Rank: Commenced Training on Monday 12 March 1990 ( aged 19 years, 3 months, 10 days )
Stolen Motor Vehicle Index ( SMVI ) – 12 March 1990 – 1982
Barmedman – Police Wife
Communications Officer VKG 1 – 1990
Senior Communications Officer – appointed 2002
Final Rank: = Senior Communications Officer – VKG
Stations: Stolen Motor Vehicle Index, Barmedman ( Wife of a Sworn Member ), Communications Officer – Goulburn ( 1990 – 1992 ), VKG 1 – Sydney ( 1992 – 24 March 2026 ) – Death
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 18 November 1974 to 24 March 2026 = 51 years, 0 months, 12 days Service
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 18 November 1974 to 24 March 2026 = 51 years, 0 months, 12 days Service
Time in Retirement from Police: 0 years, 0 months, 0 days
Age at Retirement / Leaving: = 70 years, 7 months, 16 days
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – although:
NSWPF Medallion – 10 years
Commissioner of Police – Long Service award – 15 years
Lapel Pin – 15 years
Long Service award – 20 years
NSWPF Lapel Pin for 20 – 25 – 30 – 35 years Service
Commissioners 150th year Citation
Premiers Bush Fire Citation
Commissioner of Police Emergency Commendation
Commissioners Commendation for Service
Born: Monday 8 August 1955 in Taree, NSW
Died on: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Age: 70 years, 7 months, 16 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Cancer ( Bowel )
Event location: Auburn Hospital, NSW
Event / Diagnosis date: 2024
Funeral date: Tuesday 31 March 2026 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: RC South Chapel, Rookwood General Cemetery & Crematorium, Memorial Ave, Rookwood, NSW
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( March 2026 )
SHAN IS NOT mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills – Although is entitled to be
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.
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 Ian and their two children, Jensen & Evelyn in your loss of Rach.
Condolences are also extended to other family and friends.
* * *
From Ian – 8 September 2025
I just wanted to drop a message and thank everyone for their heart felt comments and best wishes….I have read everyone of them, and although would take me ages to like and reply to each, my family and I love all the support and generosity that has been shown to us.
Unfortunately Rachel passed away about 4:15 yesterday afternoon, and I was the lucky one to be sitting by her side and holding her hand as she took her last breath. At that time the world lost a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a colleague….an all round trooper and battler.
She fought this disease with everything she had and not once showed the toll it was taking on her; she smiled, worked and just got on with it. A true testament to the world.
She will be forever be missed, loved and cherished
Hi I’m Sarah, And I’m raising funds to show our support to Rachel, Ian and their 2 kids Jensen (13) and Evelyn (9).
3 years ago Rachel was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, she has fought hard these last 3 years with treatments and trials, but sadly was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rachel has done everything to continue to fight for more time.. but sadly last Wednesday night, Rachel was taken to hospital with internal bleeding. Rachel was flown to RPA in Sydney on Thursday for life saving treatment, Sadly Ian has now been told that his beautiful wife Rachel is unlikely to survive through this. Ian will continue to stay in Sydney by his wife’s side in the ICU. We prayer they are able to make Rachel stable enough to be transported back to Dubbo hospital, to be surrounded by her loved ones.
I know times are tough for everyone, but if you have the means to donate any amount. I know Ian and the kids would be very appreciative to take the financial burden off them, while they go through this very sad time.
UPDATE
3rd September 2025
by Sarah Wilkinson, Organiser
Thank you so much to everyone who has kindly donated. I know how much this means to Ian and Rachel.
With permission from Ian, we share an update with you all.
Sadly there is no positive news to bring you, Rachel is still in the ICU at RPA, with Ian by her side.
Her immediate family has now been and visited, her 2 beautiful children Jensen and Evelyn have been and spent some time with their mum.
Rachel has been taken off all treatment and made to be comfortable…
Please keep Rachel, Ian, Jensen and Evelyn in your prayers.
Please also keep Rachel’s Family in your thoughts as they go through this unimaginable pain. Rachel’s mum Kay, Rachel’s sister Ali, Rachel’s brothers Ben, Nick, Matt, Nathan and their partners and kids..
UPDATE 7th SEPTEMBER
By Sarah Wilkinson
It is with heavy hearts and tears in my eyes that I share the news that Rachel has sadly passed away.
She left this world peacefully, with her loving husband Ian by her side as she took her final breaths.
Rachel was deeply loved by all who knew her — her kindness, strength, and warmth touched so many lives. Her presence will be missed more than words can express.
Rachel will be welcomed to heaven with her dad waiting with open arms for his beloved daughter, and her two dogs at her feet..
Ian thanks everyone for their love, support, and prayers during this time.
Please keep Ian, Jensen & Evelyn in your thoughts. As well as all of Rachel & Ian’s family as they go through difficult time.
Update:7 September 2025 by Ian Hobden, Beneficiary.
I just want to post a quick message to say how grateful and humbled I am by everyone’s support and generosity during what has been and will continue to be a very tough time for me, my two beautiful kids and the rest of my family.
As expected Rachel took her last breath this afternoon, alongside me while we watched some TV….she was aware of this fundraiser and was blown away each day when I told her of the generosity of everyone.
These funds will go straight to our children for their future and will help them navigate life as it goes on without their mother by their side but knowing she will always be there to keep them safe and look after them.
* 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.
On September 27, at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, and all around the nation, National Police Remembrance Day was celebrated. Before the ceremony, our Chair Det Supt Donna McCarthy held a private Touchstone Ceremony, where members of the Zucchetti, Burns, and Schell families were presented with the Touchstones of their loved one.
At the service we honoured the names of NSW Police Force’s Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone, and SA Police’s Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig, who died while on duty, as well as the serving members of NSW Police who have passed away in the last 12 months:
General Administrative Support Officer Tammy Leigh Nagle
After the ceremony, three of our young Police Legatees – Oscar, Max, and Bronte – were presented with the Commissioner’s Scholarship. This award has the personal endorsement of the Commissioner, and each young Legatee receives money to support them in their chosen studies and endeavours.
A day of love and remembrance, a day of sadness and of promise.
Ash Feeney is fighting incurable Stage 4 Cervical Cancer. At 34, her vibrant personality has touched many lives. If you are lucky enough to know Ash, we can guarantee you know her infectious humour, ridiculously quick wit and spirit. After bravely overcoming Stage 3 Cervical Cancer earlier this year, Ash faces a new challenge. A recent PET scan revealed a tumour on the left side of her stomach, indicating the cancer has returned and spread to her stomach and lungs. Now diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer, her prognosis is heart-wrenching, with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.
Ash and her husband Matt are navigating this difficult journey. Despite the grim outlook, Ash remains a beacon of hope and courage. She’s begun chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with radiation to follow, aiming for tumour shrinkage. Throughout this ordeal, Ash has been a vocal advocate for regular health screenings, urging everyone to be proactive about their health.
To know Ash is to love her. She has an incredible, infectious personality and lights up every room she is in. She lives for her family- in Australia, Bali and the U.S, her friends, her lovely cat Lola, spicy margs, silliness, the Newcastle Knights, jokes, American reality TV, RuPaul’s Drag Race… So many things make up Ash’s beautiful life. It is a privilege to have Ash in your corner, her selfless and caring nature shines through in everything she does. Now, it’s our turn to reciprocate that support for Ash.
This GoFundMe campaign is to support Ash and Matt during this trying time. Ash has been battling cervical cancer since July 2022 and has undergone treatment, exhausting all leave entitlements available. With Ash unable to work and facing an uncertain future, your contributions will help provide much-needed relief for living expenses, ensuring Ash and her husband Matt can focus on her treatment and recovery.
Ash’s battle isn’t just personal; it’s a campaign of awareness she bravely shares on TikTok, building a community of support and spreading the word on health vigilance. By documenting her experiences, she fosters a community of support and raises awareness about the criticality of health vigilance.
We invite you to be a part of Ash’s support network. Your contribution, whether large or small, plays a crucial role in her fight against cervical cancer. If financial assistance is beyond reach, your positive thoughts and sharing of this campaign are equally valued.
We also encourage you to follow Ash’s TikTok for regular updates into her journey: @ash_feen. Ash not only chronicles her personal experiences with cervical cancer, but also shares information and advice that could benefit others. This platform has become a space for Ash to connect with a wider opportunity, offering support and raising awareness. Follow her on Tiktok at @ash_feen to stay informed and join her supportive network.
15 June 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
It’s been some time since the last update I wrote.
We have only a little good news. Ashley will resume her chemo next week to treat the cancer.
She hasn’t had any treatment in nearly 5 months as her feeding and the pain were issues we needed to treat before she could ensure another round of chemo and radiation.
A CT scan has revealed in that time that her tumors have grown a fair bit since her last round of radiation.
She’s in hospital now in decent spirits. Still experiences horrific pain a few times a day after the painkillers wear off. And she’s resting and snacking.
We (Matt, Jen and Ron… And Ash!) were all happy to be told she’ll be restarting her chemo this week. First bit of hope we’ve gotten in a long time
Thank you all for your support. We love you all.
14 February 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
Ashley has been in the hospital since Sunday. The radiation to her stomach is causing an incredible amount of pain. It effectively rendered her unable to eat. She would maybe get about a tablespoon of food in and about 300-500ml of water down per day.
They’ve quickly got approval to feed her via a picc line through her arm. We hope this will help her regain some of her strength to continue her battle.
Thank you all for your support!
23 January 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
This week has been a bit tough for our family. Ashley has been in hospital since the 15th. Her tumor has grown about 1cm in the direction of her liver and spine. The tumor in her stomach is currently inoperable as crucial blood vessels are now intertwined with it. Ashley’s folks have been with her sun up to sun down every day at St. George Private. The nurses and doctors have been taking great care of her. I’ve been able to keep working and visiting in the afternoon.
Some good news: she had an endoscopy to see if her tumor was bleeding. It wasn’t thankfully. She has an ulcer that will be easily treated. They’re giving her a feeding tube to aid in getting some nutrition into her which she desperately needs.
I’ve been lucky enough to be able to take the next couple weeks off from work to be with her during her upcoming intensive round of radiation therapy.
Our financial situation going forward has improved for the time being. So that’s one less thing we have to worry about.
Your help got us through this first difficult patch with relative ease and we’re eternally grateful.
Please keep Ashley in your thought as she’s embarking on the hardest part of this ordeal. Her spirits are high as she chews ice and distracts herself with her coloring books. She has a literal briefcase of markers and made swatches.
We can’t wait to be able to spend time with all of our friends and family again in the future.
30 December 2023 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
Ashley and I are completely floored by our family, friends and strangers generosity.
We wanted to make a video to give everyone an update and say thank you but unfortunately Ashley doesn’t have much energy. She had a chemo and immunotherapy session two days ago but since eating and drinking causes severe pain (on top of the usual pain she has), she was anaemic and needed to stay overnight to receive 3 bags of blood and saline.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much. So far the money you’ve donated has helped us with groceries and rent. It’s given us the peace of mind to focus on her care.
Once Ashley feels up for it, we’ll definitely post a video update.
We wish you all Happy Holidays and a safe and healthy New Year!
* 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.
On September 27, at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, and all around the nation, National Police Remembrance Day was celebrated. Before the ceremony, our Chair Det Supt Donna McCarthy held a private Touchstone Ceremony, where members of the Zucchetti, Burns, and Schell families were presented with the Touchstones of their loved one.
At the service we honoured the names of NSW Police Force’s Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone, and SA Police’s Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig, who died while on duty, as well as the serving members of NSW Police who have passed away in the last 12 months:
General Administrative Support Officer Tammy Leigh Nagle
After the ceremony, three of our young Police Legatees – Oscar, Max, and Bronte – were presented with the Commissioner’s Scholarship. This award has the personal endorsement of the Commissioner, and each young Legatee receives money to support them in their chosen studies and endeavours.
A day of love and remembrance, a day of sadness and of promise.
Auburn Police Area Command regretfully inform the community that one of our beloved employees, passed away on Friday, 7 June 2024.
Fiona Taylor joined the NSW Police in 1995 as a civilian Administration Officer. Fiona progressed to her current role of a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the Auburn Police Area Command, where she worked for over 26 years. Fiona was 68 years of age.
Fiona will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers of the New South Wales Police Force are extended to the Taylor family and friends at this sad time.
* 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.
