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.
S.M. HAS DOUBT IN TRAFFIC CHARGE: DEFENDANT DISCHARGED
A charge of failing to keep to the left, brought against an Inverell baker in the Court of Petty Sessions on Monday, was dismissed by the Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr. N. E. Fegan.
At the conclusion of evidence, Mr. Fegan told the baker, Robert Ross Cracknell, of Raglan Street, that he had a doubt and would give him the benefit of it. ( The hearing was begun at an earlier Court, August 25, Kevin McGregor, driver of the car, which collided with Cracknell’s and Geoffrey Crossley gave evidence that a collision had occurred in front of the Inverell Court House on May 1 this year. The hearing was adjourned. Cracknell was represented by Mr. Guy Smith ( Borthwick and Butler ). Sgt. J. M. Dwyer prosecuted. He told Mr. Fegan that the police case, consisting of evidence from Constable C. M. McHardy and the three people in McGregor’s car had been completed at the previous hearing. Cracknell, in the witness box told Mr, Smith that on Saturday, February 28, he had been to a dance at Beaulieu and had returned to Inverell some time after midnight. When he came to Inverell, he dropped a man named Reg Adams at the Imperial Hotel corner and continued up Otho Street. He said he had seen the other vehicle’s lights coming but had taken no notice. Cracknell said just as he got past the Court House, the other car swerved into him without any notice.
‘ON CORRECT SIDE’
He told Mr. Smith that he was on the correct side of the road until the other car struck him. After the collision he had his driver’s side wheels over the yellow line.
He had been travelling about 15 or 20 miles per hour just prior to the collision. When he saw the other vehicle turning into him, he applied his brakes but it was too late as the other one came into him too quickly. After the impact, the vehicles had hardly moved at all. Defendant said his vehicle had been struck between the radiator and the driver’s side front mud guard. After the collision. McGregor’s car was at an angle of about 45 degrees to his. Defendant told Mr. Smith that he had known McGregor from schooldays. ” I asked him what had happened to make him swerve into me I don’t remember what he said. I think he said he would get the police. ” Cracknell said he had been badly cut about in the accident. He had been on his ? side coming past the monument ( at the intersection of O? and Evans Street. Mr. Smith: ” How long had you been driving “? Cracknell: ” Four years, have never had an accident or collision. Mr. Smith: ” Did you hear the constable., ask McGregor how long he had been driving? – Yes. He said three months. Replying to Sgt. Dwyer. Cracknell said he had shared a bottle of beer at the dance as soon as he got there — about 9 p.m. on the Saturday night. He said it would be right to say that the Constable could have smelt liquor on his breath, Cracknell said just before he left the ball to come home, he had not been advised by anyone not to drive his vehicle. When he had a conversation with McGregor just after the accident, the police had not arrived.
PLACE OF ACCIDENT
Defendant told Sgt. Dwyer that the accident had happened about 200 yards from, the monument on the ambulance station side, but about 20 yards from the Rivers Street intersection. He agreed that it could not have been 200 yards from the monument as the collision occurred in front of the Catholic Church gate.
” NOT ON INCORRECT SIDE “
Cracknell said Const. McHardy did not arrive at the scene of the accident until about twenty minutes after it had happened.
People of ? ? ? those in the ? ? at the accident before the Police, and others, had come along after the Constable arrived. Sgt. Dwyer: Where did they come from? Cracknell: The bus had come in from Beaulieu and people were walking up the street. Did you hear the Constable ask if there was anyone present who had witnessed the accident, apart from the drivers? NO. Would it be correct if McGregor said you drove your vehicle on the incorrect side past the monument? I am certain I did not do that. To Mr. Smith, defendant said he rarely drank wine. Keith O’Connell was the first to arrive at the scene of the accident which had happened about the second yellow line back from the Rivers Street intersection and right in from of the Catholic Church.
Ronald Keith O’Connell, of Gilgai, a truck driver for the MacIntyre Shire, said he had gone to school with both McGregor and Cracknell. On February 28 he had been at the dance at Beaulieu and had seen Cracknell there. He said he did not have anything to drink with Cracknell and he did not see the defendant have any drink.
FOLLOWED DEFENDANT TO INVERELL
O’Connell said he had met Cracknell just as the dance ended. Defendant was quite alright then, he said, and left to come home in front of him ( Witness ). He did not hear any one tell Cracknell not to drive. O’Connell told Mr. Smith he had followed Cracknell into town as they came past Campbell Street. He would be about 50 or 60 yards behind defendant. Cracknell let a man out at the Imperial Hotel corner and continued up Otho Street passing the monument on the correct side. Witness said he had seen the other car’s lights coming down the street, and just as it went to pass Cracknell, the other vehicle seemed to swerve in and collided with Cracknell’s vehicle. When he went over, Cracknell was standing by his car talking to McGregor. O’Connell said he heard the conversation between the two and both said they were on their correct side. ” Cracknell’s car was parallel to the yellow line and McGregor’s was at an angle of 45 degrees. I told Cracknell that if he wanted a witness, I would be one as I saw the whole thing. ” Cracknell was on his correct side of the road all the way up Otho Street.’
To Sgt. Dwyer O’Connell said when he told the defendant he would be a witness. Const. McHardy was not present and he had not heard the Constable ask for any witnesses to come forward. Cracknell ? ? he was in a position to tell if the vehicles had been on their correct sides.
O’Connell stated that when ? ? ? happened. McGregor’s wheels were over the ? ? and would not have come over the line because of the collision.
” VEHICLE SWUNG IN “
” As they went to pass, McGregor’s vehicle just swung in. ” At the time of the accident, he ( Witness ), had been on the ambulance station side of the monument. He told Sgt. Dwyer he could see the yellow line between the two cars just before the collision. O’Connell said he had gone to school at the same time as both McGregor and Cracknell. Since school, he had not been associated with McGregor and only occasionally with Cracknell. O’Connell said he only saw Cracknell at week-ends and not every week-end. ‘I have seen him at dances but I am not a close personal friend.’
Barry Wentworth Dunne, 16, of Gilgai said he had been at the dance at Beaulieu and had come back with Keith O’Connell. They left the dance at about 12 30 a.m. but he had not taken much notice of the drive in as he had dozed off to sleep. He had seen Cracknell’s car when they pulled up behind him as Cracknell let a man out at the Imperial Hotel corner. Cracknell had continued up the street, with O’Connell following about 25 or 30 yards behind him, Dunne said.
Cracknell was doing about 20 m.p.h. Defendant had passed the monument on the correct side, and just in front of the church, another car swung into him as if it was going to turn the corner and the two vehicles collided. After they had collided, Cracknell’s vehicle was on the correct side and McGregor’s car at an angle of about 45 degrees Dunne continued.
To Sgt. Dwyer. Dunne said he had told Cracknell that if he wanted any evidence given to call on him. He had been at the scene of the accident for about five minutes before he went to the show? ? a message for O’Connor ? ? McGregor was not ? ? where he left to go away.
” OTHERS PRESENT AT SCENE “
Dunne said he had not seen anyone walking along the street, but there had been others present at the scene of the accident. Const. McHardy was there when he returned. Witness said he had not heard the Constable ask if there were any people who had seen the accident. Dunne said he had discussed the matter of the car being at a 45 degree angle with defendant and O’Connell. Replying to Sgt. Dwyer, Dunne said he often dozed in a car but on the night in question he had wakened up when O’Connell’s car was near the Imperial Hotel.
Sgt. Dwyer: Were you wide awake when the accident happened ? Dunne: Yes. Where were you sitting? In the from seat beside the driver. Prior to the collision, how far behind Cracknell’s car were you ? About 25 at 30 yards. We had pasted the monument on the correct side. At the time of the collision, Dunne said he could not see the yellow line near the two vehicles, but he knew that O’Connell’s vehicle was on the correct side.
Dunne told Mr. Fe? that when he came from the show-ground, he had not spoken to Const McHardy about the accident as he had not been asked.
” A GRAVE DOUBT “
Summing up Mr. Smith submitted that there was a very grave doubt as the end of the police case as to how the accident happened. He said two perfectly independent witnesses had shown there was a further doubt. ” They are both witnesses of truth. If Cracknell was driving at from 15 to 20 m.p.h. on the correct side, there is nothing to say that he must keep well away from the yellow line ” Mr. smith said both Crossley and McGregor had said if Cracknell was parallel to the centre line at the time of the accident the accident could not have happened as it did. ” In order to make their story possible, this light car ( Cracknell’s ) had to get underneath McGregor’s and lift it round to an angle of e5 degrees without leaving any marks on the road. ” I submit that that is utterly impossible without leaving any marks on the road ; but the Constable could find no indication of marks. ” Mr. Smith said. He said the two witnesses had said that McGregor’s car turned in and that would put the cars how they finished on the road. Mr. Smith pointed out that the Constable even doubted that McGregor’s story of how the accident happened was feasible. Mr. Fegan said the evidence appeared to be diametrically opposed. Crossley and McGregor said the other car was coming straight at them. The Defendant has now produced two witnesses and their story had not been broken down. Mr. Fagan said he had a doubt and must give the defendant benefit of it and dismissed the information.
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.
Former Senior Constable Craig Kirkland VA passed away suddenly on Friday 5/12.
Craig resigned in 1995 and went on to have a successful career as a risk manager in the financial industry.
Craig was awarded the Commissioners Valour Award after he and a colleague, challenged a male who they saw acting suspiciously around a hotel at Pennant Hills, in the early hours one morning in September 1991.
Without warning the male produced a revolver. Craig and the other officer managed to wrestle the weapon away from him. It was loaded.
The male had gone there to rob the licensee who lived on-site and had access to the safe containing the days takings.
At the time of his resignation, Craig was attached to the Chatswood District SOG’s.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform the network of Craig Kirkland VA of his sudden passing on Friday December 5. Craig (Kirko) was much loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him.
In a career most would be envious of, spanning carpentry, law enforcement and financial services, Craig excelled at both his craft and making deep, life long connections. His warmth and genuineness, his sense of humour and empathy were all infectious. He was at equal ease with the CEO as he was with the children of all of his colleagues. He is sorely missed by the family he doted over, and very many friends and colleagues.
Class 227 – Goulburn Police Academy – Attested 26 June 1988
Craig, in 2022, with a friends daughter.
* Story behind any Nickname:
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Commissioner of Police Peter James RYAN, QPM BA Msc OstJ
30 August 1996 – 17 April 2002
Peter RYAN
Appointed Commissioner, NSW Police Force, on 30 August 1996.
Career
Commissioner Ryan is a widely experienced career police officer whose duties have included both uniform and detective work.
NSW Police Force
Mr Ryan took up his appointment as Commissioner at the height of the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption ( 1994 – 1997 ). His brief was to weed out the corrupt, lazy and inept and to put into place reforms that will deliver a professional and honest police service, both responsive and responsible to the community it serves.
Reform continues to be implemented in a series of well planned stages. These began with the complete restructuring of the Force and the appointment, in most areas, of new commanders.
The next phase has been one of consolidation, combined with the development and implementation of improved policing procedures.
Results
One of the benchmarks for reform is the reduction of crime. Commissioner Ryan has set for the Service the goal of bringing down the rates of crime in categories including assault, robbery, stealing, motor vehicle theft and stealing from motor vehicles.
The Future
As well as structures, personnel and processes, Commissioner Ryan is working to reform the technical side of the Force, introducing the latest in scientific, forensic, computing, communication and training techniques and facilities.
Initiatives such as the Police Assistance Line and ‘MINERVA’ simulation training system have been recognised as the best in the country.
Commissioner Ryan is also working towards the establishment of National DNA and fingerprint databases, a crime faculty and a forensic institute for NSW.
His vision is for a Police Force that is corruption resistant, working smarter and achieving world’s best practice in all areas.
History
Peter James Ryan was born in Lancaster, England on 18 May 1944.
Ryan joined Lancashire Police in the United Kingdom in 1963. His career prior to NSW Police includes National Director Police Training at Bramshill, UK from 1993 to 1996 and Chief Constable at Norfolk Police from 1990 to 1993.
Peter Ryan resigned from office with the NSW Police Force on 17 April 2002.
OUTSIDE OF THE SYDNEY POLICE CENTRE, SURRY HILLS. 1999
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It is with great sadness that those who loved Jerry Ambrose announce he has passed to eternal life in the early hours on 19th December 2025, in Concord Sydney, close to his primary residence / home of over 45 years.
Jerry was surrounded by his family and went in peace. Beloved husband of Patricia and cherished father of Melissa, Katherine, Patrick, Suzanne and Siobhan. Forever loved and deeply missed.
For those wishing to view Jerry’s funeral service, being held on Tuesday 23rd of December at 10.30am in Sydney Australia, AEDT, please find the video link below. (Video link will be available for a month post funeral, allowing those who are unable to view the service via live steam to still have access to the service)
VIDEO LINK: Funeral service https://www.caktusproductions.com.au/jerryambrose ( expired & not downloaded unfortunately )
Gods love ~ a poem loved by Jerry
I found Him in the Whispering Pines And in the Beauty of a Rose
I found Him where the First Star Shines above a Summer Day’s Soft Close.
I found Him where the Storms Grow Wild.
I found Him in a Happy Face and the Manner of a Small Child revealing Loveliness and Grace.
I found Him in the Swinging Suns that wheel their way through Endless Space.
And in the Humblest Path that runs to Love’s Sequestered Dwelling Place.
I found Him where the Violets Dwell.
And where the Bluebirds Wheel and Dart….
But never really knew Him Well until I Found Him in My Heart.
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond’s glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
Class 112 – Group A Were Sworn In at Redfern Police Academy on 15 September 1967.
How is this for a group of legends? Around ’75 and Harry BRENNAN is giving the Maroubra HWP people a stir up, Bob ALLGOOD is behind him, Stevo Bill White and Jerry AMBROSE. Four out of the six have gone.
Was shot, in the stomach, by Jocky Smith at cnr Anzac Pde & Day Ave, Kensington, NSW during an armed robbery in December 1976.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 27 January 1976, page 9
Recovery
SYDNEY, Monday. — Constable Gerry Ambrose, 34, of Kensington, shot in the stomach on Wednesday night after a car chase through Kingsford, is making a steady recovery in the Prince of Wales Hospital.
A man described by police as Australia’s most dangerous criminal, Mr Edward James “Jockey” Smith, was captured after a massive hunt lasting more than 10 hours in the area north of Nowra on the South Coast yesterday.
Last night he had been charged with a number of offences relating to the armed robbery of the CBC bank at South Hurstville, Sydney, earlier this month in which more than $180,000 was stolen.
More than 60 police and a Navy helicopter were involved in yesterday’s hunt which ended when Mr Smith was cornered in a telephone booth near Bomaderry railway station.
Police said Mr Smith had pushed a pistol into the stomach of one officer and after a struggle was arrested and taken to Nowra police station. He was also charged with resisting arrest and offering a bribe.
Detectives from Sydney had gone to Nowra earlier this week when it became known that Mr Smith was in the area.
A resident of Illaroo Street, North Nowra, alerted police early yesterday morning when he had heard shots being fired at a small cottage at the end of the road. It is believed that Mr Smith had been firing his pistol to try and keep his dog from barking.
Squads of police wearing bullet proof vests and carrying armalite rifles moved on the cottage at about 6am and arrested a 35-year-old woman, Miss Valerie Jane Hill, who was also charged in relation to the CBC robbery. Mr Smith had been spotted running into thick bush beside the Shoalhaven River. His dog had to be shot after it attacked one of the detectives.
However, a woman told police that Mr Smith had jumped into her car and offered her money to drive him to Bomaderry railway station so he could catch a train. She had done so in terror.
Mr Smith has been eluding police since 1974 when after borrowing a visitor’s pass used it to walk to freedom. Police were questioning him last night regarding the shooting of Police Constable Jerry Ambrose at Kingsford in December 1976 and the shooting and killing of a security guard at Chullora the same year.
In December 1974 he was arrested at gunpoint in Sydney with three other men and all were charged with the robbery of a $175,000 railway payroll at Redfern.
Mr Smith was granted $10,000 bail but he failed to appear in Sydney’s Central Criminal Court the next month. He was arrested again at gunpoint in Victoria in December 1974 as he sunbaked on Sandringham beach with a woman and her daughter.
Two days later he made his escape from Pentridge jail.
Early yesterday morning police raided two houses in Sydney and arrested two other men in relation to the robbery at the CBC Bank.
Mr Francis John Montgomery, 54, of Lambert Road, Bardwell Park and Mr Neil Geoffrey Collings, 26, of Broughton Street, Canterbury, were charged yesterday with assault and robbery in connection with the robbery.
SYDNEY: Police Constable Jeremiah Ambrose, who was shot in the stomach in the course of his duty in 1976, was awarded $9,000 compensation in the Supreme Court yesterday.
He already had been awarded the then maximum of $4,000 compensation in March, 1976, for his injury but the conviction and sentence against the man who shot him was set aside by the Court of Criminal Appeal in March, 1976, so making the compensation award void.
Constable Ambrose again applied under provisions which a person could claim compensation, even if an accused person had been acquitted.
SYDNEY: The Court of Criminal Appeal quashed yesterday the conviction and set aside the life sentence imposed on Mr Edward James Smith, 36, on a charge of the attempted murder of a policeman in 1976.
The three judges found that Mr Smith’s conviction was unsafe and unsatisfactory.
The unanimous judgement was given by the Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Laurence Street, Mr Justice Lee and Mr Justice Lusher.
In March last year, Mr Smith had pleaded not guilty to having wounded Constable Jeremiah Ambrose in Sydney on January 21, 1976, with intent to murder him.
At the trial held in the Parramatta Supreme Court the Crown alleged Constable Ambrose was shot in the stomach after a car chase at Kensington.
A jury found Mr Smith guilty of the charge and Mr Justice Slattery sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The Senior Public Defender, Mr Howard Purnell, QC, submitted to the Court of Criminal Appeal yesterday that the Crown case had been very weak.
Mr Purnell told the court one of his primary grounds of appeal was that Constable Ambrose had failed to identify Mr Smith as his alleged attacker until some 22 months after the incident in which he was shot.
SYDNEY, Tuesday. — The shooting of two policemen in six days highlighted how ineffective the new firearms legislation was, the Secretary of the NSW Police Association said today.
“The legislation has not and will not change the readiness by which criminals can get hold of guns”, Mr Robert Page said.
“It also shows how a policeman’s job is getting more and more dangerous.
“The gun laws, should have been framed to licence the weapons, not the shooter.
“They have not stopped the flow of firearms into peoples homes”.
Under the new legislation people are allowed to have legal firearms in their homes but have to have a shooting licence to carry them outside their homes or fire them.
On Wednesday Constable Gerry Ambrose, 34, was shot in the stomach with a .45 hand gun at Kensington, when he and another highway patrol man chased a car driving without lights.
He is in the Prince of Wales Hospital in a satisfactory condition.
Police are still searching for two gunmen.
On Monday another highway patrolman, Constable George Bishop, was shot in the left shoulder at Narrandera. His condition is satisfactory.
Mr Page said the two shootings would naturally make police more cautious in their approach to suspect vehicles.
The police department had instructions on how police were to approach vehicles.
The police were always to keep the driver under observation and not to pull up in front of a vehicle they had ordered to stop and then walk back.
He doubted it would ever come to the position as in the United States, where drivers of stopped vehicles were expected to stay motionless at the wheel until the policeman could check their identification.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
A GoFundMe page has been established ( by others ) and can be found on this link: gofund.me/774e84e0b
My name is David Vea and I represent the players, coaches and volunteers of Randwick Rugby Club and we are distraught at the loss of one of our most loyal clubmen ever in Peter Meagher or ‘Marzo’ as everyone universally called him.
Marzo was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with over 40 years of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby. He was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known in Sydney Rugby circles. In his professional life, Peter served for almost 4 decades in the NSW Police Force and retired as a Detective Sergeant, where he was hugely respected by his Police colleagues.
Tragically, Peter was one of the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach shooting and he was sadly lost while performing yet another voluntary role as a photographer to support the ill-fated Chanukah by the Sea event. Peter developed a close affinity with the Jewish Community and supported them for many years voluntarily photographing events and the like, as a result of his wife Virginia Wynne-Markham working at Kesser Torah College in Dover Heights. They both had a strong connection with Rabbi Schlanger, who was also tragically killed at Bondi.
While we are one of the best known clubs in rugby, at our roots Randwick Rugby is simply an amateur community club. Since this awful tragedy unfolded, we have had so many people reach out to see how they could support Marzo, so our player leadership group unanimously decided to it would seek to raise funds in his honour to help financially support his devastated wife, Virginia. Therefore, we have set up this GoFundMe Page to give people the most tangible way to do so.
Virginia is dealing with unimaginable grief and huge uncertainty with the loss of her much loved husband. While they were an uncle and aunt to many nieces and nephews, Peter and Virginia had no children of their own, so he is an irreplaceable hole in her life day to day.
The tragic irony is that Peter spent so long working in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer, but was struck down in retirement while voluntarily taking photos at what was supposed to be a joyful community event in his hobby. It is really difficult to comprehend.
How Your Donation Will Help
All funds raised will go directly to support Virginia who still works fulltime and will greatly help her long-term financial security and assist with many expenses that now confront her in the short term. She is the beneficiary and will receive the funds directly.
Please Give What You Can
No amount is too small and every donation will honour Peter’s legacy and will help support Virginia which we know would have been his greatest concern. If you are unable to give any money, then you can still help by sharing this page or promoting it to your family, friends colleagues and other networks.
Peter ‘Marzo’ Meagher has loyally served all parts of his community in both his professional life and voluntarily in so many areas and for so long. He has helped countless people and community groups, so selflessly over so many years and, in his family’s, darkest hour, it’s our turn to reciprocate and support them so please be generous. We also send our love to all the victims, their families and the Jewish Community at this tragic time.
Yours Sincerely
David Vea
On behalf of the Randwick Rugby Players Leadership Group
Peter Ronald MEAGHER Randwick Rugby Club Monday 15 December 2025 Sydney · 💔💔💔💔💚💚💚💚🐎🐎🐎🐎 — at Coogee Oval.
Peter MEAGHER at his Academy Class 211 – 40th Anniversary at the Goulburn Police Academy in April 2025
Tragically the events at Bondi yesterday have hit close to home. It is with an extremely heavy heart that Randwick DRUFC confirm the passing of the much loved First Grade Manager and loyal club volunteer Peter Meagher.
Our deepest condolences go to his wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul their extended families, friends across Randwick Rugby, NSW Police (where he served for 4 decades), Sydney Rugby Referees and our local community.
Our heart goes out the Jewish community and all those impacted by this terrible tragedy.
The Rugby community is mourning the passing of Peter Meagher after the Bondi terror attacks. Photo Supplied
The entire Rugby community is mourning the passing of Randwick Rugby stalwart Peter Meagher as part of the Bondi terror attacks
Meagher served as the club’s first grade team manager, taking up the role in 2018.
He was a beloved member of the famous club, named WT (Bill) Outterside Club Volunteer of the Year in 2020.
Meagher’s comes from Rugby royalty, with multiple generations involved in the game of Rugby Union.
He is the grandson of legendary Wallaby Wally, who was inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame in 2012 and also proved an integral part of the club’s early years and identity.
“’Marzo’ as he was universally known, was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby,” the club said in a statement.
“For much of the last decade Marzo has been our trusted First Grade Manager and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard. Prior to that he was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney Rugby circles.
“Our deepest condolences go to his wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul, their extended families and mountain of friends across Randwick Rugby, NSW Police, Sydney Rugby Referees and our local community.
“We obviously extend our deepest sympathy to all the other victims, their families and loved ones and those people traumatised by this barbaric act. We also sincerely thank and are in awe of all the first responders for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with such a dangerous and challenging situation to care for those in need.
“Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.”
“Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs join Randwick and the entire rugby community in mourning Peter Meagher, who lost his life during Sunday’s Bondi terror attack,” a joint statement said.
“Peter was a beloved member of the Galloping Greens, dedicating countless hours as first grade team manager and a volunteer referee, and followed in the footsteps of his father Ron and grandfather Wally, a Wallabies Hall of Famer, in serving the club.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and clubmates as well as all the victims of Sunday’s tragedy.
“We also thank our first responders, emergency services and everyday citizens for their selfless heroism in the face of terror.
After Retiring from his 40 year employ with NSWPF, Pete ( a non Jew ) was a photographer with Marzo Photography ( his own business ) doing Corporate, Event & Architectural photography from Botany, NSW.
He was performing this task in Archer Park ( 25 Campbell Pde ), at Bondi Beach, NSW, for the Chanukah ( Hanukkah ) celebrating the first day of the Jewish holiday when he was gunned down and murdered, together with 15 others murdered and near 30 additional people shot, by two Terrorists who were father and son.
He was also the current Manager at Randwick Rugby Club.
Further details to follow.
* Story behind any Nickname:
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Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Much loved father to Taylor and Blake, and their mother Daile.
Son of Thomas (deceased) and Margaret, brother to Merilyn.
Much respected colleague and loyal friend to many – will be missed but his presence will always be felt.
RIP
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 13, 2025.
David was a wonderful colleague and friend. We worked together for well over a decade and got to know one another at Fair Trading. While Dave was a big, gruff guy when you first met him, he was, in reality a sweet man with a wonderful heart. He was a loyal friend and it was an absolute joy to have him around. His children were the light in his life. Dave, you will be missed. Condolences to family and friends. RIP my friend.
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Together again with his recently deceased wife, Barbara.
May they both forever Rest In Peace together.
Geoffrey Prentice ( NSW Fallen Police )
8 December 2025
It is with great sadness that I inform our friends of the passing of Detective Chief Supt, Mick Coughlin. Mick was the standard for a Police Officer. He was very intelligent, an outstanding detective and a wonderful man. I had the great fortune of being tutored by Mick in various stages of my career and he never let me down, his advice was always with wisdom and genuine concern for my welfare. Mick was English by birth and Australian by choice. A man of great integrity and intelligence, he advanced through the ranks by his consistent outstanding
Police work. An intelligent man, a Barrister and outstanding human. Mick was liked by all who ever met him , the world is a lesser place for his passing. This is one man who is really on his way to heaven today and we can be assured he will get a huge welcome as one of the true sons comes home.
Remember Michael’s rendition of ‘ Oh Danny Boy ‘ & ‘ Ghost Riders ‘, on pay nights at ‘ The Den ‘. The bar went quiet as Michael sang. Wonderful memory of a great man & mentor.
Mick was a terrific and strong Boss. Very dry wit with a quirky smile. You knew when Mick was serious by the look on his face. Again sad news.
Michael COUGHLIN Obituary
COUGHLIN, Michael
09.05.1938 – 08.12.2025Devoted husband of Barbara Coughlin (deceased).
Cherished father and father-in-law of Christine and Anthony (deceased), Moya and Pat, Emma and David, Collette and Vince, Daniel and Sarah.
Adored grandfather of Ben, Matthew, Jono, Simone, Lucinda, Felix, Will, Jude, Mia, James, Tom and Beth.
Loving son of Matthew and Elizabeth (both deceased) and brother and brother-in-law of Gerard (deceased) and Amber.
Forever in our hearts. At peace in God’s loving care.
Family and friends of Michael
are warmly invited to attend
Mass of Christian Burial in Mary, Mother of Mercy
Chapel, Rookwood Catholic
Cemetery on Thursday 18th December, 2025 commencing at 11.00am.
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 13, 2025.
Bankstown Detectives: C1979 Back Row ( L – R ) Det SenCon E. HAWRYSIUK, P.C.Cst 1/c I.B. KEENAN, P.C. SenCon STANIOCH, Det SenCon M.A. DONOVAN, P.C. Cst 1/c Michael P. McGANN # 16758, Det SenCon Ulrich BRAMANN # 14184, Det SenCon G.C. PRENTICE, Cst 1/c R.N. RYAN. Second Row ( L- R ) P.W Det SenCon M.A. WESTAWAY, Det SenCon Trevor Lyle BEAUMONT # 14058, P.C. Cst G.Md. ABEL, P.C. Cst 1/c J. KHALIFEH, P.C. Cst A.J. BICKHOFF, Det SenCon A.A. TOWNSEND, P.C. SenCst K.J. PLATT, P.C. Cst 1/c TUNNICLIFFE, P/W Cst 1/c G. M. LAPHAM. Front Row ( L – R ) Det Sgt 3/c Allan R. LYTHALL # 9291, Det Sgt 3/c W. J. HADLEY, Det Sgt 3/c Ray F. WEBSTER # 10213, Det Sgt 2/c R.N. MURRAY, Det Sgt 1/c Ray D. MILLINGTON # 7642, Det Sgt 3/c R.E. LYNCH, Det Sgt 3/c J.D.G. BARTLETT, Det Sgt 3/c M. COUGHLIN.
* 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.
Upon joining the NSW Police Cadets, Steve was described as:
5′ 9.5″ tall
12 stone 10 lb in weight
Blue eyes, Fair hair, Fair complexion and was a School Student having obtained the Intermediate Certificate.
During his Cadet training, he was sent to Police H.Q. ( 20 Division ).
Steve was ‘ Called Up ‘ for National Service Training for period 31 March 1966 – 27 October 1967 and Served in Vietnam.
Police Training Centre – Redfern Class 103 Attested on Monday, 10 May 1965 John Walker – top row – 2nd from right. Photo from John Walker – 2020 ‘possibly’ Kenneth Owen EARL # 11490 – Back row – 9th from right
* 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.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform the network of Craig Kirkland VA of his sudden passing on Friday December 5. Craig (Kirko) was much loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him.
In a career most would be envious of, spanning carpentry, law enforcement and financial services, Craig excelled at both his craft and making deep, life long connections. His warmth and genuineness, his sense of humour and empathy were all infectious. He was at equal ease with the CEO as he was with the children of all of his colleagues. He is sorely missed by the family he doted over, and very many friends and colleagues.
Vale Craig. You were one of the best.
Westpac Group Alumni NSW Police Force hashtag#westpac hashtag#mastercard