October 2019
This year was our 17th Blue Ribbon Ball and it was another great success thanks to the work of our staff and volunteers. The Ball is our pinnacle fundraising event and this year was no disappointment. And the next day, on Police Remembrance Day, a group of our police legatees also had the opportunity of doing the Harbour Bridge Climb with the Commissioner, recognising and paying tribute to all Police Officers who have passed away. This was particularly significant, being the 30th Anniversary of the occasion, and was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of this day to our police family. We thank Bridge Climb for their generosity in supporting us.
The day before the Ball we had our Memorial Service at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance – a sombre experience for all remembering their loved ones and friends. However the service was very appropriate and spiritual, ensuring the memories of all will live on.
We have also been gearing up for the Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards in November. In the lead up to this premier event, Police Area Commands and Police Districts in conjunction with their local Rotary clubs hold local Awards, many of which I am privileged to attend. I am impressed each time with the work our police do on a daily basis, and very appreciative of the support Rotary provides to NSW Police Legacy.
Leisa Doherty and I have also been on another road trip, this time down to the south of the State, where we hosted local area lunches at Albury, Wagga and Queanbeyan and numerous police stations on the way. Once again this was a great opportunity to connect not only with our legatees but also to spread the word to serving officers about what Police Legacy does.
In early September I went to the Beat the Blue event held at Sydney Motor Sport Park, organised by Senior Constable Steve Planinic of the Highway Patrol. The event was focused on road safety, and there was an opportunity for car enthusiasts to test their skills against the Highway Officers. Due to the great work by Steve in organising the event and associated sponsorship, he was able to raise $30,000 for NSWPL. Steve, we thank you for your outstanding support.
I would like to welcome back to our Legacy team Annette Dunn and Teegan Hazell who have both recently returned from maternity leave. Annette is back in her role as Event Coordinator, busily organising our Christmas Luncheon and January kids’ camp, and Teegan is back in her role as fundraising coordinator. We would like to acknowledge the great work Caitlin Bloor did in relieving for Teegan, and Stephanie Carde for Annette. We are truly lucky to have such great people work for NSW Police Legacy.
Finally I very much look forward to catching up with you all at our Christmas luncheon being hosted on 22 November at Doltone House.
