December 2022
September, October, and November have flown by! Slowly but surely we have returned to maskless gatherings and normal hugs.
Importantly, National Police Remembrance Day was held at the Domain, Sydney, on 29 September. Our Police Legatees, their families, police, and honoured guests, including our Patron the Governor of NSW Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, and members of the community, braved the stormy day to gather and remember.
This day, and all the ceremonies around Australia, reminded me of the special privilege it is to be a part of a Legatee’s life. It is truly humbling to witness their strength and honour the sacrifice they have made in supporting their NSW Police Officer. In her address, NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb APM said it best, “We will never forget their sacrifice or the sacrifice their loved ones made. We will forever owe you a debt of gratitude, and you remain forever in our thoughts.”
I have also witnessed this sentiment in action. In September, around two thousand police rode motorcycles from their home states to the National Police Memorial in Canberra. This amazing event has become a much-anticipated occasion in commemoration of the service and sacrifice of our police, and it is a chance for each state to raise funds in support of their Police Legacies. The 2000 police gathered together and rode two abreast in procession through the main streets of Canberra, around parliament house, and into the National Police Memorial, to participate in a service honouring their colleagues and mates. For myself, Legatees, friends, and proud supporters of policing, it was a moving and extraordinary sight to see.
I have also seen this sentiment in action in the numerous fundraising events that police and the community run and participate in to raise funds for NSW Police Legacy. There are literally thousands of people who want to help honour the sacrifice of police and their families in a financial way. These people want Legatees to know that they care, and want the burden to be lessened and shared with them where possible.
On a sad note, our Chief Operating Officer Kellie Cooper is moving into a new role away from Police Legacy. Kellie has been an outstanding leader and has given her all to ensure that our every move is to make a meaningful and positive difference to all Legatees and their families. Kellie, NSW Police Legacy is well set into the future because of your selfless and everlasting contribution to the wellbeing of our Legatees and the greater police family. Thank you for everything.
Going forward we have summer and Christmas to look forward to. I am so looking forward to meeting more of you at events in the lead up to 2023 and beyond.
With great respect and affection, Donna.
