Ike ELLIS: 2023 wrote: Keith was my Sergeant at Kurri Kurri and we used to trick unsuspecting people to shake hands with him. Without a doubt he had the strongest handshake I experienced.
He and his wife, Terry a lovely but sad couple, having lost their only daughter ( Frances ) when she fell down a cliff near their home.
RIP Sir
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 20 August 1982 (No.110), page 3880
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.— Notice of intended distribution of estate.— Any person having any claim upon, the estate of KEITH ALLAN RILEY, late of Narara, police inspector, who died on 4th June, 1982, must send particulars to the Public Trustee at the address appearing below within two (2) calendar months from the date of publication hereof.
After that time the Public Trustee may distribute the assets of the estate, having regard only to the claims of which at the time of distribution he has notice. Election to administer the estate with the will dated 20th January, 1970, annexed, was filed by the Public Trustee on 11th August, 1982.
E. C. OSBORNE, Branch Manager, Public Trust Office, 1 Watt Street, Gosford. (4974)
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 his wife, Georgie, and family.
BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul (Schooners)
BERNASCONI Geoffrey Paul (Schooners) 14.5.1956 – 20.12.2023
Passed away peacefully on 20th December 2023, late of Hervey Bay and formerly of Wagga Wagga, Coolamon and Batemans Bay. Much loved husband, dad, poppy-pa and brother. Respected retired member of NSW Police Service.
I have just heard of the passing of a former colleague from Class 158 Geoff Bernasconi. He was a wonderfully generous and giving man and a real entertainer. Your shift is complete Geoff – but your legacy, and the considerable memories you created will live on with many, especially during the times at Wagga Wagga. Special thoughts to Geoff’s family and the friends he leaves behind. Rest easy my friend.
* * *
Geoff featured in the book: ‘Forensic Investigator – true stories from the life of a country crime scene cop’, written by Esther McKay.
Class 158A – Redfern Police Academy – April 1978
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970
Georgina CLEMENTS & Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970 at their wedding. 10 June 2020
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 28 February 1995, page 4
Boys face murder charges
WAGGA WAGGA: Blood had soaked 5cm into the ground around the head of a man found dead by a council worker in Wagga Wagga, the city’s Children’s Court was told yesterday.
Four Wagga boys, aged 11, 12, 15 and 16, have been charged with the murder of Peter William Baker, 55, whose body was found in Victory Memorial Gardens at 8am on November 6 last year.
They were charged also with robbery in company after it was alleged that money had been taken from the dead man.
On the first day of committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi said Baker would not have staggered to the spot where his body was found.
He would have fallen to the ground after being struck on the back of the head and stayed there.
A significant feature was that blood had been found only on and under Baker’s head, there had been no blood on the back of his clothes and only minute traces surrounding him.
Peter James Kelly identified three of the four youths as those he had given a lift at about 11.30pm on November 5.
SYDNEY: A pilot spoke to his wife about his plane experiencing electrical difficulties only minutes before the plane plunged into a paddock near Wagga in south-eastern NSW, killing all four people on board.
Police said the 64-year-old Narrandera pilot told his wife in a mobile-phone conversation that he had lost the artificial horizon on the twin-engine Cessna 310’s navigation system.
He said he was flying in low cloud cover during a descent from 9000 feet on his approach to Wagga.
According to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the pilot, from an air taxi service in Narrandera, then made his last known radio contact with Wagga airport at 7.43pm on Friday.
He failed to contact the airport six minutes later as scheduled.
A bureau spokesman said his last contact was routine and made no mention of difficulties.
Police identified the pilot as Don Knight, 64, of Knight Air Taxi, Narrandera. The Wagga men were Dallas Gooden, 42, Bruce Campbell, 54, and David Larwood, 33. They had been on a trip to Longreach in far-north Queensland buying stock.
Wreckage was strewn over more than a kilometre in the open paddock where the plane crashed.
Police said a woman from a property near the crash site, about 15km north-east of Coolamon, reported seeing a large flash in thesky and heard the plane crash about 8.10pm on Friday.
But the officer-in-charge at the crash site, Inspector Chris Morley, said it was too soon to talk about the plane exploding in mid-air.
He said the flash in the sky may have been the plane crash reflected on low cloud.
“It’s a big mess, I have never seen anything like it,” Inspector Morley said.
“It’s just devastating.”
The wreckage was found on the Thalia property by the property owner at midday yesterday after the alarm was raised.
This morning, NSW police video unit and photogrammetry officers recorded the crash site.
Two BASI investigators were travelling from Sydney to pick over the wreckage for clues about how the crash happened.
Inspector Morley said the men’s bodies would be collected and eventually taken to the city morgue in Glebe, Sydney, for disaster victim identification procedures, to be carried out by Riverina forensic services head Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi.
Detective Sergeant Bernasconi was in charge of similar investigations after the Monarch air crash that killed seven people as it approached Young in central NSW on June 11, 1993.
NSW Fire Brigade, bushfire brigade and State Emergency Services workers were involved in the search on Friday night.
Forensic investigator Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales, and went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of a horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget.
Geoff‘s day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Esther McKay heard that Geoff had been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.
This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the frontlines of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. It is also the inspiring story of one who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.
Relationship issues from the autobiographies Allan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:136)describes his relationship with his wife Deborah as beingstrong and supportive, although he says “I kept my mental state from her.” Her support, Allanbelieves was central to his later recovery.
John Horner(Horner, 2011)experienced a marriagebreakdown in mid–career, as did Esther McKay.
She described her subsequent partner as“extremely sensitive and comforting” in terms of her battle with the trauma that was then achallenging part of her everyday experience.
Belinda Neil had a similar experience, as didGeoff Bernasconi(McKay, 2010:74)
where he describes his marriage as “weakening underthe strain”.
After being absent from home forfourdaysinvolved with the forensicinvestigation of a plane crash scene, (during which time he made no contact with his pregnantwife) on arriving back to his home town he went straight to the hotel, got drunk and called his wife, suggesting she join him for dinner. The relationship did not survive.
Sleep Problems and Exhaustion: The autobiographies. Alan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:140) describeshis confronting dreams and his inability to sleep.
As his Post traumatic stresssymptomsincreased he commenced having nightmaresin whichhe had stabbed to death his wife and daughter.These were the source of profound anxietyand fear for him, prompting thoughts of suicide to protect his loved ones from the possibilitythat his dreams might become reality.
EstherMcKay(McKay, 2005:265/227)gives a similaraccount of nightmares describinga particularly disturbing one where she was ‘lying naked onthe morgue table’.
Belinda Neil(Neil, 2014:2)describes “the long working hours with no time to recover from one traumatic incident to the next.”And continues,“I was falling apart,exhausted and forgetful”.
Geoff Bernasconi,(McKay, 2010:58/59)is “mentally and physically exhausted” and “fatigue was ever–present, especially on long road trips when Geoff would struggle to stay alert.”
These wereofficers nearing the limit of their resilience, unsupported by their organisation, isolated and nearing the end of their police careers.
Thesis Final PDF.pdf Trigger Warning re this link; This document looks into Police, the culture, Stress and Suicide / Suicidal thought by Police.
DAILY TELEGRAPH P15 THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2004 FORMER POLICEMAN GEOFF BERNASCONI FROM WAGGA WAGGA WHO SUED THE POLICE DEPT.
My dog Mac reading the book
Forensic officer awarded $750,000
While a judge in Sydney was telling the court that a former policeman should receive the maximum compensation – $750,000 – the man in question was visiting the grave of a victim of a crime he had investigated.
“I have been to a few cemeteries,” said Geoffrey Bernasconi, 48, speaking from his home in Wagga Wagga. “It’s just a solace, a place for me to think and reflect.
“I think about those that are left behind, and I feel for the person … I found it quite peaceful there today. I reflect could I have done more, and I reassure myself, no, I have done everything I can.”
On Wednesday in the District Court, Judge Raymond McLoughlin awarded the former forensic services police officer $785,000 (including interest) for his suffering, and lost career due to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
During his 23-year career, in which more than half the cases involved homicides and dead bodies, Mr Bernasconi was only debriefed three times. Those occasions were “poorly organised and often occurred after the event”, the court heard.
A medical report said he had been “repeatedly exposed to some of the most tragic circumstances that may be witnessed in civilised societies”.
Based in Wagga Wagga since 1987, he investigated crime and accident scenes, retrieved body parts from cars, trains and light plane crashes. There were teenage suicides, infant drownings and homicides. Sometimes he was required to remove decomposed bodies because the government contractor “couldn’t stomach it”.
One of Mr Bernasconi‘s strengths was his empathy with the families of victims, who relied heavily on him. But this was also a stress.
The court also heard that for 15 months in the late 1980s he was the only crime scene investigator for the whole region, and was on call around the clock.
Judge McLoughlin criticised the service for failing to properly manage his 70-80 hour week, and failure to order appropriate leave and job rotation.
In 1999, he broke down while giving evidence at a coronial inquiry into a plane crash. The coroner recorded: “I have dealt with this man for 15 years and I have never seen him like this.”
Soon after, his police supervisor took his gun and handcuffs away. He was medically discharged in 2000-2001. He spent months in psychiatric care in hospital.
Judge McLoughlin said there were managerial and psychological interventions which should have been taken by the service. He found Mr Bernasconi was now unfit to work in the labour market.
THE NSW Police Force has wasted millions of dollars fighting “no-brainer” claims by stressed officers, prompting the State Government to order an external review of the force’s legal services unit.
The Herald is aware of at least six cases in which former police officers offered to settle for less than $150,000 but ended up with $750,000 payouts after going to court. Seventy claims are before the courts.
The Police Minister, Carl Scully, said he had “concerns about the performance of the unit, particularly in relation to its management of settlements and litigation”. He mentioned matters “not being handed expeditiously or fairly” and a “reluctance to settle that then causes payouts being larger than what they otherwise may have been”. Payouts include:
■ Child protection officer Rodney Keen: offered to settle for $148,000 plus legal fees of $30,000. Awarded $750,000 plus costs.
■ Forensic services officer Geoff Bernasconi: offer of $150,000 to avoid stress of court before $750,000 judgement.
■ Armed hold-up squad officers Edward Shepherd, Mark Wilson and Craig McDonald: offer of $790,000 for all three. Awarded $2.04 million plus costs.
■ Undercover officer Bob Ridley: offer of $100,000 before $750,000 judgement.
Mr Scully said a solicitor who has worked in the public and private sectors, Helen Vickers, would deliver her report in a few weeks.
He conceded that if the claims were proven, “then obviously I would have to consider ways of improving or potentially changing the way legal services is conducted”.
One police insider said the unit had an “army mentality”. “They want to fight everything and settle nothing and then rage against the courts when things go wrong. It’s scandalous the amount of taxpayer money they are wasting.”
Mr Scully said the current system, under which up to six people must be consulted before making an offer, could be a case of “too many cooks spoiling the broth”. The minister must approve all settlements over $100,000. “No doubt we could potentially streamline that and make it more efficient and effective.”
Mr Ridley‘s solicitor, Philip Sim, settled a case involving another undercover officer – dubbed Miss X – on the fourth day of a District Court hearing last week. “They slow the process down, so they can wear people out,” he said.
He said one attempt at mediation collapsed when police lawyers could not get instructions.
Tom Edmunds, a solicitor and former policeman who represented the hold-up squad officers, was blunt: “$1.4 million – that’s how much the Crown contributed to our legal costs.”
Kim Smith, who acted for Mr Keen and Mr Bernasconi, said the legal costs of running a matter against NSW Police were “so much greater” than her other personal injury matters.
The Crown, which will pay a large amount of Mr Keen‘s estimated $350,000 legal costs, has foreshadowed an appeal.
Ms Smith said the Crown Solicitor’s Office had pointed out many times that NSW Police was exempt from the model litigants’ policy. This demands government departments avoid litigation wherever possible, but only the Attorney-General’s department is bound by the policy.
The secretary of the NSW Police Association, Peter Remfrey, said the way NSW police managed stress had improved but the legal unit’s handling of claims was “dysfunctional”. The association’s research director, Greg Chilvers, said 70 former police – many undercover officers – had negligence claims before the courts.
A precedent was set in a 2000 Court of Appeal judgement which awarded a former child abuse officer, Beth Seedsman, $750,000 for NSW Police’s failure to provide a safe system of work or protection from mental injury. “Given what we know about the law, in these cases it should either be a no-brainer or one to be fought on a matter of principle,” Mr Chilvers said. “It seems on a matter of principle they fight them all.”
* Story behind any Nickname: The man liked a drink.
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.
Updated 6 July 2024 with Relationship confirmation.
Updated 17 March 2026 with grave location & photo.
James Thomas McCONVILLE
21/01/2024
James Thomas McCONVILLE
AKA Jim McCONVILLE
* Nickname: Mac
Late of Narrandera, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern / Police Training College – Penrith / Belmore Barracks Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # Q 6708
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Commenced Training at ? Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 10 April 1894 ( aged 22 – 23 )
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 14 August 1942, page 1
OBITUARY
Mr. James Thomas McConville
The death occurred at the Narandera ( sic ) District Hospital on Tuesday last of Mr. James Thomas McConville, of Narandera, at the age of 70 years.
Mr McConville, who was a native of Gunning, joined the New South Wales railway service at an early age.
In the extensive retrenchments following the bank crash in 1893 Mr. McConville was one of those whose service were dispensed with.
He then joined the police force, and was stationed at various centres.
During his term in the force he displayed remarkable ability and tact, and was popular with all sections of the communities in which he resided.
While stationed at Stuart Town he resigned from the police force, and his departure from the district was marked by a popular farewell in which Mr McConville was made the recipient of a gold watch and chain, the chain being made from gold mined at Stuart Town.
He acquired the license of the Broadway Hotel, Junee, and remained there for a number of years. Later he took over the licence of an hotel at Boorowa, and resided in that town for several years.
Some years ago he came to Narandera, where he had since resided. He made many friends here, by whom he was held in high esteem. In his early days he was a noted amateur boxer, and gave promise of making a name for himself in this sphere. Other interests, however, claimed his attention, and he relinquished his activity in this direction. He was a keen follower of all types of sport, and derived a good deal of enjoyment from cricket, football, and other classes of sport.
Deceased is survived by two sons and four daughters. The sons are James ( RA.A.F., Sydney) and Charles (school teacher, Quirindi); while the daughters are Tot (Mrs. O. Belling, Sydney). Misses Bridget, Edna, and Norah (all of Sydney).
He is also survived by one brother, Mr. J. W. McConville of Narandera.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the Narandera cemetery.
The bearers were Messrs. Charles and James McConville (sons), Thorpe McConville (nephew), and — Belling (grandson). The last mentioned has only recently returned from Port Moresby.
Messrs. Watkins Bros, had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Word has been received at Gunning of the death of one of its old and respected old-time citizens in the person of Mr. Jim McConville, which occurred at a private hospital at Narrandera on August 11.
The late Mr. McConville was a native of Gunning and received his early education at the Public School.
He was in the Police Force for some time. He was stationed at Peak Hill and later became a hotel proprietor.
At the Gunning Show he was a conspicuous visitor, making new friends and renewing old-time friendships.
He was the third son of the late Mrs. Rodrom and step-brother of Messrs. Joe and George Rodram, late of Gunning, and first cousin to Mrs. James Lyell, of Gunning.
His old-time friends will regret to learn of Mr. McConville’s death, as he was a man of sterling qualities and held in high esteem.
He is survived by five daughters, Tor (Mrs. Belling), Bid, Leila (Mrs. Fraser), Norah and Edna, and two sons, Charles and Jim.
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.
Service: From 29 February 1960to? ? ? = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 22 September 1987 ( Sgt 1/c )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 2 December 1995 ( Sgt )
VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR SERGEANT DICK BROOK ( Richard Alan BROOK # 9570 ), FROM WARILLA POLICE STATION comes to VKG2 to say hi. THESE PHOTOS ARE ‘GRABBED’ FROM VIDEO TAPE FROM ‘VARIOUS 4’ OF THE COLLECTION OF GREG CALLANDER. 1987 – 1988 Video transferred to DVD on 230206
5 September 1987
Born: Monday 28 October 1940
Died on: Wednesday 28 June 2023
Age: 82 years, 8 months, 0 days
Organ Donor: No – Age prohibitive
THESE PHOTOS ARE ‘GRABBED’ FROM VIDEO TAPE FROM ‘VARIOUS 4’ OF THE COLLECTION OF GREG CALLANDER. 1987 – 1988
Video transferred to DVD on 230206
SENIOR CONSTABLE KARL HANSON # 8870 (SEATED), VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER – SPEAKING WITH SENIOR SERGEANT DICK BROOK # 9570, FROM WARILLA POLICE STATION.
Rear of the old Wollongong Police Station – next to the Wollongong Court House. January 1963. Constables ? KILNE # ????, Cst Richard ‘ Dick ‘ BROOK # 9570, Carey GARDINER # 7563
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Wednesday 7 October 1992, page 3
Gruesome find at Mount Pleasant rest stop
Detectives examine a human torso, wrapped in material, beside the Princes Highway about 5km south of Kiama yesterday.
Gangland-style execution suspected
WOLLONGONG: The victim of a gangland-style execution whose torso was found yesterday morning dumped beside a road at Kiama could have been murdered up to four weeks ago.
But an examination by scientific detectives at the site yesterday did not reveal the specific cause of death.
A quarry truck driver found the body wrapped in a piece of material near the Princes Highway at Mount Pleasant Lookout, about 5km south of Kiama, when he pulled over at the rest stop to check his vehicle.
Police quickly cordoned off the area to allow scientific detectives to investigate.
Dozens of photographs were taken and plaster casts made of the area near where the body was found.
A police search yesterday afternoon between the road and the rolling hills down to the sea edge failed to find other parts of the body.
Inspector Dick Brook, of Warilla Police, said it was likely the body had been thrown from a vehicle.
The site is less than 10km from where teenager Kim Barry‘s headless and fingerless body was found in 1982. Graeme Gene Potter, who to this day maintains his innocence, is serving a life sentence for the Barry murder.
Carolyn Orphin, was another 1966 murder victim. A man was arrested by Sydney and Wollongong Police and charged with Carolyn Orphin’s murder. The man was arrested by, Detective Inspector Lendrum, Detective Sergeants Fleming, Paul, Boyd and Arantz, Detective Constables Watkins and Shaw, Detective Sergeant Winter, Constable 1 Class McDonald, Constable Rogerson, Constable 1st Class McCann, Detective Constable Welsh, Constables Hobson and Dryburgh, Detective Sergeant Brown, Detective Constables Bowra and Johnson, Constable Johnston, Detective Constables Parsons, Hadrick and McNally, Constable Dooley, Policewoman Constable 1st
Class Luke, Constable 1 st Class Brook, Detective Sergeant Pickett and Detective Constable Bendt.
The man was found guilty sentenced to life for the murder of Carolyn Orphin.
Source: Police Heritage P199
* 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.
Married Ella Sapphire BRODBECK on 9 March 1921 in ‘ Millie Creek ‘ near Barraba, NSW.
Donald Ross ROWLISON – War Service record WWI
Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954),
Friday 16 July 1948, page 2
Five Injured In Collision
Three of five injured persons were admitted to the Grafton Base Hospital yesterday following a head-on-collision between two cars near the Junction Hill.
Those injured, were:-
Henry Edward Johnson (41), 6 Little Bacon street, Grafton, probable fracture to the right thigh and ribs, large lacerated wound to the nose, shock.
Maisie Irene Johnson (34), wife of Henry Edward Johnson, 6 Little Bacon street, Grafton, large lacerated wound to the throat, shock.
Donald Ross Rowlison (55), police sergeant, Casino, injuries to the left wrist and abrasions to the forehead.
Allan Campbell Middleton, (25), bank officer, Casino, injury over the left eye.
Roger Richard Maloney (55), hotel proprietor, Casino lacerated wounds to the forehead and right knee.
Those admitted to hospital were Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Maloney.
The taxi was returning to Grafton and the other car was proceeding to Casino.
The driver of the taxi was Mrs. Johnson, and of the car, Mr Maloney.
William Pearce, 50, was charged that at Frederickton on 25th August, he did falsely pretend to Ellen Bridget Frith that a piece of paper purporting to be a cheque drawn upon the Commercial Banking Company Branch at Gladstone was a genuine and available order for £5, with intent to defraud.
Sergt. Donald Ross Rowlison deposed: At 5.30 p.m. on 25th August last I saw defendant at Frederickton. He said his name was William Pearce, and that he’d been at the hotel that afternoon, and that he had cashed a cheque there.
He admitted that he had signed the cheque ‘W. Searle.’ He said Searle was his name, and that he did not tell everyone his name.
I took him to the hotel, where I had a telephone conversation with the Bank manager at Gladstone. I told Pearce that the Bank manager had said he did not know him, and that W. Searle did not have an account there.
Pearce said: ” That is funny. I have been a farmer in the Gladstone district for 35 years.
I said I was not satisfied, and I asked him to come with me to the Police Station.
At the Police Station I warned him that his answers would be taken in writing and might be used in evidence. He said he’d used the name of William Pearce as he was a sick man with a growth and had been drinking. He’d got an idea he’d like to go to Sydney to see a doctor, and so had presented the cheque. He said his name was not Wm. Searle, but was William Pearce, and that he had no banking account anywhere. I produce the cheque.
It has been altered on the front. The cheque originally was on Kempsey branch of the Bank of Australasia, and has been altered to the Commercial Bank branch at Gladstone.
I produce an affidavit signed by E. O’Donnell, manager of the Commercial Bank branch at Gladstone, which states that there was no account there in name of W. Searle.
I had not known the defendant prior to the date of his arrest.
He told me he was an invalid pensioner and had lived at Gladstone for some time. He said he still had the £5 received from Mr. Frith. He gave me £5 in notes, and I now tender it to the Court.
I asked him why he didn’t go to the Police if he was a sick man, as they would have admitted him to hospital. He said they’d only make him an out door patient.
Later, in company with Const. McAuliffe, I saw accused. Const. McAuliffe said he knew him, and said he’d twice sent accused to Sydney for radium treatment.
I said to accused: ” You told me you couldn’t get to Sydney except as an out-patient.” He said I must have misunderstood him.
Mrs. W. A. Frith, wife of the licensee of Frederickton Hotel, deposed: I saw accused at my hotel on the evening of 25th August. He told me his name was Searle, and that he came from Gladstone. He asked me to cash a cheque.
I supplied him with a cheque form on the National Bank of Australasia and Mr. Frith filled it in. It was altered to make it payable at Gladstone Commercial Bank, and it was filled in for the sum of £5, and accused signed it. Accused handed me the cheque to cash, and I gave him £5 in one pound notes for it.
I later saw accused at the hotel with Const. Rowlison.
Accused pleaded guilty and elected to give evidence on oath.
William Pearce deposed: I live at Gladstone. I am an invalid pensioner. I filled in the cheque in the name of W. Searle, and I got £5 for it. I wanted the money to go to Sydney to see a doctor. I was not drunk at the time, but I was nearly mad with pain from the malady from which I suffer. I had made no application to the Police or to the Sydney Hospital for treatment.
Frederickton is four or five miles from Gladstone. I was not known in Frederickton. I have never had a banking account at Gladstone.
Sergt. Johnstone: In 1930 accused was convicted for forgery and uttering.
The P.M.: I will disregard those previous convictions.
Accused is fined £5, in default ten day’s hard labor. The £5 taken from defendant to be handed to Mrs. Frith.
Pearce was allowed time to pay at the rate of £2 per month.
The P.M. added that Pearce could make application to the Police for hospital treatment if he was ill.
Harold J. Blight was charged with negligent driving and also with failure to report on a motor accident to the Police. He pleaded not guilty, and was represented by Mr. H. J. Stewart.
Const. Donald Ross Rowlison deposed: About 9 a.m. on 5th April last I saw defendant in Frederickton. I told him I understood he’d had an accident in Frederickton and had knocked over a young man, Roy Keast, on a bicycle.
He said he’d been driving his car through Frederickton at 5 p.m. and had noticed a man on a bicycle on his correct side of the road. The sun was in his eyes, he said, and he’d driven into the middle of the road to give the cyclist ample room.
He’d heard a slight bump, and his wife had said.: ‘Look out.’
He said he’d pulled up and had seen a young man lying on the road.
The man had a cut ear and an abrasion on his elbow. He said he’d rung for the doctor and ambulance, and the man was taken to the hospital.
He said he didn’t know he had to inform the Police of the accident. I saw no marks on the car. The bicycle was a wreck.
Defendant said he didn’t know Keast’s cycle was lying in front of his car, and he had run over it when he went to shift his car. Defendant said he’d been travelling at 20 miles per hour. He didn’t know how the man was knocked off the bicycle.
To Mr. Stewart: The sun does catch one suddenly in the eyes coming up that hill. I have no reason to doubt the truth of any part of Mr. Blight’s statement. I’ve, been informed that he is a particularly slow and careful driver.
Mr. Blight did all that one could possibly do after the accident happened. He also took the lads parents up to the hospital.
Roy Keast deposed: I am 20 years old. On 22nd April I was riding a bicycle in Frederickton. I was travelling up; up towards Kempsey. I was on my correct side; my right hand side. I would drive a car on my left side. I was a good way from the church. I was near Garner’s place. I didn’t know anything till I got up. I had a cut ear and a skinned elbow. I gave £5 for the bicycle second-hand. They lifted me onto a bed and took me to hospital. I could see a good way; I could see as far as the next hill. I didn’t know what struck me.
To Mr. Stewart: I was not zig zagging about. I was on the tar all the time.
Harold J. Blight deposed: I am a builder and contractor. I have a 1927 Buick. I have been driving that car since 1928. Mr. Keast’s handle bar caught the mudguard. The cycle was really broken after the accident. To Sergt. Johnstone: I saw Keast plainly. He was 8 or 9 feet in on the bitumen, which is 19 to 20 feet wide there. I didn’t blow the horn to warn Keast as I came to him.
To the P.M.: Only for the boy swerving I would have missed him.
The P.M.: Case dismissed.
In regard to the charge of failing to notify the Police of the accident, the P.M. found the offence proved but dismissed it under Section S56A, with a total of £1/0/2 costs.
It was stated that Mr. Blight, in addition to paying other costs, had already replaced the bicycle.
Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 – 1942),
Tuesday 30 October 1928, page 4
James Briggs (39) was charged at the Grafton Police Court on Tuesday afternoon with having on a travelling stock route at Nymboida assaulted Constable Donald Ross Rowlison, while in- the execution of his duty. Charges of drunkeness and of having made use of indecent language were also preferred against the defendant, who was remanded on all counts until Monday.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 2 March 1934 (No.39), page 1050
The undermentioned members of the Police Force to exercise, within the Licensing Districts preceding their names, the authority conferred by section 63, subsection 1, of the Liquor Act, 1932, — from the dates specified, viz.:—
Macleay River — Constable Donald Ross Rowlison, stationed at South West Rocks,— from 30th January,1934.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 21 January 1927 (No.8), page 453
NYMBOIDA SHIRE.
NOTICE is hereby given that Mr. Donald Ross Rowlison, Police Officer, stationed at Nymboida, has been appointed under the Seal of the Council Inspector of slaughter houses and animals intended for slaughter for that part of the Nymboida Shire which is within his patrol.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 7 January 1927 (No.2), page 43
APPOINTMENT.
Colonial Treasurer’s Department.
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police, has approved of the undermentioned Police Officer being appointed an Inspector under the Tobacco Act (47 Victoria, No. 12), viz.:—
Constable Donald Ross Rowlison, stationed at Nymboida, — as from 16th December, 1926, vice Constable William Wilson.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 17 October 1924 (No.134), page 4786
Assistant Deputy Electoral Registrars for the Electoral Districts set against their respective names, in pursuance of the provisions of the abovementioned Act, — to take effect from the dates specified, viz.: —
Constable Donald Ross Rowlison, Fernmount, Oxley ( Fernmount ), in lieu of Bolton ( on leave), — from 8th September, 1924.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 22 July 1921 (No.103), page 4249
The undermentioned members of the Police Force to exercise within the Licensing Districts preceding their names the authority conferred by section 63, subsection 1, of the Liquor Act, 1912, from the dates specified,
viz.:—
Bellingen — Constable Donald Ross Rowlison and Constable Albert Edward Moore, stationed at Bellingen, -—from the 1st July, 1921.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 13 August 1920 (No.150 (SUPPLEMENT)), page 4857
The undermentioned members of the Police Force to exercise, within the Licensing Districts preceding their names, the authority conferred by section 63, subsection 1 of the Liquor Act, 1912, from the dates specified, viz.: —
Grafton— Constable Donald Ross Rowlison, stationed at Coramba, — from the 19th July, 1920.
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 or Police Training College – Penrith or Belmore Barracks Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘Q‘ 9305
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Commenced Training at ? Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 28 September 1911 ( aged 24 years, 3 months, 7 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 October 1929
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Final Rank: = Sergeant 1/c
Stations: ?, Cessnock – Retirement
Service: From Thursday 28 September 1911to? ? 1947 = 36? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 60
Time in Retirement from Police: 16 years
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Tuesday 21 June 1887 in Leichhardt, NSW
Died on: Thursday 12 September 1963
Age: 76 years, 2 months, 22 days
Organ Donor: No
Cause: ?
Event location: Cessnock Hospital, Cessnock, NSW
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? September 1963
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: St John’s Anglican Church Cemetery, 3 Westcott St, Cessnock, NSW
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: -32.8323450, 151.3533683
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( June 2023 )
BILL 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.
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.
Updated 3 July 2025 with date of ProCst, Sgt 3/c Rank, Date of Birth and various associated calculations.
Rex Allan BYTHEWAY
21/01/2024
Rex Allan BYTHEWAY
AKA Rex BYTHEWAY
Nickname: ?
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’: Sue BYTHEWAY, NSWPF # P/W 0207 ( Niece on her fathers side )
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 042
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 8159
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 18 July 1955 ( aged 19 years, 6 months, 29 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 29 August 1955 ( aged 19 years, 8 months, 10 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed 29 August 1966
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Appears in the 1969 ‘Stud book’ but not the 1975 issue
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: ?, ‘ D ‘ District ( 1966 ), ?,
Service: From 18 July 1955to? ? c1975 = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Thursday 19 December 1935
Died on: Sunday 23 May 2021
Age: 85 years, 4 months, 4 days
Organ Donor: No – age prohibitive
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
R.I.P. REX ALLAN BYTHEWAY 19.12.1935 – 23.5 2021 Loving Husband to Myrtle, Father to Allan, David, Judith, Margaret & Kevin. ” Its an ill wind that blows no good ” May they be happy together as they rest.
Buried at: Penrith General Cemetery, Cox Ave, Kingswood, NSW
Grave Location: Section: Lawn Row: 3 Plot: C-06
Grave GPS: -33.7557917, 150.7184306
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2023 )
REX 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.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 27 September 1963 (No.94), page 2901
SHIRE OF MERRIWA.— Cattle Slaughtering and Diseased Animals and Meat Act, 1902-57.—Notice is hereby given that Constable Rex Allan Bytheway, with the approval of the Commissioner of Police and the Minister for Agriculture and Conservation, has been appointed by the Council of the Shire of Merriwa in accordance with section 4 (2) of the abovenamed Act and subsection 4 of section 294 of the Local Government Act, 1919, as Inspector of Slaughterhouses in respect of that portion of the Shire situated within the Cassilis Police Patrol.
When Rex Bytheway, aged 7 years, the son of Mrs. G. Bytheway, of Dubbo, fell from a rail on which he was sitting, he suffered a severe laceration of the tongue, and several teeth were loosened.
After rendering first aid, Dubbo ambulance took Rex to a local surgery and afterwards to the Dubbo District Hospital. His tongue was stitched.
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 )
Passed away peacefully on Monday, 30th January 2023 surrounded by his family. Much loved son, husband, father, poppy, and friend.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Iain will be held in the Karinya Room, Bance Funeral Services, 12 Ashmont Ave, Wagga Wagga on Friday, 10th February 2023 commencing at 11.00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations on behalf of SIDS will be accepted at the chapel.
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: ?
Buried at: Tennant Creek Cemetery, Stuart Hwy, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Grave Location: Row: ?, Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2023 )
SHANE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra ( 2025 ) * BUT SHOULD BE
SHANE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
NTPol Recruit Squad of February 1983 can be found HERE
The Northern Territory Police Museum and Historical Society Inc. 3 March 2025 A Belated Celebration of the commencement of Cadet Squad 2 of 1981 We have been working towards adding Cadet Squads to our rota of celebrations during the course of the year. This has been hampered by poor records kept by the Police Force and the absence of suitable photographs. We do have the necessary records for Cadet Squad 2 of 1981. The members were: Back row (L to R) Chris KILLIAN, Shane KAPPLER, Greg EVANS, Ian DAVIE, Chris TILLEY. Sue ROBERTS.
Middle row (L to R) Jill McALOON, Julie SPURLING, Coralanne WILLIAMS, Sean SANDRY.
Front row (L to R) Sergeant Mick Smith, Superintendent Jack Ilett ( aka John Ilett ), Commissioner Peter McAulay, Senior Sergeant John Henry Chute and Sergeant Robert Bradford
We are looking for photos of Cadet Squad 1 of 1980 and Recruit Squad 8 of 1988.
The Northern Territory Police Museum and Historical Society Inc. 7 February 2024 Uplifting Excellence: Recruit Squad 38, 1983 Step into the radiant glow of inspiration as we joyfully commemorate the 41st Anniversary of the induction of Recruit Squad 38 in 1983. Notably, this squad boasted the first graduates of the then Cadet Program, pioneering the pre-qualification of teens for service in the Police Force. The dedication of these exceptional squad members has been a selfless contribution spanning numerous years in service to the vibrant community of the Northern Territory. In this jubilant celebration that transcends time, let’s pay tribute to the remarkable service and outstanding achievements of Recruit Squad 38. Their enduring commitment has not only shaped the course of history but continues to kindle inspiration within us all. Together, let’s applaud their legacy, drawing boundless motivation from their journey as we collectively aspire to reach greater heights of excellence within our community. The members were: Back Row (L to R) Ronald ELGAR, Ian DAVIE, Christopher KILLIAN, Sean SANDRY, Brett THORP, Martin McCALLUM, Brett JENKIN, Barney NOONAN, Shane KAPPLER Middle Row (L to R) Graham WAITE, Peter LINDFIELD, Gregory EVANS, Peter SPANOVSKIS, Robert TREHERNE, Peter POLYCHRONE, Michael CORNFORD, Vince KINSELLA, Jeffrey NELSON, George POLLITT Front Row (L to R) Julie SPURLING, Sergeant Martin MacPherson, Sergeant Bruce Wernham, Commissioner of Police Peter McAulay, Chief Minister Paul Everingham, Chief Inspector Colin Pope, Senior Sergeant John Sims, Jill McALOON
Back row left to right – Shane Kappler, Simon Young ?, Dick Cheal ?, Ron Heymans, ? Steve Edgington ?, Brett Thorpe ?, Jeff Pickering ?, Gordon McDonagh ?, Tim Marsh ?, Rob Kendrick ?, Mick Lohse ?. ( Only 11 of the twelve were named – hence the ?s )
Police in Tennant Creek held Police Remembrance Day at the grave site of Sergeant Shane Kappler, who died whilst serving in Alice Springs, January 2000.
Senior Sergeant Don Eaton said that not many other jobs have the same accountability or pressures as policing and this is why we should remember those that served.
“What keeps us going is the good people of the world. The bottom line is that we soldier on, become part of community and be accountable in the way we serve and protect.”
SenSgt Don EATON at the grave site of Sgt Shane KAPPLER, Tennant Creek Cemetery – Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2016.
N.T. Police at the grave site of Sgt Shane KAPPLER, Tennant Creek Cemetery – Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2016.
SHANE ROBERT KAPPLER 15.1.1964 – 11.1.2000 Another year has past, but loving memories remain. You are forever in our thoughts.Gone but never Forgotten.Mum, Motza, Sharon, Natalie and families
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.
Patricia Rose HANNON, 95 old, widow of John Robert HANNON, was born 17 March 1927 and she Died on 19 October 2022.
Her funeral was held on at 10.30am Wednesday 26 October 2022 at St Marys Catholic Church, 6 Raglan St, Manly, NSW.
She was from Allambie Hts, NSW.
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.
