September 2025
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever National Police Legacy Day on 17 June 2025. We were thrilled at how well it was embraced throughout all of Australia. Our Premier and the State of NSW supported Police Officers and their families through the wonderful display of the Police Daisy on the Sydney Opera House. There were morning teas and other fundraising events all over the state in police stations and commands. Our Patrons the Governor of NSW, The Police Minister, and the Commissioner spoke so highly of our Police Family and the incredible bravery of the families left behind. Westfield displayed the Police Daisy on its screens, Woman’s Day featured an article on a Police Legatee family, and numerous media reported in support of the day.
Another event that showcased the best of the Police Family was Run4Blue, including huge participation from the NSW Police Academy. It was wonderful to see the students, Academy staff, the Police Association, Police Bank, Police from other Commands, Traffic & Highway Patrol, and the Dog Unit participate in the event. It’s such a fun night and impressive that students donate so willingly when they are still finding their feet financially.
Other great events have included the Vidal Challenge, the annual fitness challenge between the Army and NSW Police Force in honour of Constable Aaron Vidal, the 2025 Champions of NSW Police Legacy Conference at the Sydney Police Centre, the 2nd Emergency Services Football Round between the Roosters and the Cowboys, and the Illawarra Police Charity Ball, all of which raised funds for NSW Police Legacy. We also held the first ever Girls Empowerment Day for young female legatees which was a great day of connection and shared experience. Our second Boys Empowerment Day is coming up soon.
Incredibly we reached the 30th anniversary of the shooting of Senior Constable Robert Spears and Senior Constable Peter Addison at Crescent Head on 9 July 1995. To honour their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their familes, Retired Detective Senior Constable Patrick Gleeson walked from Nelson Bay to Crescent Head. He was joined on several days by a number of other police and legatees all walking in support. An amazing effort.
In July we had the Children’s Camp in New Zealand. Our band of 12–18-year-old legatees had a wonderful experience of culture, activities, and most importantly, time to hang out with each other. We visited a traditional community house for the Māori people, we learned the Haka, we visited geothermal sites around Rotorua, and had the time of our lives ziplining through an ancient forest, swinging on giant swings, rolling down a hill in a large inflatable ball, and tobogganing. Your children did you proud, especially the 12 legatees that attended their last camp, reminding us all with their maturity and heartfelt goodbyes the great gift it is to spend time with your children.
The Annual National Police Legacies Conference was this year held in July in the Northern Territory. In fellowship we cuddled baby crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and fed a giant crocodile name Wendell. I was very glad we live in NSW!!!
While we were doing this, an amazing feat was underway through the Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains. Senior Constable James Ghata walked unassisted through the whole of the Valley, taking 40 hours to travel through challenging terrain with no path, in shorts! James and the Blue Mountain Police Area Command and community raised over $26,000. A phenomenal effort. Our beautiful legatee Donna Anderson was there at the end to congratulate James.
In August, the Beat the Blue Charity raised funds for us at Sydney Motorsport Park. A favourite night for all of NSW based on the huge number of attendees, and a highlight of the year for motor car enthusiasts. Also in August we held the Remembrance Bicycle Ride. Seeing our Legatee children ride with the other 60 riders for police no longer with us was incredibly moving and a great tribute to the Police Family.
September, our most important month, begins with the national Wall to Wall Ride from Sydney to Canberra, followed closely by National Police Remembrance Day. Our thoughts and prayers to the Smith Family and the whole of the Tasmanian Police Force on the tragic loss of our colleague Constable Keith Smith in June 2025. Rest in Peace Keith. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
