Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 21 September 1979 (No.130), page 4775
ANY person having any claims upon the estate of GERARD PETER JOHNSTON, late of Randwick, who died on 11th January, 1979, must send particulars of his claim to the administrators, Francis Norman Johnston and Kathleen Therese Johnston, c.o. Laurence & Laurence, 54 Carrington Street, Sydney, on or before 4th December, 1979. The administrators will distribute the assets in the estate, having regard only to the claims of which at that date they have notice. Letters of administration were granted in New South Wales on 27th June, 1979. LAURENCE & LAURENCE, Solicitors, 54 Carrington Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000 (D.X. 115).
This afternoon, in a quiet and deeply-felt ceremony at the Sydney Police Centre, another thirteen names were added, and the memories of another thirteen dedicated NSW Police Force employees were honoured, at the NSW Police Force Service Memorial:
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.”
The former partner of a Tasmanian police officer who died by suicide has told an inquest that he became fixated on jobs which involved suicide — but that he never sought help for his own mental health.
The coronial inquest is examining the death of Constable Simon Darke and the deaths of three other police officers between 2016 and 2020.
Kimberly Freeman told the court that while Constable Darke loved being a police officer, he started to become obsessed with the jobs he attended that involved death by suicide, and she had concerns about him being in possession of a weapon.
Ms Freeman said Constable Darke‘s mental status changed in the months leading up to his death in 2019.
The inquest also heard Constable Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days whilst he was involved in the emergency response during the 2019 bushfires in the Huon Valley, south of Hobart.
“He told me he had been working long days so there is no doubt in my mind that he was extremely overtired,” Ms Freeman said.
“He picked up as much overtime and shifts as he could and mentioned several times that he didn’t have enough money.”
Darke ‘copped a lot of abuse’ during fire evacuations
Constable Darke‘s father Graham told the court that while he knew his son had problems with some relationships, the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for the 45-year-old.
“My son mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires, he then went onto night shift by himself which in hindsight wasn’t appropriate,” Mr Darke said.
Another ex-partner, Shanna Sweeney, told the inquest she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
Ms Sweeney told the court that it took a lot for her to speak up because she did not want Constable Darke to get into trouble at work, and was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it.
“There was a perception he would be judged if he got help,” she said.
Ms Sweeney told the inquest Constable Darke did not really talk about his work unless it was “funny“, and never identified a particular event that would have caused him trauma.
The inquest continues.
Key points:
The inquest heard Constable Simon Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days during the bushfire response in 2019
Ex-partner Shanna Sweeney said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it
In memoriam: Constable Simon Graham Darke, Tasmania Police, died suddenly on 6th February 2019. He was 45 years old.
Constable Simon Darke served as a valued member of Tasmania Police for ten years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services.
He was a talented artist, bicycle racer, a caring and kind police officer, adored dad, loving son and brother. A great man who was snatched from us too soon.
He answered the call, never hesitated to help people, and he will forever live through all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace and intercede on our behalf.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his young family and friends. May care and love of those around you provide comfort to get you through the days and years ahead.
Gone from our sight but not from our hearts.
Simon, a great artist, also owned ‘Spider Signs’ although that business was de-registered on 3 November 2008.
DARKE Family and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Simon Graham Darke To be held at: Turnbull Funerals Chapel 71 Letitia Street, North Hobart Friday, February 15, 2019 3.00pm
Special and adored dad and daddy of Cleo, Archie (dec), Hallie and Lacey.
Loved and loving son of Jan and Graham.
Most dearly loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle of Shelley and Mark Spong, Nathan and Tegan, Mitchell, Sophie, Campbell, Abbey and Ainsley; Emerson and Ava.
Loved grandson of Patty and Fred Kean and Bill and Ailie Darke (all dec).
Talented artist, signwriter, devoted policeman.
Sorely missed, we will always love you.
February 14, 2019
Angela Gillam, Geelong, Victoria
February 14, 2019
Condolences to Darke family.
In our thoughts at this time and for whenever you may need us
Colin & Jackie McKenzie,
Howden, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
From all of us, at Salvation Army Street Teams Hobart, we would like to send our deepest sympathies and love to Family & friends of Constable Simon Darke. We are deeply saddened by his passing and we are all blessed to have known Simon.
We will surely miss his friendly chats, sense of humour and assistance at Street Teams.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Mel Street Teams,
Hobart, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
Rip Simon. You were a great friend to our family and we are shocked and saddened by your passing.
Hopefully at peace now xx
Ange & Pete Gillam
Angela Gillam, BC
February 14, 2019
Much respected and loved friend of Ken and Beryl (dec) Rayner. Simon’s friendship and care over the years has been so very appreciated and we are devastated to learn of his passing. So young and such a kind soul. We will miss you Simon.
Ken Rayner, Lauderdale, Tasmania
February 13, 2019
Condolences to all of Simons family and friends.
Forever a part of the Police family. He will be sadly missed.
Karen Westell, Hobart
February 13, 2019
Another Hero taken too soon, may you rest in peace. Condolences to your family at this time of great hurt.
Ian Hobbs, Huonville
February 13, 2019
So sorry to hear of Simons passing, our love and thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time x
Alison Hulm,
Launceston
February 13, 2019
RIP condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
Alex Robertson
February 13, 2019
Wendy Scholes,
GRANTVILLE
February 13, 2019
RIP Blue Brother.
Sincere condolences to Simons family.
Chris Richardson,
St Helens, MO
February 13, 2019
Condolences to family, friends and workmates Serving and police veterans Australia wide are hurting and our collective thoughts are with you at this time. Simon will forever be part of the Thin Blue Line
Mick Cummins,
Geelong, Victoria
February 11, 2019
We are saddened by the sudden loss of our cousin Simon. He will be sadly missed by us from far away. Our prayers, blessings, and love to my family in Tasmania.
Love Phillip, Kris, and Noah Webb, Ohio USA.
Phillip Webb,
Washington Court House, OH
February 9, 2019
Simon was a wonderful friend and neighbour and will be sadly missed. Our condolences to all the family.
Jean & Dave Wallace
February 9, 2019
DARKE Simon, Constable
Simon served as a valued member of the Tasmania Police Service for 10 years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services, and his loss is felt deeply across the agency. The Commissioner, Members and Employees of Tasmania Police are saddened by his passing and offer their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
We salute the service of Senior Constable Ricky John Hilton, Queensland Police Service, who died suddenly on 12th February 2019. He was 54 years old.
On Tuesday, 12th February 2019, Australia lost a kind police officer, a father, husband and brother, and his leaving has left our world a poorer place. He leaves behind his loving wife and two sons.
His friends describe him as a kind, humble, compassionate and considerate man.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Gone from our sight, but not from our hearts.
Family and friends of Ricky are invited to attend a service at Centenary Memorial Gardens Chapel, 353 Wacol Station Road, Sumner, on Wednesday, 20th February, at 11 a.m. To respect his family’s wishes, please donate to Queensland Police Legacy.
Here is Ricky John Hilton’s obituary. Please accept Everhere’s sincere condolences.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Ricky John Hilton (Ballarat, Victoria), who passed away on February 12, 2019, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Ricky John Hilton to show support.
He was loved and cherished by many people including : his spouse Maree; his children, Pierce and Edward; his parents, Max and Marian; his siblings, Nicole, Yvette and Danielle; his siblings-in-law, Scott, Stephen and Mary Anne; his nieces and nephews, Thomas, Louisa, Jack, Patrick, Samuel, Isabella, Caelan, Bridie and Riagan.
RIP Sir,
Thank you for your service ????
Please seek help
Thoughts to your loved ones, and the
Thin Blue Line BLUE HOPE
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
WARNING: Distressing content
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
ASO’s are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
“ASOs are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
In December last year, Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, died by suicide in the vault room at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters in Canberra.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the bathroom of the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Joneshad worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
In March last year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders — including emergency service workers and volunteers — prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) also announced an audit into the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation. It was later revealed that two-thirds of men and women in the AFP experienced potentially traumatic events at some stage in their career.
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation”.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
While the AFP has recently made efforts to improve its mental health support services for staff, many officers want more outside support.
Commissioner Colvin in May last year laid out the increasing workload on the force. The number of crimes involving victims, who might be children, had gone up 200 per cent, while cyber and corruption investigations were also on the rise.
“The demand side is increasing, there’s no question on that,” he said.
But police resources had not increased and this has added to pressure on the force.
In March this year, the AFP announced it had started a partnership with Lifeline, and would roll out a Road to Mental Readiness course over two years in a bid to equip officers with coping strategies and tools to encourage them to address mental health concerns earlier.
At the time, Mr Colvin said a critical element of addressing mental health in the organisation was cultural change.
“We still have a long way to go but if we keep implementing these positive initiatives with partners who are experts in the field we know we will make ground,” he told The Australian at the time.
AFP chief medical officer Katrina Sanders said the AFP’s 6641 members would be asked to use their imagination to prepare for stressful events, taught coping strategies such as how to use breathing to calm down and reduce stress, and given a self-assessment tool to consider their own mental fitness.
“Will it prevent further suicides? That’s also hard to say, we hope so,” she said in March.
“But certainly the research and the evidence around it is it does improve resilience and we know that’s critical to health protection.”
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF — this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
AFPA president Angela Smith said the matters raised by the whistleblowers were of “significant public interest” and that members had gone public because they were “at their wits end”.
In a previous statement, an AFP spokesman said the commissioner had “made it clear that the health and wellbeing of our people is his and the organisation’s highest priority”.
Yesterday the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign was informed that one of our VicPol members had taken his own life in the afternoon.
Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss, # 42447, of Hamilton Police Station ( Victoria ) hopefully you can now rest in peace.
Brenton represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017 .
Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss was one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers working to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community and help tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Brenton was supportive in raising awareness for mental health issues, and he recently represented the Fighting PTSD VicPol campaign during the surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
To his family and work mates, my sincere condolences. Please look after each other during this sad time.
I urge all members and retired veterans to please reach out to family, friends or any of your work colleagues before making that final decision.
Please everyone check in on each other and if anyone needs assistance please utilise the contact number on our website www.protectingtheprotectors.com
Brenton was born in Alice Springs 12 April 1992.
He always had a passion to join the police force after high school but was told he was to young and needed more experiences.
Soon, in 2009, he joined the SES in Rockhampton, Qld, before the family moved down south in 2010 and, there Brenton started with the SES in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
In 2013 while he was still waiting to join the Victoria Police Force, he applied for Protective Services Officer and graduated in squad 15 on September 2013 .
As a PSO, he worked in a few different places – such as Milton, Sunshine and out of the Victoria Police Centre training new PSO‘s.
Finally he joined VicPol and enlisted at the Victoria Police Academy in Squad 15 2016/17 of which he was a Deputy Guard Leader for the Squad’s Graduation day – that being on Friday 12 May 2017.
Brenton worked in Williamstown and then Hamilton before finally going to the drug investigation unit in Portland, Victoria until his death.
Brenton remained with the SES right up until he died, aged 27.
Brenton will be sorely missed by his family and many, many friends.
Police praise officer’s work in forging relationships with LGBTIQ community
30 Jun 2019
Senior Victorian police have praised the work local officer Brenton Erkens-Goss made to forging relationships between the police and the LGBTIQ+ communities following the officer’s unexpected death.
Constable Erkens-Goss passed away on Friday, he took his own life. Prior to joining the Victorian Police, Erkens-Goss had worked as a Protective Service Officer.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson, who is also the executive champion of Victorian Police Pride, praised the contribution First Constable Erkens-Goss made to building relationships between the police and LGBTIQ+ community.
“Brenton was a member of VP Pride and was a proud and out gay man who was truly valued by his work colleagues and the community he served.
“Prior to graduating as a sworn member on 12 May 2017, Brenton spent a number of years as a PSO where his enthusiasm for policing shone through. Brenton was part of the Victoria Police contingent that attended the first World LGBT+ Criminal Justice Professionals Conference in Amsterdam in August 2016.” Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said.
“As a member of the local Hamilton community, Brenton made many friends both at the station and in the community.”
Western Region Superintendent Glenn Owen echoed the praise for the officer.
“Brenton worked at Hamilton uniform and was recognised for his investigative talents, recently being selected to work at the Portland Tasking Team. His supervisors and work friends describe him as a highly competent, intelligent and enthusiastic member who was destined to become a detective. Brenton was also well respected in the local community and volunteered as a member of the SES.” Superintendent Owen said.
As one of 100 officers in the Victorian Police trained as a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Constable Erkens-Goss had previously shared his thoughts on the program with east-coast LGBTIQ publication Star Observer.
It has been stated, by family, that Brenton was at his grandmothers 90th birthday party on the previous Sunday and there was simply “no hint” of what was to happen on the proceeding Friday.
It simply leaves you wondering, for the rest of your life, what you could have possibly done to prevent this suicide if there were no, apparent, obvious signs.
Suicidal thoughts are very silent so if you know someone who suffers with depression, tread carefully with how you treat them.
Andrew Goss
20 hrs ·
Over recent times, I didn’t see much of my nephew, Brenton Holt… life gets away from us all.
The older we get – the busier we are.
Life changes and there are more things that take up our time, more layers to our lives.
Just because you don’t see each other as often as you’d like, doesn’t mean you love them any less.
The last time I saw Brenton was last weekend for his Grandma’s 90th Birthday lunch and I am most grateful for that.
He was happy.
Talkative.
He looked well.
We spoke a lot of our roles in the operational field and ‘compared notes’ on “cells procedures” and the strange things we’d both seen.
We laughed????
A lot!!
He told me how much he was enjoying the job and the people he worked with.
I’d never seen Brenton so settled.
I simply did not realise, mate.
I just didn’t see it – at all.
However, I am now reminded again that every day is not a given.
It’s not guaranteed.
If anything, we all need to learn from this.
Check in on your loved ones.
Often.
Then…. they know.
They’re not alone.
To Jessy, Tony, Monica, Steve, Mel, Cathy , Wayne & Daniel, Michael & Pete…. my love and thoughts. No one is ever prepared for this so, look out for each other always.
R.I.P. Brenton ????
You will be missed by so many.????
Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officer Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life on Friday.
One of over 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked diligently to tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Further, he worked to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community.
The loss of the officer came about because he ‘tragically succumbed to his inner demons,’ according to a Facebook post.
Last night, Senior Constable Ben Bjarnesen posted on Facebook about the loss.
Ben is Coordinator of the Queensland Police Service LGBTI Support Network.
Absolutely devastated to learn tonight that one of our friends and colleagues from Victoria Police, Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life yesterday.
He was such a great guy and will be dearly missed by many. Rest In Peace brother.
Fellow Police pay tribute to Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss
Also, in a touching tribute to their colleague, Cop Humour Australia spoke on the loss of Brenton.
“We have received heartbreaking news that Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss of Hamilton Police Station in Victoria tragically succumbed to his inner demons and took his own life yesterday afternoon.
“Brenton was a long time follower and supporter of Cop Humour Australia, which makes this even harder for us. We wish we could have done more for him, or done more to raise mental health awareness and encourage Brenton to seek help.
“Nevertheless, we hope that Brenton is now at peace.”
The page also praised Brenton’s support in raising awareness for mental health issues.
“He recently represented the Fighting PTSD Vicpol campaign during a surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
“As one of the Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked hard to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community, and helped tackle prejudice-motivated crimes.
“Brenton also represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017.
“From what we’ve heard and been told — Brenton was a great copper and an even greater friend, and will be missed terribly by many.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Brenton’s family, colleagues, and friends.”
The post then spoke of the importance of seeking assistance.
“Please look after one another during this devastating time.
“If you’re feeling down, please speak to someone — reach out to family, a friend, a colleague, anyone.
“When it comes to the #ThinBlueLine you never fight any fight alone, your blue family will always be there to support you.
“Rest In Peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set. We will remember.”
Police Liaison Officers
Despite continual progress the relationship between our communities and the police is at times difficult.
However, we must remain mindful of the valuable service provided by LGBTIQ Liaison officers across the country.
If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
CONSTABLE Brenton Erkens-Goss is hoping to do himself out of a job.
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers (GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss imagines a future without the need for specialised support – where there is no difference and everyone is treated equally “as a person”.
“We’re not quite there yet but we’re definitely gaining ground,” he says.
After dreaming of becoming a police officer from a young age, Const Erkens-Goss now works to ensure LGBTI interactions with Victoria Police are always fair and respectful.
“Everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they truly are,” he says.
The force’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom in the Tasty nightclub in 1994. Officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours, subjecting them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014 then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss says it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Originally when I was training as a Protective Services Officer, I hid it (being gay) but now the Academy is very, very supportive,” he says.
The Academy has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss’ endeavours to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed in the past two years,” he says, ahead of his graduation from the Constable Qualifying Program.
“Some people have never been friends with someone who is LGBTI and (they can have an attitude that comes from) ignorance or fear. It’s hard but if you have a conversation with them they become much more understanding.”
Out in the community, that understanding is also making a real difference to people’s lives.
“In one case recently I helped a trans teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” Const Erkens-Goss explains.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling. Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.”
But under-reporting of prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence, especially from older LGBTI victims, still concerns Const Erkens-Goss and the LGBTI liaison officers, who can informally discuss concerns, assist through the reporting process or help advise other police colleagues.
Const Erkens-Goss says Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma is far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
“If someone asked me about joining Victoria Police I’d say ‘go for it!’ Victoria Police is an inclusive organisation with a lot of career progression.”
Hopefully, for Const Erkens-Goss that progression includes a spot in the ranks of the sought-after Dog Squad and the eventual retirement of his LGBTI liaison badge as the blue line becomes just another part of the rainbow.
Portland pair remanded in custody charged with drug trafficking
Jessica Howard
Police have seized quantities of ice, cannabis and heroin during a raid at a Portland property where a child was present.
Portland police Sergeant Martin Flannery said specialist units and uniform members executed search warrants at properties in Portland’s Wellington Road and Patrick Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police allegedly forced their way into the Wellington Road house after the occupants failed to open the door.
A search of the premises revealed three syringes loaded with methylamphetamine and blood, three green lasers, quantities of a white crystal substance believed to be ice and two white iPhones containing significant drug trafficking conversations.
Police also located inside a vehicle several ziplock bags containing ice, 16 grams of cannabis on top of a child’s baby seat, three digital scales, 6.5 grams of heroin, used needles and $350 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
A total of 6.96 grams of ice was found inside the house and vehicle.
Sergeant Flannery said a young child was present at the time of the raid. He said the child’s mother and a man were arrested at the scene.
“This is a real concern for us, the exposure of young children to that sort of lifestyle is very alarming,” he said.
Andrew Ryan, 31, and Bronwyn Noku, 35, of Wellington Road, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Mr Ryan made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until June 17.
Court documents obtained by The Standard revealed Ms Noku had admitted to buying 3.5 grams of ice to sell weekly. She told police she sold one point of ice for $50.
Magistrate Franz Holzer said Ms Noku had failed to show compelling reasons why she should be released and remanded her in custody. She will appear in court the same day as Mr Ryan.
Sergeant Flannery said the Wellington Street property had been an address of interest for some time.
“Action was taken on Wednesday as a result of information received from the community, which added to our significant amount of intelligence suggesting there was a high level of drug trafficking occurring at that house,” he said.
“This is an example of the public’s good work in assisting us to remove this sort of offending from our town. Getting these drugs off the streets reduced the harm on the community.
“This has been an ongoing investigation conducted by the Southern Grampians divisional tasking team, with the warrants executed with the assistance of Portland and Hamilton crime investigation units and Portland uniform members. It has been a really positive, team effort.
“The Southern Grampians divisional tasking team has a strong focus on minimising the harm of drugs in the community. We will act on any information and use the full extent of the law deal with it.
“Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers or myself, Brenton Erkens-Goss and Victoria Hudson at Portland police station.”
Twenty-three years after the Tasty nightclub storm, the rainbow which emerged is only getting more vivid at Victoria Police.
On paper, Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss has the perfect background to serve the community. He’s volunteered with the State Emergency Service as a road crash rescuer and has spent countless hours talking to and helping commuters as a Protective Services Officer (PSO).
But policing is about more than just what appears on paper.
“I came out to my family when I was 21 when I had my first relationship,” he said.
“They’ve always been supportive and there was a bit of ‘yeah, we know’ when I told people.”
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse and Intersex (LGBTI) Liaison Officers (also known as GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss uses his personal experience to provide specialised support to a community which still struggles with a high level of under-reporting crime.
“In one case recently I helped a transgender teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” he explained.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling.
“Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.
“I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they are.”
Victoria Police’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom at the Tasty nightclub in 1994, when officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours and subjected them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014, then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss said it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Victoria Police Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed,” he said.
“After the Tasty nightclub, the LGBTI Liaison Officer program was implemented to help build rapport and also to have trained and experienced liaison officers to be there to support victims of crime who may identify as LGBTI (to either sit in an interview, take a statement or investigate hate crime) but also as a knowledge bank to other members who may need some assistance.”
Const Erkens-Goss said Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma was far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
The Academy also has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss is working to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“I always wanted to be a police officer,” he said.
“To get some practical experience of the realities of the job I worked as a road crash rescuer, which was very challenging but rewarding.”
Const Erkens-Goss also paced the train platforms as a PSO, which he said was great for gathering intel and helping people, before graduating from the Constable Qualifying Program.
And while it’s still early days, he hopes the next stage in his career is retirement – of his GLLO badge, when the need for specialised support is no longer required.
“We’re not quite there yet,” he said. “But we’re definitely gaining ground.”
Image: Const Erkens-Goss at the Police Academy.
Editorial: Anthea Cannon
Photography: John Pallot
GLLO/LGBTI Liaison Officers
Victoria Police has a network of liaison officers (GLLOs) who provide advice to other police and the community.
The group has more than 100 GLLOs who also attend community events and build relationships with youth and LGBTI networks.
Former Queensland Police Service Senior Constable Tony Gamer, following a long term illness, sadly took his own life at Wishart on 6 June 2019.
A former member of the QPS Special Emergency Response Team and more recently the QPSRailway Squad, Tony served within the QPS since 1990, before his medical retirement in 2018.
Tony will be remembered as an incredibly reliable and talented Police Officer who is survived by his fiancé Kaylea and daughter Sophie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues who are all struggling with this profound loss.
via: Blue HOPE stands ready.
They take the oath and to you they’ve sworn,
with or without your praise or scorn,
to place the life of you and yours,
above their own, to uphold the laws.
They see it all, the best and worst
and their visual memories can be a curse.
Still they do their best to quiet the mind,
to reach within and strength and valour find.
They will knowingly step into harm’s way
to protect and serve you each and every day.
We only ask them that if the burden feels too much to bear,
please reach out there are so many that do care…
We bow our heads and offer gratitude and praise,
sadly too often the highest price of life itself is paid.
We were extremely fortunate earlier today, to attend an amazing tribute to the late Senior Constable Tony Gamer on the Raby Bay foreshore.
Whoever it is upstairs pulled all the right levers, resulting in a perfect ‘winters’ day where those who knew and loved Tony turned out in droves to honour this incredibly talented, diligent and highly respected man.
Addressing Tony’s father, QPS Rail Squad’s Senior Constable Jeff ‘Manta’ Rae summed his colleague and great mate up perfectly:
‘To Mr James Gamer… I want you to know that your son was very much an Officer and a gentleman and the service he provided to the community can never be measured or truly recognised but he will be long remembered and not replaced.’
We can’t begin to understand the grief and profound loss that Tony’s family are currently enduring, however, what became abundantly clear today (and in fact since our initial notification) was the boundless love Tony clearly had for partner Kaylea and daughter Sophie, and indeed his entire family.
Additionally, should it be necessary, we are certain that as Sophie grows, she will be forever able to turn to her extended blue family for reminders and reassurances that her father was very simply a fine man, loved and respected by all.
Blue HOPE stands ready.
Photos by: Blue Hope
Peter James ENSOR
17/11/2019
Peter James ENSOR
AKA ?
Late of Dubbo
NSW Goulburn / Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 37969
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Dubbo – Crime Scene Unit
Service: From? ? ?to4 April 2019 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour – but has received the Police Good Conduct Medal
Born: ? ? 1968 – 69?
Died on: Thursday 4 April 2019
Age: 50
Cause: Suicide –
Event location: Fiji
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Monday 15 April 2019 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Brigid’s Catholic Church, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo
Wake location: Dubbo City Bowling Club
Funeral Parlour: W. Larcombe & Son, Dubbo 6882 3199
Buried at: Buried: Western Districts Memorial Park, 1 Boothenba Rd, Dubbo
Memorial located at: ?
2016
[alert_yellow] PETER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
& loving uncle of Jessica, Blake, Georgie, Grant, Zayli and Maygan.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Peter’s funeral service to be held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo on Monday 15th April 2019 commencing at 11am followed by interment at Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Road, Dubbo.
All serving and retired Police personnel are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of floral tributes donations to the Black Dog Institute would be appreciated & may be left with the funeral director at the service.
Peter Ensor, Mark Meredith, Warwick Campbell and Tom Magann were four of the Dubbo riders involved in the Remembrance Ride.
Warwick Campbell, Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Nathan Edwardson from Canberra, and Tom Magann at the Police Remembrance Ride.
A GROUP of dedicated police officers have returned to Dubbo after helping raise much-needed funds for an organisation close to their hearts.
Five officers from the Orana Local Area Command – Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Warwick Campbell, Tom Magann and Craig Marchant – spent three days battling cold, early starts and saddle soreness to complete the Remembrance Ride for Police Legacy.
Starting from the Police Memorial in The Domain, the Dubbo riders formed part of a group of about 125 riders that split into five pelotons for the trip down the Hume Highway to Canberra.
Day one saw them rest overnight in Mittagong, day two took them to the Police Academy in Goulburn, and the final day saw them roll into Canberra, the finish line being the National Police Memorial.
For the first time the NSW officers were joined by colleagues from the ACT and Victoria for the final leg of the event.
“When you leave the memorial in Sydney and finish at the memorial in Canberra it’s pretty touching,” Detective Sergeant Meredith said.
“You see the people who have fallen in the line of duty, and when the services were taking place there were friends, family or people who knew these officers there and you could just see the emotion they carry.
“Police Legacy is such a great cause as well, helping the families of officers that pass away or officers that fall on tough times. It’s our way of giving back and helping the people that put so much on the line.”
Part of the group, the Dubbo contingent, were friends of fallen officer, Detective Inspector Bryce Anderson, who died after being stabbed while responding to an incident in the Sydney suburb of Oakville in 2012. Detective Sergeant Meredith said having people from outside the force keen to be involved was a positive for the event, now in its fourth year.
“One of the guys that was friends with Bryce Anderson is a builder and he paid $2600 for a signed Mark Renshaw jersey at an auction we had in Goulburn on the second night,” he said. “The ride has grown a fair bit in four years to the point where there was about 125 riders this year and some weren’t even police officers.
“From our perspective locally this was the first time we’ve participated and hopefully we can be involved again next year and have more people take part.”
Dubbo police officer Peter Ensor laid to rest after his death in Fiji on April 4
Kim Bartley
Dubbo “stopped” on Monday to give a fitting and final farewell to all-around good guy and police officer Peter Ensor.
His loving family has been overwhelmed by hundreds of tributes to a humble and funny man “who touched so many lives”.
UNEXPECTED AND TRAGIC: Serving and retired police officers were among the mourners at the Dubbo funeral of Detective Senior Constable Peter Ensor who died in Fiji on April 4. Photo: Contributed
Peter Ensor
A guard of honour forms after Peter Ensor’s funeral on Monday.
Peter Ensor was in the thick of the 2006 New Year’s riot in the Gordon Estate.
Pictured with Detective Senior Constable Matthew Hemsworth.
Peter Ensor and his son Luke, a cycling star in the western region.
Peter and Luke Ensor take part in Zoo 2 Zoo.
Warwick Campbell, Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Nathan Edwardson from Canberra, and Tom Magann at the Police Remembrance Ride. Photo: CONTRIBUTED
Peter Ensor loved playing guitar in a band.
NSW Police ran a “full protocol funeral” including a guard of honour and the escorting of the hearse carrying Mr Ensor‘s body to the Western Districts Memorial Park.
About 1200 mourners turned out to St Brigid’s Catholic Church for the funeral.
Dubbo City Bowling Club hosted the wake where Peter’s uncle, retired Detective Sergeant Greg Salmon, said there were “so many people that you could not have fallen over”.
On Wednesday Mr Salmon and his wife Melissa told of a “hugathon”.
“If there is anything positive to come out of this it was the love in the room not just for Peter but colleagues and friends who are helping each other get through this,” Melissa Salmon said.
Born and raised in Dubbo, Peter James Ensor‘s death in Fiji on April 4 was “unexpected and tragic”.
Grief has rippled through the community no more so than on Monday when police and community members lined Brisbane street and the hearse travelling past the police station where flags were flying at half-mast.
Outside the CBD there were more people paying their respects and removing hats for a man who at every step put the community first, including the night of the Gordon Estate riot in 2006.
Mr Ensor received a commissioner’s unit citation for professionalism after the riot which he never discussed.
“He wouldn’t bang his own drum,” Mr Salmon said.
“More so, he was quiet and respectful of others and compassionate with people with problems.”
Beyond work the 50-year-old detective senior constable, a diligent forensic investigator, made community connections through cricket, cycling and playing his guitar in bands.
“Everything he wanted to do he did well,” Mr Salmon said.
“He was gifted when it came to sport but everything else came from just persistent and hard work.”
The devoted father of one would have “shook his head” at the outpouring of grief.
“The whole of Dubbo stopped and gave him the send-off he deserved,” Mrs Salmon said.
“He would never have thought that he meant that much to so many people.”
The eulogy was delivered by Mr Salmon and cousin, Senior Constable Lisa Horton, who told her colleagues “what we do is unique and it takes its toll“.
In lieu of flowers, mourners donated about $1200 to the Black Dog Institute.
Peter Ensor is survived by his wife Michelle and son Luke, a cycling star in the western region.
People in need of help can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Stuart, Jan, Geoffrey and Trish.
Published in The Age on Nov. 17, 2018
ALLEN.
A Service celebrating the life of Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (Nov. 19, 2018) commencing at 11.00 a. m.
A Private Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Andrew to Police Legacy.
FERNY CREEK
A Ferny Creek woman, 35, is lucky to be alive after her car rolled and crashed into trees on One Tree Hill Rd last Sunday afternoon. Belgrave Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen said the woman, who was the sole occupant, had left home and was travelling west towards Churchill Drive when the car left the road and rolled before coming to rest between three large trees. Leading Sen-Constable Allen said the woman was taken to The Alfred hospital by ambulance with “what appeared to be minor injuries”, including some chest pain. Police are waiting to speak with the woman but speed was believed to be a factor. “It was a fine day, there were no other contributing factors at this stage,” Leading Sen-Constable Allen said. Alcohol and drugs have been ruled out.
A FERNY Creek woman, 35, is lucky to be alive after her car rolled and crashed into trees on One Tree Hill Rd yesterday.
Belgrave Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen said the woman, who was the sole occupant, had left home and was travelling towards Churchill Drive when she lost control on a bend and rolled before coming to rest between three large trees.
Leading Sen-Constable Allen said the woman was taken to The Alfred hospital by ambulance with “what appeared to be minor injuries”, including chest pain.
Police are waiting to speak with the woman but speed was believed to be a factor.
“It was a fine day, there were no other contributing factors at this stage,” Leading Sen-Constable Allen said.
OLINDA Police are searching for information after a white fence was defaced over the weekend.
Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen said that after 11pm on Friday, 21 August, someone had blotched black paint on a white fence in Hilton Road in Sassafras.
He said the part of the fence was a white pillar with an antique light on top, and that black paint had been blotched on it.
“You wouldn’t call it graffiti as such, it’s just black-on-white,” Leading Sec Const Allen said.
The property is opposite to the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve.
Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
