselves in the heart of Fitzroy, waking most days to the sound of trams thundering past their front door.
“We lived directly opposite the footy ground In Brunswick Street,” Ray explained.
“That was back when the Harveys were playing cricket with Fitzroy.
“We walked straight out the front gate and across the road into Brunswick Street Oval.”
Across the tram tracks and beneath the shadow of the old railyard silo, Ray rubbed shoulders with a strong and silky ilk, honing his craft alongside Team of the Century members, Bill Stephen and Allan ‘The Baron’ Ruthven, by then a Brownlow medallist and the Roys’ captain-coach.
There was also ‘Butch’ Gale and Norm Johnstone, two men that were more granite than flesh and bone. Around them was place-kicker Tony Ongarello, a dapper gent who would famously hide brandy in his walking stick later in life.
Though the new kid on the block, the teenaged Ray Millington matched it with these champions, seeing scribes from The Age dub him the Roys’ most impressive off-season recruit.
But even after training the house down over the summer, Ray was forced to uphold a time-honoured tradition: earning a spot in the seniors from the reserves.
At 176cm, Ray was deemed too short for a forward post. And though unfamiliar with the rough and tumble of life at the coalface, the Sydneysider was asked to cut his teeth in the middle.
“I used to be the centre-half forward or full-forward up in Sydney, but I was just too short. So, the club threw me in on the half-forward flank instead,” Ray recalled of his perpetually moving magnet.
At 0-2, the Gorillas’ 1952 season wasn’t off to a flier. And, after seeing gun centre-man Don Furness go down with injury, centre half-forward Ron Simpson hit for six with the flu, and their boom recruit earning rave reviews in the twos, Ruthven brought the kid into the big time.
At Princes Park in Round 3 against the capable Ken Hands, Ern Henfry, Bruce Comben and the guile of Ollie Grieve, Ray was quickly swept up in the rise in class, earning a reminder square between the numbers stitched onto his guernsey.
“My first game, I was 19th man and had to go on pretty early,” Ray recollected with ease.
“It would have been in the first quarter. By the time I got to my position, I was shitting myself.
“Here I am, a kid from Sydney playing in the big league in Melbourne, running on in front of the crowd at Carlton.”
“The first mark I went for, big ‘Chooka’ Howell, all six-foot-four of him, took a mark over the top of me and belted the shit out of me.
“I remember thinking, ‘Christ, I’m in A-grade here’.”
Though Ray would make the short walk back down Curtain Street a winner that early-May evening, he would be back kicking the dew off suburban ovals until mid-July.
In those days of ankle-high boots, training on a Thursday and full-to-the-brim ashtrays at half-time, back pocket, of all positions, was a specialist one. And at Brunswick Street Oval, the Roys had the best in the state in Bill Stephen.
A routine Victorian representative, Stephen would again don the Big V in 1952, travelling to face the Croweaters at Adelaide Oval. His void would be filled by the kid used to seeing his magnet flung about. A kid that would help hold the Tigers to just five goals at their Punt Road manor.
Forward, back, or in the guts, with two wins from two starts, Ray had moulded himself into the Roys’ lucky charm. And despite his past in baby blue, he too would familiarise himself with the Big V before too long.
“I made the Victorian seconds team that year,” Ray said.
“We played a combined Victorian country team as a curtain raiser to the major interstate match between Victoria and Western Australia at the MCG.
“They had me running in the centre that day, too.”
Sadly, that afternoon at Melbourne’s Mecca would act as Ray’s crescendo south of the Murray, as circumstances – both at home and across the road – would cap his VFL career at just two senior games.
Though the Gorillas would go on to taste September success that Spring, edging the Blues by a point in a semi-final bout for the ages before going down to the Magpies a week later, Ray would watch each final from the stands.
Still, whispers from the board room led Ray to believe the red carpet would be rolled out for him in 1953.
While the notion of a kid from the wrong side of the border taking the spot of the club’s playing coach and Brownlow medallist seems fanciful, according to Ray, it is one that was squarely on the Roys’ selection table.
“The selectors told me they wanted me to then play in the centre. I had played there all year in the reserves. Unfortunately, ‘Baron’ (Ruthven) was the starting centre,” he said.
“But the rumours were that he would retire and that I would have a genuine opportunity to play firsts in the middle. However, he played on for another two seasons, so I probably would have been left to cool my heels in the reserves.”
Happy news on the home front would help slam the door closed, with Norma falling pregnant and a move back to Sydney proving impossible to deny.
The cruellest blow of upping and leaving after only one winter came when Fitzroy refused to grant Ray a clearance, effectively tying the 20-year-old to the club even after he had left town.
Sporting careers are littered with ‘what ifs’, and although Ray would have plenty more chapters to write by the end of 1952, he remains steadfast in the belief that had he stayed on in Melbourne, he would have stacked up at senior level.
“Oh, yeah. I was told as much,” said Ray when asked whether he could have matched it with the VFL’s stars of the day.
“That’s why Fitzroy held my transfer up. The club didn’t want me to go.
“I was a bit of a victim of circumstance, really.”
Back on familiar ground, Ray returned to Easts for the ’53 season, tasting premiership success, and yet again, earning state honours.
But while the NSW police force recruit’s frame and nous had him dominating defenders at Trumper Park – and even the SCG – on Sundays, the lack of professional pathways placed a use-by-date on his Aussie Rules days.
A date that would have mates from a different code down the road soon calling for a helping hand.
The 1953 NSW carnival team in Brisbane. A more muscular Ray can be found in the front row, fourth from the right. Photo Credit – NSW Football History.
“All my mates were playing rugby union at Randwick, so just to do something, I went out and trialled just to run around,” said Ray of his choice to head down to Coogee Oval.
“I played in two grade trials with them and played pretty well.”
Part Pendlebury, part Tedesco, with a sprinkle of Hobbs and a touch of Serge Blanco, Ray hit the ground running, winning the Galloping Green’s fullback position.
These were the days before Super Rugby clashes and World Cups. There were no central contracts, boot deals or battles across umpteen time zones, only fixtures between suburban Sydney sides. Gordon and Eastwood; West Harbour and Randwick. Fixtures filled to the brim with Wallabies.
At Coogee, Ray would share a dressing room with many of these stars, including those that would eventually have bricks and mortar named in their honour.
“I immediately made the first-grade side at Randwick, and Sir Nicholas Shehadie was captain. He was also the Australian captain. We were full of internationals in the forwards,”
“There were probably four to six internationals in the Randwick side when I played. We didn’t make the four because they were all forwards.”
Ray would also share the sheds with a man who would go on to raise polarising offspring, linking up with the father of Australia’s 30th Prime Minister, Scott Morrison.
“Johnny Morrison was a prop, and in the police force, too,” Ray said.
“He was a good bloke, Johnny. I knew him pretty well.
“He went into politics himself and finished up as the Mayor of Waverley Council.”
Ray’s two seasons at Coogee Oval followed a familiar trend. Not only did he make his presence known, scoring freely by hand and by boot, but he would again shift around the park, plugging holes at centre, first-five and at the back.
His wares wouldn’t go unnoticed by rep selectors either, returning to the SCG to play in a curtain raiser before the eyes of many of his more experienced teammates.
“I got picked for the rugby union city colts. We played Duntroon College on the cricket ground before Australia in Fiji during June of 1954,”
But with the cost of living growing as his young family expanded, Ray eventually made like Morrison junior, trading the amateur 15-man game in for rugby league’s relative riches.
Chooks, pies and Venetian blinds
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, and with the force providing little for a cop that kept his nose clean, Ray was again left to cash in on his dash and dare.
“My sporting life hit a crossroads in 1956 and the juxtaposition of my sporting interests with the needs of a young family was thrown into clear relief,”
“I was back playing Aussie Rules, but a mate was playing lower-grade rugby league with Eastern Suburbs (nowadays the NRL‘s Sydney Roosters) and receiving a small amount of payment.
“I got nothing in Victoria, and up here, all I got was a pie for lunch or something.”
“I had three children I was raising on a police salary, which was not exactly generous. In fact, you could say it was very poor.”
Lured in by the promise of two pounds (four dollars) for every 3rd-grade appearance, and five (10 dollars) in the reserves, Ray made the short trek back to Moore Park, entering the Roosters’ coop in 1957.
“I hadn’t played rugby league since I was 15, so I was an older recruit with Easts, by then a 25-year-old,” Ray said of his choice to try out a third code.
Though he would spend the vast majority of his first two seasons in Tricolours playing reserve grade, sporadic shots in the firsts – and the accompanying 17-pound (34 dollars) payday – would arise.
On the 25th of August, 1957, before 11,360 at the old Sydney Sports Ground, Ray made his first-grade debut for the Roosters, running in 13-6 loss to Manly.
Ray’s set was complete. Not that anyone had noted.
But it would take a toe-to-toe battle against one of rugby league’s immortals before Ray’s spot in the seniors became his, and his alone.
“Our first-grade fullback was a bloke named Tony Paskins. He was the captain of New South Wales. He was just a great player,”
“In ’58, we were to play Souths at Redfern Oval and I was down to play second grade. I arrived there and was told Tony was injured and couldn’t play,”
“They threw me the boots and said, ‘Right, you’re playing, Ray’.”
“The fullback for Souths that day was Clive Churchill. That was his last year. It was one of the best games of football I played to the point that at training on the following Tuesday, one of the selectors came over and told me I had held my spot.
“I held it for the rest of the year.”
In all, Ray would don the Roosters‘ famed chevrons during 18 first-grade games, including a match-of-the-day clash at the SCG against the immortal might of Reg Gasnier, Norm Provan, Johnny Raper, and the Dragons pack.
Pies may have been off the menu, with some folding stuff finally coming Ray’s way, but – far from the property portfolios, fast cars, and diamond earrings accrued by Folau and Hunt over the years – Ray’s earnings only covered simple furnishings.
“In 1959, I played a full season of first-grade, earning total payments of 310 pounds (640 dollars in today’s currency) for the year,”
“As a result, we could indulge in Venetian blinds in our house at Mount Pritchard.”
And while his family would be sheltered from the summer sun, the 9-to-5 grind – a grind unfamiliar to those that would walk in his wake – put an end to his playing days for good.
“I couldn’t get to training. I was transferred out West as a detective. It would have been unfair,” he remembered.
“If I was working at 5 o’clock and we had a serious case and I said, ‘Look, fellas, I’ve got to go. I’m going to footy training,’ it would have gone down like a lead balloon.
“It took an hour and a half to get to the old Sydney Sports Ground, so I just packed it in.”
There would be attempts to lace them up again after making contact with clubs closer to home, but just as Ray found when he made the move home from Melbourne, his skillset would come at a price.
“I asked for a transfer from Easts in the hopes of joining Parramatta, but the club put a £300 transfer fee on my head to discourage other clubs from signing me,” He recalled, the last note of dismay still lingering.
There would be no seasons on the Basque coast, nor homecomings before tens of thousands of singlet-clad fans. Ray’s days in the arena were over.
Still, even after all these years, Ray knows his place as a true pioneer, just as he knows where he would be lining up in today’s game.
“Nah, they couldn’t. It’s impossible,” Ray said when asked whether a fourth name could ever repeat his code-hopping deeds.
“The players these days train seven days a week. They do weights and sprints. We never did any of that. If some of the blokes I played with back in the day trained like the players today, they would have succeeded.
“But none of us would survive today. They’re too tough. They’re too quick. Too everything.
“I wouldn’t even be the ball boy these days.”
And though Ray set the table for Folau and Hunt’s future feast, creating legacies and bottom lines that will serve their circles for some time, the man that sat at the table’s head alone for nearly six decades isn’t giving his seat up for anyone.
“Israel Folau couldn’t play Aussie Rules. He was awful. Karmichael Hunt could play a bit, though. He wasn’t a bad footy player,” Ray said without wavering.
“They only went over for a bit of publicity. The Giants wouldn’t have signed Folau if they needed him to actually play footy. He couldn’t catch a ball.
“Still, it’s not bad company for a boy from Paddington, is it?”
Regrets, I’ve had a few
None of us really know our parents. Not in totality, anyway.
We never knew them in the prime of their lives. We vaguely recognise them in fading photographs. More vibrant people, still yet to be burdened with the weight of mortgages, pickups, dropoffs, and tedious parent-teacher evenings.
We know the people in front of us, at least we tell ourselves we do. We know they are the ones that fed, clothed, and put a roof over our heads. We remember them instilling life lessons, either by hook or crook.
But at the end of the day, even the dying ones, we are left only with memories and moments, each thatched together with our own particular cross-stitch. Memories and moments that mean something to us.
And though Ray’s three children – Mark, Peter, and Robyn, now parents and grandparents themselves – knew their father as an Aussie Rules pioneer, a union transplant, a late-in-life league import, and a copper, there are still tales untold within the Millington clan.
“I talk to my kids, and I ask them, ‘Do you know what I did for work?’ They have no idea. Not a clue,” Ray said down the phone line.
“I’ve had an interesting life.”
A beat cop-cum-detective in Sydney’s wild West, taking every grizzly case home to the dinner table was never an option. Even those involving gunfire and shotgun weddings.
Ear massages from defenders, and hip-drop tackles from forwards are one thing, but in 1968, Detective Millington found himself in the line of fire when pulling up one morning to a fibro cottage in the suburbs of Sydney’s sprawling West.
Knocking on the door, Ray found a man inside with a woman, a baby, and a shotgun. The man was Wally Mellish, described as an unintelligent psychopath and the centrepiece of the infamous Glenfield Siege.
Shots were fired, threats were made and while the big guns would replace Ray on the front line, it would take police – including Commissioner Norm Allan – eight days and a wedding before Mellish was removed for sentencing.
Later in life, after his badge and gun were handed back and the golf course lured him like a trout to a fly, Ray would reprise his competitive spirit, shaving stroke after stroke off his golf handicap when playing alongside Norma and his two sons, Mark and Peter.
Although, as Sinatra crooned in his trademark track of a life lived, Ray’s life hasn’t unfolded without regrets on either side of the boundary line.
“I made a lot of mistakes in my life. I should have just played one sport. I played too many.”
“I should have concentrated on those where I had a natural flair. I became quite accomplished at Aussie Rules, but I gave it away at the very time when greater performances beckoned.
“Let me express a heartfelt mea culpa. I regret that my abiding interest in all things sporting meant that my wife and children went through life without my involvement at the level that it should have been.
“In short, I was selfish and I deeply regret this failure. I am sorry.”
Less than a month out from his 91st birthday, the former footballer, the ex-cop, the keen golfer, and the man known simply as ‘Millo’ is still keeping himself busy, taking time to mail this writer snippets and photographs from days gone by; even calling for a friendly chat about the weather.
While Ray’s records can be found etched in several yellowing record books, little has been done to collate them, bringing what is a truly unique journey across codes and lines, both real and imagined, to life.
Still sharp as a tack straight off the production line, Ray could have kept his yarn rolling for some time, however, he has never lost a wink of sleep over the fact that others have been championed for the barriers he hopped first.
“It doesn’t worry me, mate,” Ray Millington declares.
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 # “probably” 041
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # P/W 0021
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Special Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 23 May 1955 ( aged 31 years, 3 months, 28 days )
Special Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Special Constable 1st Class – appointed 23 May 1961
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed 23 May 1966
Final Rank: = Senior Constable
Stations: Traffic Branch – School Lecturing ( 23 May 1955 ), Newcastle – School Lecturing ( 30 May 1956 ), Traffic Branch ( 16 December 1957 ), C.I.B. ( Plain Cloths )( 24 March 1958 ), Sutherland ( 24 Division )( Plain Cloths )( 22 January 1959 ), Bankstown ( 19 Division )( Plain Cloths )( 1 May 1961 ), Eastwood ( 17 Division )( Plain Cloths )( 17 November 1966 ), Hornsby ( 16 Division )( Detectives Office ) – Resignation
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: Monday 23 May 1955 to Wednesday 4 September 1968 ( Resigned to Marry ) = 13 years, 3 months, 12 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From Monday 23 May 1955 to Wednesday 4 September 1968 ( Resigned to Marry ) = 13 years, 3 months, 12 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 44 years, 7 months, 10 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 55 years, 9 months, 10 days
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system under either surname whoever:
NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Medal – granted 2002
Born: Friday 25 January 1924 in Melbourne, Victoria
Died on: Friday 14 June 2024
Age: 100 years, 4 months, 20 days
Organ Donor: No – Age prohibitive
Cause: Natural causes – Age
Event location: In her own home
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 28 June 2024 @ 11am
Funeral location: South Chapel – Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW
Ryde P.A.C. will provide an Official Police Guard of Honour
Aileen WHEELER aka Aileen DWYER, NSWPF P/W 0021 with David WHITEMAN # 14994
Back Row ( L – R ) Joan BANNER, Aileen DWYER / Aileen WHEELER, Dot IMRIE, Wilma WHYBROW, Ruth STYLES. Front Row: Julie LEWIS, June ABBOTT, Olga NORTH / Olga HATCH, Beryl SMITH, Madge WELBY – Redfern Police Academy about mid 1950s.
Unfortunately there is nothing found, via Google or Trove, with either Surname for this woman who Served for 13 years.
* 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.
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.
‘Is this a joke by my mates?’: The retired detective wrongly accused by NSW police
By Malcolm Brown
HARRY BLACKBURN: 1930–2023
“What is this that is happening?” Harry Blackburn remembers thinking on the day a team of police came to arrest him at his workplace. “Is this a joke by my mates? It’s not my birthday!”
Indeed, it was not his birthday, and it was not a joke. The NSW police were there to arrest the 59-year-old retired detective superintendent and charge him with 25 serious offences, including rape, robbery and kidnapping over a period from 1969 to 1985.
Without the slightest idea of what they were on about, Blackburn found himself paraded in front of the media – the reports with his picture going nationally and even overseas. Without so much as a court appearance, he was branded a serial offender who had hidden for years behind his police badge. Now he was being undone by fearless police, unafraid to deal with their own.
On the day of the arrest – July 24, 1989 – the then Assistant Police Commissioner, Tony Lauer, said: “This operation has demonstrated that the NSW Police Service is more than capable of handling an extensive and highly sensitive inquiry.”
Blackburn found himself in a cell at the NSW Police Centre. Elsewhere, a police officer reportedly said: “We should slip a gun into his cell and let him blow his brains out and save the government a great deal of time and money.”
The prospective prosecution of Harry (“Harry the Hat”) Blackburn did not in fact last long. Following a change in personnel in charge of the case, diligent police officers Detective Inspector Clive Small and Detective Sergeant Ron Shaw reviewed the evidence and realised it was full of holes.
Small, against trenchant opposition from the police hierarchy, recommended the charges be dropped. They were abandoned on October 6 that year, but not before Blackburn’s wife, Lyn, devastated by the turn of events, had suffered a miscarriage.
The resulting royal commission, conducted by Justice Jack Lee, found the investigation and gathering of evidence was so clumsy and slipshod that Harry Blackburn should never have been considered a suspect. “It destroyed his life at the time,” said Clive Steirn SC, who was to represent Blackburn.
Harry James Blackburn was born in Lithgow on April 21, 1930, one of three children of a coal miner, James Blackburn, and Eileen (nee Hovey). He went to school in Lithgow and in 1947, as soon as he had turned 17, he joined the NSW Police Force, taking advantage of the fact the police commissioner was a Catholic, this being a time of reported conflict in the force between Catholics and Masons.
Blackburn began duties as a superintendent’s clerk in Goulburn, then joined the Scientific Investigation Service, where he worked for 19 years, playing rugby union for the Goulburn Waratahs. He married Norma, with whom he had children, Tracy and John. In 1970, he moved to Rockdale as a detective sergeant, followed by postings to Parramatta and Katoomba.
His marriage ended in divorce, and he married Ada. This marriage also ended in divorce. He moved on professionally and went back to police scientific work as an inspector. In 1982 he met Lyn Foster, 22 years his junior, who was a civilian employee in the NSW Police Department.
In 1985, he was promoted to superintendent and put in charge of the Physical Evidence Section, requiring him among other things to handle gun amnesties announced by the government. He was also awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. In 1987 he married Lyn.
But unknown to Blackburn, there were storm clouds gathering. There had been some savage rapes and robberies over the years, the offender usually wearing a mask and sneaking up to couples cuddling up in cars at night in lover’s lane trysts.
The first series had started in October 1969 and continued until August 1970. The second, known as the “Sutherland” series, lasted from August to December 1985. Police had obtained descriptions of one of the assailants. One happened to vaguely represent Blackburn, who then became the subject of covert police attention.
On July 14, 1988, the couple were blessed by a daughter, Holly. Blackburn retired in November that year and went to work with the War Crimes Commission. On July 24, 1989, when Lyn was three months pregnant with their second child, police swooped, and the family’s whole world was turned upside down.
The charges were laid, and Blackburn was granted bail. On August 6, Lyn had her miscarriage. On October 6, he and his wife were informed that all charges had been withdrawn. Blackburn decided not to resume with the War Crimes Commission. “The wind had been knocked out of his sails,” Lyn said.
The royal commission was held under Justice Lee, Chester Porter QC as counsel assisting, and Blackburn being ably represented by Kevin Murray QC, with Steirn as his junior. The deficiencies in the investigation soon came to light.
In December that year, Maureen, wife of Blackburn’s son, John, suffered a miscarriage. The family decided not to tell Harry just then. In April 1990, Blackburn complained that four departmental charges had been laid against him, including such things as misuse of petrol and an incident where he had thrown a jug of water over somebody, Blackburn being known to be occasionally temperamental.
He said the charges were just an attempt to discredit him, and they went nowhere. On June 29, 1990, Justice Lee handed down his report. In July, Blackburn launched proceedings against the NSW government for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation, seeking unspecified damages.
His experience had given him a new perspective on justice, how prone the system was to misbehaviour. He was to give evidence that while sitting in his cell at the police centre on July 25, 1989, he had overheard a detective telling a prisoner that if he did not plead guilty to nine charges, he would charge him with another four.
Blackburn with his wife and child retired to Robina on the Gold Coast, and in November 1990 Blackburn got his licence as a private inquiry agent, putting a picture of a hat as his motif on his business card.
His litigation continued, a psychiatrist diagnosing him with “reactive depression”. The position of Inspector-General of the NSW Police Force was created and filled by a Canadian, Don Wilson, whose task was to “clean-up” management of the NSW Police Force, which Justice Lee had described as “lamentable”.
There would never be another bungle like Blackburn, Wilson said. The NSW government settled with Blackburn in November 1991; the agreement ratified in the Supreme Court. Blackburn, with substantial damages in his favour, did do some minor investigate work. Otherwise, he contented himself with golf, normally six days a week, looked after his wife and daughter Holly, and jogged along the beach.
Lyn went back to study and became a child psychologist. Holly did a Bachelor of International Business degree and went to work in the tertiary sector. Harry Blackburn celebrated his 93rd birthday in April, and was in good spirits’, his wife said, but then there was a sudden downturn over the following two weeks.
He died on May 9. He is survived by his widow; his three children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service is to be held on the Gold Coast at a time to be fixed.
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 )
Buried at: Cremated. Ashes to be scattered from the Point beyond where the Shellharbour boat ram where the surfers go. One of Roy’s favourite fishing spots.
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( December 2022 )
ROY 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.
My Dad Royston John McIntyre left us yesterday afternoon at 5:30pm.
Mum Betty and all his six daughters Ellen, Alison, Jean, Susan, Megan and Roslyn were with him, and his son-in-law Malcolm.
We had told him Lell was coming home from overseas and Susan would arrive yesterday morning from Gove. He smiled and said “All our daughters will be with us”. He waited for that.
We watched him and held him as he took his last breath, and we saw the colour drain from his face. It was momentary and very peaceful.
We sat with him for a few hours, drank champagne and shared our most vivid memories of him. Together we cried and laughed – the McIntyre way – and enjoyed being a family with him once again.
We observed as the palliative care nurse examined and declared him ( deceased ) then the funeral home people wrapped him up and solemnly took him away.
I like to believe he’s now with his mum Sadie, his beloved sister Heather, his two sons-in-law John Nash and John Tomashek and all his friends who have gone before him. At 91 he was the last one.
He asked for a Police funeral, to be cremated and his ashes spread from the point beyond the Shellharbour boat ramp where the surfers go. A favourite fishing spot.
We don’t have a date yet for the funeral because it depends on the police.
If you wish to attend Dad’s funeral, please personal message or phone one of us for the details.
Rest now peacefully our beautiful Dad – everybody’s favourite. We will always adore you.
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 )
Funeral Parlour: Lester & Sons Funeral Directors, 359 Wantigong St, North Albury, NSW
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( October 2022 )
HILARY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
SYDNEY: A man who hired out an allegedly unseaworthy boat to five men, two of whom drowned when it sank in 1982, has been charged over the incident.
Mr Rodney Ernest Frank Steventon, of Burwood, in Sydney, has been summonsed to appear in the St James Court of Petty Sessions on September 24.
At Glebe Coroner’s Court on Friday, an inquest into the deaths of the two men heard that Mr Steventon had been summonsed on a charge alleging that on or about July 24, 1982, he had sent the vessel Fortuna out in an unseaworthy condition, endangering the lives of the master and crew.
Coroner Margaret Sleeman found that the master, Mr Angikasi Tine, and engineer, Mr Souhial Shami, had drowned on September 9, 1982, when the Fortuna turned over and sank east of Port Stephens, north of Newcastle.
Sergeant Hilary Hansen of the water police said that the 15-metre diesel steel fishing boat had been owned by the Mutual Acceptance Corporation and leased by Mr Steventon.
The boat’s crank case had broken down a day after leaving Sydney for Fiji on July 24, 1982, and the vessel had been towed into Port Stephens.
It had set off for Fiji again on September 7, but had sunk in rough seas early on September 9.
A distress signal had been sent by the master and the engineer, but only the three other crew members had made it to a life raft, to be picked up by a Japanese freighter several hours later.
Sergeant Hansen said that the report of the Marine Operations Division included recommendations on shortcomings of the boat’s life raft, instability in the vessel and lack of survey certificates.
It had been suggested in the report that the matter be referred to a Court of Marine Inquiry.
THE Papal Blessing was bestowed upon the marriage of Patricia Marie Cleary and Hilary Joseph Hansen, both of Vaucluse, which was solemnised recently at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Watson’s Bay.
Rev. Father . D. Hannan, P.P., officiated and the Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Rev. Dr. C. Duffy, who also read the Papal Blessing.
The bride, who is the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Cleary, of Vaucluse, was attended by Patricia White and the groom’s cousin, Brenda Maher, as brides maids, and her nieces, Diana and Carol Doran, as junior bridesmaids.
The groom, who is the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hansen, of Narooma, was attended by his brother Mark, and Michael Duffy.
Reception for 70 guests was held at the Woollahra Golf House.
The honeymoon was spent at Narooma, where the groom spent his youth. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have made their home at Strathfield.
Patricia Cleary, of Vaucluse, was married yesterday at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Watsons Bay, to Hilary Hansen, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. Hansen, of Narooma.
The bride, who is the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cleary, of Vaucluse. wore a gown of French chantilly lace.
FAMILY party was recently held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cleary, Vaucluse, in honor of the engagement of their younger daughter, Patricia, to Hilary Hansen, of Vaucluse, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hansen, of Narooma.
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.
The reunion photo identified as follows ( 2001 ):
