September 2024
The last few months have been fast and furious. I’ve visited 13 of the 20 Legatee Luncheons around the State from Tweed Heads to Bathurst, and there are seven more I would like to visit. These luncheons are just beautiful. Your company and the obvious support you provide each other is first class. Thank you to the organisers who take on the role of arranging, transporting, and hosting at each event.
In June, Beat the Blue fundraised for us at Sydney Motorsport Park. It was a showcase of great cars, road safety, and our amazing NSW Police Force. Over 35,000 people attended the night to support the drivers in their efforts to race the highly skilled Traffic & Highway Patrol Officers, and it was an evening full of goodwill and great competition. Two brave Legatees raced and one came away with the win! Sergeant Steven Planinic and the Beat the Blue Team held an amazing event.
In July, a band of 12–18-year-old Legatees travelled to the Northern Territory for a marvellous time on the Adventure Camp. We visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Darwin, saw jumping crocodiles, swam under waterfalls in Litchfield National Park, and visited a working farm in Katherine to mention a few. So many highlights: the stars at night, sunsets, no phone service for a few hours which the kids made great use of by chatting and playing footy! Your children did you proud as usual, earning compliments from the Northern Territorians on their great manners and camping skills.
I also attended the Annual National Police Legacies Conference in Queensland where all the states and territories planned ways to ensure the best possible support and care for police families. In fellowship we climbed the Story Bridge, named for Mr John Douglas Story, who epitomized public service to the people of Queensland with the same commitment all police hold for their community.
We look forward to the 11th Remembrance Bicycle Ride, and especially the contributions of our young Legatees who will ride the whole way for their dads. Patrick “Paddy” Richardson, son of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson, and Ben Goodwin, son of Snr Cst Daniel Goodwin, will be joined by Paul Marks Gray, son of Snr Cst Scott Gray. Please wish them well in a demanding 300 kilometres!
The much-loved Wall to Wall motorcycle ride will be attended this year by police and family from all over Australia. Riding along the Hume Highway and watching police, friends and family pay tribute to their police officer as we ride past is always incredibly moving. Legatee Brendon Speechley will lay a tribute to NSW Police and his dad Detective Sergeant Mark Speechley at the wall on behalf of NSW Police Legacy.
Lastly in September we will honour National Police Remembrance Day. As we remember with great pride and great sadness all those police that are no longer with us, we will pay tribute to Sergeant Peter Stone, who will be added to the NSW Police Force Roll of Honour and the Memorial Wall. Our thoughts and prayers to the Stone family who will be representing Sergeant Stone on this special day.
These last few months have reminded me of how much the NSW Police Force cares for your wellbeing. We visited all the Police Regions and presented to the Champions of Legacy from each command on the ways we support our Legatees, as well as showcasing police fundraising events. Our Champions loved hearing the stories of how their contribution makes some parts of your journey a little easier where possible, and they send you all their best wishes and sincere admiration for you finding your way day after day through your losses.
Be well.
