NTPA - June 2018

Police news The Independent Voice of Police in the Northern Territory

Farewell to longserving members this month:

Honouring our brave Territory officers Covert Policing in plain sight Swapping the big smoke for the bush: through the eyes of a police wife

JUNE 2018

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Paul McCue Phone (08) 8995 9520 www.ntpa.com.au ADVERTISER ALERT Boo Media is appointed by the Northern Territory Police Association as the authorised publisher of Northern Territory Police News. For enquiries regarding advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers:

Contents JUNE 2018

PUBLISHER: Boo Media PTY Limited PO Box 19, Narrabeen, NSW 2101 Phone: (02) 8004 8612 Fax: (02) 8004 8611 info@boodigital.com.au ACN: 153 128 860 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS must be supplied on computer disk with hard copy (or by email to reception@ntpa.com.au) addressed to The Editor, Northern Territory Police News, GPO Box 2350, Darwin Northern Territory 0801.

Northern Territory Police News is published by the Northern Territory Police Association Inc., Level 2, Suite 209 ‘Spirit on The Avenue’ 12 Salonika Street Parap NT 0820. Contents are subject to copyright.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Organisations which represent sworn police officers’ industrial interests, however, may reproduce any part of the content of Northern Territory Police News without written permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor.

08

Temporary Field Officer's new-found respect for the job

18

Musings of a Police wife's new life in the desert

The publisher accepts no responsibility for statements made by advertisers.

DISCLAIMER Boo Media (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the Northern Territory Police Association, and the publication is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate. However, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Northern Territory Police Association make no representation, nor give any warranty or guarantee concerning the information provided. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publisher, its directors and employees.

COPYRIGHT All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.

Cover photo: Mark Payne's farewell at the Darwin Sailing Club, Friday 4 May, 2018

The NT Police Association is proudly supported by:

32

Sally's mission to make plain clothes policing covert AND comfortable

07

President’s Message

08

Field Officer’s Report

10

Industrial Officer's Report

11

Pollie Waffle

14

Farewell Mark Payne

16

City Life to Bush Wife

20

PFA – Push to recognise police on Australian Honours System

22

PFA – Get involved in this year's Wall to Wall ride

24

Honouring our brave NT officers

25

'Humbled' Deb Blackwell recognised with prestigious award

28

Bloody Heroes: #Bleed4Blue blood drive

30

The last shift: farewell Betty Herbert, Jeanette Kerr, and Wayne Burnett

31

Guess Who? for the chance to win an iPad

32

In plain sight: a mission to make covert policing comfortable

35

Accelerated Recruit Squad 133

36

ACPO Squad 24 Graduation

40

Rugby: Camp Dogs have their day

41

NT 'in the swing' at Australian Police Golf Championships

42

Communications Officer's Report

43

Ditch the pinch of salt for health eating

44

Tales from the Territory: journey from bush baby to Police Health CEO

46

Resignations & retirements

JUNE 2018 05

REGIONAL DELEGATES

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Term - 20 November 2017 to 31 October 2019 ACPO

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Chairperson Michelle Gargan Vice Chairperson Lisa Burkenhagen Secretary Rebecca Brogan Ordinary Member 1 Ellen Moore Ordinary Mem. 2 Danielle Chisholm

Chairperson Craig Barrett Vice Chairperson Warren Jackson Secretary Lauren Hill Ordinary Member 1 Janelle Tonkin Ord. Member 2 Hege Ronning-Burns

AUXILIARY

DARWIN

Chairperson James Green Vice Chairp. Vacant Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Melissa Bridgeman Ord. Member 2 Suzanne Seears

Chairperson Michael Valladares Vice Chairperson Nicholas Carter Secretary Jessica Lee Ord. Member 1 Josh Cunningham Ord. Member 2 Jason Conroy

BARKLY

NORTH EASTERN

Chairperson Darryl Beckmann Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Garwood Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Adrian Hertman Ordinary Member 2 Peter Cousins

Chairperson Owen Blackwell Vice Chairperson Kim Chambers Secretary Brentley Holmes Ord. Member 1 Leighton Arnott Ord. Member 2 Stephen Nalder

BERRIMAH

PALMERSTON

Chairperson Kyle Ferricks Vice Chairperson Tim Hatton Secretary Matt Allen Ordinary Member 1 Alicia Harvey Ord. Member 2 Stephen McWilliams

Chairperson Colin Quedley Vice Chairperson Steve Downie Secretary Adam Goldsmith Ordinary Member 1 Joanna Stephen Ordinary Member 2 Ben Coleman

CASUARINA

SPECIALIST SERVICES

Chairperson Steve Rankine Vice Chairperson Malcom Marshall Secretary Dean Elliott Ordinary Member 1 Bryan Duffy Ordinary Member 2 Anthony Jones

Chairperson Neil Mellon Vice Chairperson Patrick Carson Secretary Stuart Short Ord. Member 1 Mark Clemmens Ord. Member 2 Christopher Kilian

CENTRAL

SOUTHERN

Chairperson Matthew Ridolfi Vice Chairperson Nick Byrne Secretary Jason Dingle Ordinary Member 1 Blake Goodworth Ordinary Member 2 John Tickner

Chairperson Brodie Anderson Vice Chairperson Philip Emmett Secretary Greg Burns Ordinary Member 1 Michael Court Ordinary Member 2 Adam Swift

PAUL McCUE PRESIDENT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

COL GOODSELL

CHRIS WILSON

NTPA Office

TISD

Alice Springs Station

CRISPIN GARGAN

IAN NANKIVELL

VICE PRESIDENT

BRETT COTTIER

TREASURER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Nightcliff Station

Events & Emergency Management

Crime Division

MARK TURNER

KYLIE ANDERSON

Water Police

DFU Casuarina Police Station

PFES College

LEE MORGAN

SIMONE PETERKEN

DAVE CUBIS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Delegates as at 10th May 2018

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Watch Commander

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Berrimah

JAKSON EVANS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Katherine Station

EXECUTIVE SUB COMMITTEE & PANELS 2017/2018 FINANCE COMMITTEE

MEDAL ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE

Treasurer Crispin Gargan (Chair), Paul McCue, Col Goodsell, Chris Wilson, Brett Cottier, Lee Morgan

Crispin Gargan, Kylie Anderson

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Col Goodsell (Chair), Ian Nankivell Kylie Anderson, Lee Morgan, Mark Turner, Matt Marshall

INABILITY/DISCIPLINARY APPEALS BOARD Jason Blake, Angela Stringer, Craig Barrett, Antony Deutrom, Michael Schumacher, Peter Dash, James Gray-Spence, Stuart Short, Lisa Bayliss

INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Paul McCue (Chair), Chris Wilson Col Goodsell, Jakson Evans, Mark Soligo, Simone Peterken, Andrea Wyllie

LEGAL ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE Chris Wilson (Chair), Brett Cottier, Jakson Evans, Mark Turner, Simone Peterken, Terry Simpson, Andrea Wyllie

06 NT POLICE NEWS

MATT MARSHALL

TERRY SIMPSON

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

PFES College

Alice Springs Field Intelligence Section

PROMOTIONS APPEALS BOARD Jason Blake, Angela Stringer, Craig Barrett, Antony Deutrom, Michael Schumacher, Peter Dash, James GraySpence, Stuart Short, Lisa Bayliss

NTPA STAFF MEMBERS

SELECTIONS/TRANSFER PANEL OBSERVERS COMMITTEE Andrea Wyllie, Mark Soligo

TRAINING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE Brett Cottier, Crispin Gargan, Paul McCue

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE

TESSA PRINGLE

MARK SOLIGO

ZOEY KELLAWAY

Executive & Compliance Officer

Field Officer

Administration Officer

KYRRIE BLENKINSOP

ANDREA WYLLIE

SHANNON TAYLOR

Communications Officer

Industrial Officer

Temp Administration Officer

Crispin Gargan, Matt Marshall

WELFARE COMMITTEE Paul McCue (Chair), Dave Cubis, Ian Nankivell, Kylie Anderson, Terry Simpson

as of 10th May 2018

president's Message

president's Message

Understanding your needs The Northern Territory Police Association is committed to obtaining the best possible understanding of matters which affect our members the most.

The objects

and purposes of the Association are to perform all and any acts, and to do all and any things, as may be necessary for the welfare of, or benefit to, the Association, its members and their dependants.

Earlier this year, the NTPA Executive undertook a strategic planning day, to assist in the strategic direction of your Association over the coming 3 years. Five key strategic goals were identified during this session: 1. Support and engage our members by providing relevant, quality services.

2. Effective engagement through targeted communication 3. Maintain financial stability 4. Continuously improve our governance practices 5. Enhance the effectiveness of our Association I was particularly interested in understanding the reach required to engage and communicate effectively with our next generation and this formed the basis of much discussion. So, who are they? Who are the Millennials?

If you were born in the 80’s or 90’s, it is likely you have grown up knowing nothing but the convenience of electronic devices.

Particularly since the turn of the century, our lives are more and more dependent on the access to, and willingness to not go without those devices.

This comes with instant contact and communication, and with it, an increased expectation of how services need to be delivered. With an everincreasing workload demand, it is clear our millennials need answers quicker than ever, and in a more appropriate and convenient way than ever before.

With mobile phones now sitting on the wrists of people as pseudo watches, reality is here, and it must be embraced. Your Association is no different, and we have

recognised that. The strategic planning session discussed the past, present and future of communication. Just a few years ago, we relied on just our quarterly magazine, website and emails to communicate.

Since then, we have implemented the weekly eNews and appointed a dedicated Communications Officer, but even more must be done. Mobile devices are developing rapidly and to achieve our strategic goals 1 and 2, we will need your help.

We will shortly be undertaking our member survey, undertaken every three years, to determine trends, issues, and anything which is relevant to how we, as your Association, can help understand your needs more. While we have taken positive steps in our communication platforms over recent years, including some improvements to our database, improvement should never stagnate, and must be an ongoing commitment.

I urge you all to assist us by completing the NTPA member survey which will be available soon.

BUDGET 2018 - 2019

At the time of writing, NT Labor had just handed down its second budget. There is no denying the economic outlook for the NT is bleak, with net debt expected to blow out in the coming forecast years. Your Association is conscious of the flow-on effects a tight fiscal environment creates, and how this can impact on decision making within your work environment.

Economic relief is not just around the corner, so you will continue to see this impacting decision making.

I remind all members, if you are being asked to undertake extra work in your own time, or are not getting operational overtime approved to complete mandatory shift requirements, then we need to know.

The Commissioner (and by virtue the Government) cannot allow pressure on

Paul McCue, President

their budget to come before the basic operational and safety requirements of your role.

Please email memberservices@ntpa. com.au if you have any concerns about this issue.

THANK YOU

Finally, with the current round of Executive elections now complete, I wish to congratulate all those who have been elected or re-elected, and for those who missed out this time around, your interest in becoming an Executive member is welcomed.

Without knowing the outcome of the elections at the time of writing, there are two members I wish to personally acknowledge.

Our Senior Vice President, Col Goodsell, steps down from the role as he moves into retirement. Col was awarded Life membership of the NTPA in 2016 while serving as Senior Vice President, just the 15th person at the time to achieve this accolade in 78 years. Col’s unwavering support of better outcomes for police in the Northern Territory is a testament to him personally. He always identified the bigger picture, and recognised the importance of a strong and unified Association working toward better outcomes.

In addition, Executive member Kylie Anderson stands down from the Executive after 12 years as an elected representative, previously serving as a delegate for five years. Kylie has contributed a significant amount of time and energy into improving conditions for police across the Territory and has played a significant role improving working conditions for women in policing through her work on the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC), made up of representatives from across the country.

On behalf of the members and Executive of the NTPA, I thank you both for your dedicated service as elected members of the Association.

JUNE 2018 07

Field officer's report

Paddy Carson,

The ‘Association’ – I think that term conjures up a different image for each of us in the NTPA. For me, it has always meant just that – NT Police Officers who give our blood, sweat and tears, working together to ensure our welfare and conditions reflect this, and that none of us slip through the cracks – each of us paying in subs each fortnight are the ‘Association’. I’ve found though, that for some people the ‘Association’ can just as often be a reference to the team who work in the NTPA office, attending to the day-to-day needs of our members. I’ve seen plenty of the broader ‘Association’ across the years in regions and branches, however in February this year I gained a new insight into the workings of the ‘Association’ office and team, relieving for Mark ‘Solly’ Soligo as Field Officer.

Temporary Field Officer

Impressions of a Temporary Field Officer Talk about a baptism of fire. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for that first day as Field Officer. The phone rang off the hook, as well as messages coming through on email or in person, and by the end of the day I had resolved a sum total of seven separate matters from members across the Territory, as well as taking on five or so others that would require follow up in the coming days and weeks. I knew the Field Officer was busy, but just how busy was something of a shock to me. The tempo didn’t let up during the weeks I filled in and could be brutal at times. Unfortunately, I did missed members ringing, usually while in the middle of talking with another member, and I often found myself wishing that there were more of me to go around. Being largely Darwinbased during my time relieving, I also saw that it is easier, in a practical sense, for Darwin-based members to access NTPA support.

While it will be an ongoing extra expense, the 2017 Conference resolution to look at bringing on another Field Officer should ensure that members from across the Territory have greater access to support when they need it. While in the position, I spoke with some members who haven’t seen as much individual support as they would have liked, but I can attest to the fact we’ve gotten a fair bit of bang for our buck out of the current arrangement, and there is simply more need for Association support among our membership than one Field Officer can service.

08 NT POLICE NEWS

...the real ‘Association’ is our members, spread far and wide out there across the Territory, working together to support each other.

Although I was only in the role for a few weeks, I was able to get out across Darwin and make a quick trip down to Katherine. A big thank you to all those members who I was able to engage with, even if it was just a chat or a quick discussion to flesh out your circumstances and entitlements.

Likewise, those attending meetings – it was great to see some excellent turnout and the lively discussions that were had.

While my time filling in as temporary Field Officer showed me just how hard the members of the NTPA office team work for you each day, it also showed me that the real ‘Association’ is our members, spread far and wide out there across the Territory, working together to support each other.

Consent Agreement presentation at Berrimah

Temporary Field Officer Paddy Carson with Tony Jones and Shane Zuber during a visit to Pine Creek station

From my brief time in the role, five points I came up with to help members out in the day to day world of police workplace relations are: 1. Don’t be afraid to talk direct to your boss and to HR. The sheer number of GO’s, Policies, Instructions and SOP’s that exist show that police have a procedure for just about everything. If there is an issue, it needs to be raised within the workplace first. The Association stands ready to intervene where a member is being treated contrary to the Act, Determination, Agreement of the principles of procedural fairness, but shouldn't intervene in matters unless there has already been an attempt within the organisation to resolve them.

2. Write to people.

Many things can be resolved with just a conversation, but if it can’t be solved there and then, it never hurts to follow up with an email. This gives all parties a chance to ensure there aren’t any misunderstandings, and it also helps if things go off the rails down the track, to work out where and when the issue started.

3. Let the Association know.

You may not need assistance then and there, but if there’s change in your workplace, or an issue affecting you, keep the Association in the loop. This ties in with the points above –

you might already be resolving the issue at hand, but a simple Cc to memberservices@ntpa.com.au and your regional representatives keeps them in the loop. On that note…

4.Use your regional representatives.

Across the Territory, there are about 50 NTPA members who have put their hands up to represent the needs of those in their area. If there is something affecting your area, engage with them. Often, they will have a better immediate understanding of industrial issues affecting your workplace than the Field Officer has, and are ready and willing to assist.

5.Ask and you shall receive.

If, or when, you want someone to step in and provide you advice, speak with management or both, ask for that assistance and it will be provided. At the end of the day, that’s what the service the NTPA Office provides for you as a paying member, so don’t be afraid to ask for that when it’s needed. None of the above points are meant to put members off from requesting help when it is needed, but instead will mean that when you do need them, your Association are able to assist then and there.

JUNE 2018 09

Industrial

Andrea Wyllie, Industrial Officer

What you need to know about Hours of Duty and Rostering

One of the many successfully negotiated outcomes of the Consent Agreement 2017 (CA 2017) saw several changes being introduced to Clause 25 Hours of Duty and Rostering, which affords members new protections and benefits not present in previous Consent Agreements.

• Introduction of a 35 day (5 week) standard roster, with a minimum of two weekends rostered off in each period.

• Restrictions put in place, that sees members not being required to work more than seven continuous shifts in any roster period or across adjoining roster periods (subject to operational requirements) • Redefinition of some shift hours • Improved rostering arrangements for court attendance addressing fatigue issues.

The other area of significant change within Clause 25 is the introduction of Centralised Workforce Management.

Although, to date, it is still not entirely clear what this will entail, the premise is that a streamlined rostering framework/ capability will be introduced ensuring consistency and equity when it comes to rostering arrangements for members.

It is with these changes in mind that one can only assume the ongoing confusion surrounding rostering arrangements when public holidays occur should be eliminated.

The issues surrounding public holidays seems to ultimately relate to who is classed as a “shift worker” and who is entitled to observe the public holiday.

The introduction of a standard 5-week roster period should limit the first concern in determining who is regularly rostered to work weekends and highlight who can be classed as a ‘shift worker” Although there is not a clearly identifiable definition of what a shift worker is within either the Consent Agreement 2017 or the Police Arbitral Tribunal Determination No.1 of 2011, it is captured loosely in Part 4- Public Holidays and Leave of the Police Arbitral Tribunal Determination no.1 of 2011 at sub clauses: 47.3 A member who is regularly rostered for duty on any day of the week shall be paid for 8 hours at single time where a rostered day off duty falls on a public holiday.

47.4 The provisions of this clause do not apply to members who are only rostered to work Monday to Friday and who are not ordinarily rostered to work public holidays as part of their normal shift rotation.

The key word contained within sub clause 47.3 is “regularly” and, as already mentioned, it is expected that by having standardised

10 NT POLICE NEWS

5-week rosters across the Northern Territory Police Force the patterns of shift regularity should be clearly visible. If a member is regularly rostered to work one weekend in every 5-week period they are have a clear shift pattern and the entitlements of 47.3 apply.

And, as mentioned above although the finer details of what is to be expected when the introduction of Centralised Workforce Management takes place, it would be anticipated that there would be mechanisms in place that can capture the shift patterns of officers throughout the Territory and further highlight who is regularly rostered weekends and who is not.

Once a member is identified as being regularly rostered for duty on any day of the week, there are three scenarios that can apply to them when dealing with declared public holidays: 1. Member is required to be rostered on and works the public holiday - member is entitled to payment at double time for the hours worked on the declared public holiday 2. Member has a rostered day off and the public holiday falls on that day - member is paid an additional 8 hours at single rates for this day on top of the 200 in a 5-week period. They do not attend work and do not receive another rostered day of in lieu of this.

3. D ue to the operational needs of the work unit or station the OIC determines not all members are required to work the public holiday – The member is able to observe the public holiday and is paid 8 hours for the day. These 8 hours will then count towards the 200 in the 5-week period.

This is an operational decision and is addressed on case by case scenario.

If a member is identified as only being rostered to work Monday to Friday the following two possible scenarios apply: 1. Member observes the public holiday and is paid 8 hours at single time; these hours count towards the 200 in a 5-week period.

4. Member is required for operational reasons to be rostered on and works the public holiday- member is entitled to payment at double time for the hours worked on the declared public holiday If you have any questions or concerns in relation to how public holiday entitlements are applied please contact Industrial Officer, Andrea Wyllie, via email andrea.wyllie@ntpa.com.au or Field Officer, Mark ‘Solly’ Soligo mark.soligio@ntpa.com.au or via the office number 8995 9520.

From Parliament

Hon. Michael Gunner MLA

Lia Finocchiaro MLA

Chief Minister, Minister for Police

Deputy Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister for Police

Every day police do their best to provide justice to the victims of crimes, some of them heinous.

The blame rests squarely with those who flout our laws.

The men and women of the Northern Territory police work around the clock to make our communities as safe as possible.

Instead of criticisms that sometimes crop up you deserve our thanks and respect. Thank-you!

All Territorians have the right to feel safe and to be safe in their homes and public places and to expect their property and their businesses to be secure.

My Government’s 2018 Budget announced on May 1 shows we are serious about supporting and properly resourcing the force.

We have listened to you.

The budget supports the four-year $45 million replacement program for the core policing information system PROMIS. Recruitment funding is set to rise from $5 million to $10 million this year.

We are on track as promised to provide an additional 120 police over the term of my government.

We are investing $11.82 million annually for a new Alcohol Policing Support Unit.

We have begun recruiting 75 additional Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors and the first group is expected start work in Alice Springs in late August.

These inspectors will enable full lockdown of licenced premises and release police officers for other important and vital work.

As well as this, 12 police officers will address alcohol issues across supply lines, supported by three lawyers and seven administrative staff.

We are investing a further $2.5 million for 10 mobile closed-circuit camera units.

Separately, we are providing $1.145 million for the third and final year upgrade of ultra-high frequency radio equipment and infrastructure.

The Budget supports the $29.4 million construction of the Palmerston Police Station and Commonwealth funded stations at Maningrida ($15.4 million) and Ngukurr ($11.3 million).

In 2019-2020 we will build a new station in Nightcliff as part of a $45 million revitalisation of John Stokes Square.

We are doing all we can to support you.

Too much blame falls on your shoulders as you work under difficult circumstances and my Government also recognises the need to support the agencies around you.

For example if you see a vulnerable teenager on the street we want you to feel confident to take him or her to seek help from other agencies such as Family Services.

Too much work falls on the thin blue line and we want you to get the help you need.

That’s why providing enough resources for other agencies to back you is also a priority for my Government.

The recent

Territory Budget, handed down in May has little new spending on crime prevention and justice, which is surprising considering the increasing amounts of crime across the Territory, particularly alcohol-related violence, and the seemingly increasing list of ‘to dos’ for police. Not to mention, the ongoing challenges you and your colleagues on the thin blue line face as you work hard to keep the rest of us safe.

Primarily, we share the concern of your Association in relation to the $11 million allocated in new spending on the additional Auxiliary positions, which equates to about $146,000 per Auxiliary. It’s unclear how this figure is sufficient funding for salaries, training, vehicles, workspaces, weapons, body worn cameras, personal protective gear and all of the other resources that might be needed.

We would’ve thought, given police are already underresourced, that further dipping into existing funding to fund these additional Auxiliaries will only detract from police resources across the Territory, which is unacceptable.

I have raised similar concerns on the latest announcement in relation to the Nightcliff police station, the details for which, including the additional police resources provided for the new facility, appear to be thin on the ground.

We are also concerned that remote police are being forced to work unacceptably high levels of overtime and don’t have the necessary tools to do their important job.

Put simply, we’re not sure how this budget meets the government’s goal of keeping Territorians safe, which should be the priority of any government.

At recent crime forums across the Territory, police from various stations told us they wanted more police resources – people, equipment and vehicles. Territorians said the same thing (as police) at the same forums. Both groups acknowledge the crime rates, the increasing list of demands being put in the ‘to do’ list for police and the vast and unique challenges of Territory policing. Consequences for people doing the wrong thing, were also a hot topic of conversation.

In short, we’re all tired of the same people breaking into businesses, homes and cars, without consequence.

While the Opposition agrees with generational change, it is just that – long term – and will take at least a generation for change to occur. As law makers and Territorians we’d like to see more short term consequences and change too.

I also join the wider community, and that of your Association, in condemning the seemingly ongoing and recurring incidents of assaults on police. This is not OK and it’s up to all of us to call it out as it occurs.

Thank you for keeping Territorians safe.

JUNE 2018 11

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If your partner is coming in from afternoons or night shift, make sure you leave a light on Leave a note for your partner or a drawing from the kids to help them feel connected Make sure there is an even allocation of household tasks so everyone knows what their responsibilities are

“Because every person protecting Australia deserves a family, their health and their life”

Take advantage of the spare daytime hours shift work can bring. Depending on the finish time, you may be able to eat breakfast together before you head to work and they head to bed. Get creative with looking at where time exists – it might not look orthodox, but there is nothing wrong with catching up at breakfast rather than dinner!

Keep eating and meal times the same, regardless of shift. While the idea of having cereal and then going to bed may seem odd, it is really important shift workers maintain routines with their meals. It prevents fatigue and keeps the body well nourished.

Maintain a calendar of shifts, rosters, appointments and events

Set time aside to plan the week ahead together and make sure you schedule in couple time Plan the main Christmas meal around the shift your member is on Start a new tradition, breakfast or lunch on New Year’s Eve for family and friends, or even just your family. Getting together with other police families is a wonderful way to build a sense of community and belonging – a great way to start a new year

Police Health proudly sponsor Alongside, with a shared interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of the policing community.

Police Health Ph: 1800 603 603 www.policehealth.com.au

Farewell Mark Payne

Farewell Mark Payne On Friday the 4th of May, the NTPA attended the farewell of former Deputy Commissioner Mark Payne, who retired on Friday the 11th of May, after more than three decades of service to the NT public.

14 NT POLICE NEWS

Darwin Farewell

Mark joined the Police Force in 1984 and served in a variety of areas across the Territory including remote communities.

While Mark spent the last couple of years as Commissioner of Corrections, his heart lies with Policing and his dedicated, long service is testament to that.

You only have to spend a few hours with the many Police and Corrections officers who worked with Mark to understand the respect in which he is held. There can be no doubt much of this can be attributed to his understanding of the importance of consultation, management of people, and how to approach matters with an understanding of the historical context to which it applies. This was particularly noticeable during the many discussions with the NTPA as an Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

While Mark retires to a place that reminds him of home, there is no doubt he will return from time to time to visit his many friends and family who remain here.

Congratulations on a long and distinguished career with the NT Police Force and on behalf of the membership and Executive of the NTPA, thank you for your service.

Alice Springs Farewell

JUNE 2018 15

BUSH BEAT

By Louise Galey Bush Life of a Police Wife

City Life to Bush Wife

Trading the creature comforts of life in Darwin to become a bush Police wife extraordinaire in dry and dusty Central Australia.

16 NT POLICE NEWS

It was true. Life in Darwin had become our dull comfort. As a stay at home mother trying to get back into the workforce, the day-to-day happenings were taking their toll. My husband Luke, a Constable in Palmerston at the time, was doing a lot of relief work in Top End bush stations to make ends meet.

Struggling, I couldn't help but think it was meant to be better than this. What was waiting for us outside of this day in, day out monotony that we knew? Where could one step outside of our comfort zone take us?

It was when I hit breaking point that we realised something had to change. In those challenging moments, a glimmer of light emerged from that very darkness. A black and white solution to ease the difficulties of the past six months. Bush Policing. Going bush. Getting away from city life and the shift work rosters to hopefully spend more time together as a family.

Luke was doing so much relief away from home anyway that we may as well move out bush. At least this way we would get to be back together again. Knowing this change was upon us, sadness soon became excitement. The challenges began fading away. The only difficulty left to face now was deciding where we should go.

How do you know where will be the right place to transfer you and your family? It's not easy trying to find that perfect location in which to set up a new life. There are many factors to consider, all unique to each family and their situation.

To any of you looking at ‘going bush’, we definitely recommend that you research the places you want to go and ensure they meet any requirements you might have. Look at what activities or things there are to do around the area. Does the community have essential services such as a clinic or something as simple as mobile phone reception? Learn how far it is to the nearest regional centre, so you know where the "closest" shops are! It is also vital to consider the manning levels at remote Police Stations. Knowing if there are other Policing families/kids there (particularly if you are the sociable type) may save your sanity when your other half has to work late or is inevitably called out. Everything you research will equip you with a better understanding of what to expect in your new remote lifestyle.

We looked at many locations before coming to a firm decision and the research really helped us to better comprehend what we were getting ourselves into.

Do not discard the fact that every location you consider will present a unique set of challenges to you and your family.

You just have to remember to keep things in perspective on those hard days. Never forget those reasons why you chose to move where you did. Positivity is key.

My only stipulation in choosing a location was that it had to be easily accessible. No islands and no communities that get cut off in the wet season. The physical notion of being trapped in a community terrified me. I knew that the bush lifestyle would present difficulties for us with isolation (and let's face it, the occasional bout of boredom), so I needed to know I would have the ability to jump in the car and drive into civilisation at any given moment. We both knew that we were seeking a change in climate, eager to experience the cold winter nights once more. That again narrowed the search for our new home down to Central Australia. It was time to trade

Our 'backyard'

JUNE 2018 17

City life to bush wife– continued

our fear of death-rolling crocs in for a fear of highly venomous snakes. At least it is easier to avoid the crocodiles…

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, we ended up applying for Kulgera Police Station. 1800km south of Darwin, and a mere 18km from the border of South Australia. Literally a giant leap from one end of the Northern Territory to the other.

It met all our requirements - easy access to Alice Springs via a fully sealed main road, a seemingly peaceful 'highway rest-stop' location and only two members present at the station (which would give Luke opportunities to step up to potentially do Acting Remote Sergeant work). There was also a pub in Kulgera, which meant there would always be a cold beer available at the end of a long, hot day. You beauty. Evidently, Luke was successful in his application, so it was time to pack up for a fabulous family relocation road trip. Cue "Road to Nowhere".

The best journeys take you home, and this became evidently clear to us when we arrived in Kulgera. Never will I forget our arrival. Instead of trepidation about our new life, we felt completely at ease. As though this was where we were meant to be. Out in the bush, surrounded by never ending red dirt plains, and engulfed by the notion of freedom. Home is not a place, it's a feeling. And we certainly felt like we had reached exactly where we needed to be.

Living out here in the land of dust and flies forces you to become independent. As Kulgera is a two-man station, the members here are expected to be reachable by phone for any scenario at any time of day. It is hard for us to leave as a family for anything, unless they have prior approval. You will learn how to do everything on your own, and you will accept that you have to do most things for yourself. Things like driving however many ridiculous kilometres in to town and back just to drop your computer in for repair. When our caravan needs fixing, I (reluctantly) tow it to Alice Springs. Solo, like a strong, independent individual. I take our two-year-old for play dates with the neighbours, 50 kilometres away, which has meant I've had to conquer my fear of driving on an unsealed road.

These are the crazy things you do to maintain a social life, and your sanity, in the middle of nowhere.

18 NT POLICE NEWS

You will learn to laugh at the uncanny moments, like the time that everybody converged on your lawn to watch the poop truck pump the septic tank.

Stupid things that never would have entertained you when living in town, like perfecting the art of growing green grass in sand, suddenly becomes amusing (and a highly important, refined art form) in your bush world.

Aeroguard will scent your days and nights. The mosquitos are thick, wherever you go in the Northern Territory. Yes, even in Central Australia. As a mosquito magnet myself, I was hoping for a reprieve from the mozzies after leaving the Top End. Not a chance.

Sure, being here means that we live with a niggling fear of call outs, the occasional bout of loneliness being the only police wife and child at the station, and the terrifying worry of summer snake encounters, but we take it all in our stride.

There is no point being angry about it, as this is exactly what we signed up for when moving here. This is why we did our research. We just have to take it in our gumboot wearing stride, straighten up our fly nets and carry on.

So, what words of wisdom could I impart on those considering an adventure into the wild world of bush policing? I will simply tell you that you will grow from the experience. Whether you love your time out bush or you hate it, you will learn from it regardless. As any true reality TV contender would say, it’s definitely “character building”. A remote posting with the NT Police is generally two years. Two years out of many across your lifetime. If you detest the bush life, at least you have this two year 'escape clause' to rely on.

If you love the bush life, well that two years will fly by and become entwined with the many years you may continue to spend living the remote lifestyle. Don't let your fear of the unknown hold you back from giving it a shot.

After all, "you'll never never know, if you never never go".

Everything you have ever wanted, is one step out of your comfort zone.

Anon

You can follow Louise, Luke, and Emmett’s bush adventures by subscribing to the Bush Life of a Police Wife blog: https://bushlifeofapolicewife. wordpress.com/author/louisegaley/ Top left: Luke Galey with son Emmett and wife Louise outside the Kulgera Police Station; top middle: Our home at Kulgera; top right and bottom: Kulgera Police Station

JUNE 2018 19

PFA

Proposal for the Introduction of Meritorious Service Awards for Australian Police And Other Emergency Services As far back as 2005, a proposal was discussed to recognise outstanding, conspicuous and meritorious service or endeavours by non-Defence Force personnel within the Australian Honours System. Since 1989, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been able to recognise non-warlike actions with Conspicuous Service decorations but there has been no corresponding award, to recognise outstanding acts by members of Australia’s police, fire, ambulance and rescue agencies.

The Police Federation of Australia (PFA) has made numerous formal submissions and informal representations on the appropriate recognition of Australia’s police and emergency services personnel since 2009.

Various PFA submissions have focussed on the tremendous work of police and other emergency services in the Queensland and Victorian 2011 Floods, Victorian 2009 Bushfires, Cyclone Larry Queensland 2006, the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004, the Canberra Bushfires 2003, and the Bali Bombings 2002. We argued that in each of those incidents there were a number of events and acts by individuals and groups that were worthy of particular recognition but did not meet the narrow qualifying requirements for recognition under the system that then existed. However, ADF personnel involved in these events were eligible for recognition, and did receive various conspicuous service awards under the Australian Honours System.

Whilst the PFA fully supports the current system of occupational awards such as the Australian Police Medal (APM), and the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), we have previously argued that they are not designed to cater for the recognition of individual or group acts in events such as those outlined above. Some of the limitations we have highlighted include: • the requirement for long and distinguished service, which in practice means a career of service; • the awards are only able to be made once to a member; and • the number of awards made is restricted by a calculation of the organisational strength at a point in time, not based on the efforts of the individual in the circumstances of the event in question.

20 NT POLICE NEWS

On Australia Day 2011, the establishment of the National Emergency Medal (NEM) was announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to recognise all service during nationally significant emergencies. NEM was hurriedly cobbled together in response to several natural disasters, particularly the Queensland Cyclone and Floods of December 2010 and the Victoria Back Saturday Fires in February 2009. While the PFA supported the new medal, it had several obvious shortcomings, which we raised with the government at the time. This included the government’s fast tracking of the proposal to recognise all those who worked tirelessly during those previously mentioned major incidents, which meant that the NEM was only able to recognise operational service and not outstanding service.

There is a big difference. We argued that to establish a single medal to cover the myriad of extraordinary contributions made in these exceptional circumstances was unnecessarily limiting.

By recognising all service as the same and with only one award, causes a reduction of its status in the eyes of the community. In our discussions we highlighted that other classes of awards within the Australian system have the ability to provide recognition on a varying scale so that the Australian people can appropriately recognise the truly exceptional from the outstanding and dedicated. Such an example is the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations, as well as in a range of military awards.

From a policing perspective, another issue with the NEM is that it is designed only to recognise significant national emergencies, with no capacity to recognise the full range of outstanding police work, particularly when it comes to major long term protracted investigations. Currently there is no way

for such work to be recognised except with a jurisdictional In Canada there is a military and civilian division of their based award process which are not part of the Australian Meritorious Service Awards and indeed within the Order of Honours System.

Australia we distinguish between awards made for ADF service Our arguments also considered other issues such as equity, separate to other service. scope and design, precedent and equivalency within the current We even have an idea of what the medal and ribbon system; lessons learnt from the introduction of the Australian design should look like, have gone to the effort to put forward Bravery Decorations. Interestingly, the November 2013 meetings a proposed medal and ribbon, using a design that draws a of the Australia & New Zealand Police Commissioner’s Forum link between these awards and the equivalent military (ANZPCF) supported and endorsed the concept of Meritorious conspicuous service awards with the use of yellow Service Awards for police but indicated they could not talk on within the ribbon. The Ribbon recognises the colours of the behalf of other emergency services workers. eligible services – police, blue; fire, red; ambulance, green; and emergency services, orange.

SO WHAT DO WE SUGGEST BE IMPLEMENTED? The two principle design elements are the Federation Star The PFA proposes the introduction of meritorious service for Australia and the shards of light. Light provides warmth, awards to provide an equitable and measured mechanism to security, hope and life. Concepts that are allegorist to the appropriately recognise the professionalism, dedication and daily provision of services by Australia’s police and emergency commitment to duty by members of Australian police forces services and yet also at the heart of exemplary service in all and emergency services. We argue that these new awards will its contexts. complement the existing military conspicuous service awards This proposal offers a unique opportunity for Government and therefore should be awarded under a similar regime. to provide a very tangible and ongoing formal recognition This proposal is specifically and carefully designed to protect of the exemplary contribution that is made by police and the integrity of the honours system by not introducing a new emergency service workers, both salaried and volunteer, to type of award, but rather extends the ability of the Australian the Australian community. community to recognise the outstanding efforts of the members of the police and emergency service workers.

Recognising conspicuous service within the civilian as well Mark Burgess as the military community in this fashion is not a new concept.

Chief Executive Officer, PFA

PROPOSED - AUSTRALIAN MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS

Meritorious Service Cross (MSC)

Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

Commendation for Meritorious Service

Group Citation for Meritorious Service

The Meritorious Service Cross (MSC) recognises an act or acts of extraordinary professionalism and dedication demonstrating commitment to duty and the application of exceptional skills and judgment bringing considerable benefit or great honour to the recipient and their service.

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) recognises an act or acts of exceptional professionalism and dedication demonstrating commitment to duty and the application of an uncommonly high standard of skills and judgment bringing considerable benefit or great honour to the recipient and their service.

The Commendation for Meritorious Service recognises an act of significant professionalism and dedication demonstrating commitment to duty and the application of a high standard of skills and judgment bringing benefit or honour to the recipient and their service.

The Group Citation for Meritorious Service recognises a collective act by a group of people or a defined unit which demonstrates significant professionalism and dedication, a commitment to duty and the application of a high standard of skills and judgment bringing benefit or honour to the recipient and their service.

JUNE 2018 21

PFA

sponsorship opportunities What started in 2009 with a handful of riders traveling to Canberra to pay their respects to fallen mates, has become one of the biggest events on the Australian policing calendar.

Now heralding the start of Police Week, riders will travel The Wall to Wall: Ride for Remembrance is promoted from their state memorial to Canberra where they meet up with fellow riders from across the country, to ride as one through the nation’s capital to the National Police Memorial.

With over 2,000 riders in Canberra, and satellite rides being held in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, the Wall to Wall is not only a wonderful commemoration of service and sacrifice, but also a fantastic social event for enthusiastic motor cyclists across Australia, celebrating and supporting the police family.

through a national organising committee under the auspice of the Police Federation of Australia and the National Police Memorial.

Stringent operational and financial controls are maintained to ensure the charitable status of the event and that funds raised are directly used to support the identified policing legacy organisations and charities. Since its inception, the Ride has donated over $800,000 to state and territories police legacy organisations.

CONCEPT 1

POLICE WEEK A C E L E B R AT I O N O F O U R N AT I O N ’ S P O L I C E

22 NT POLICE NEWS

Sponsorship of this special and unique event offers companies the opportunity to promote their products and services, build personal connections and brand loyalty with a community of highly respected, professional men and women associated with policing and who love motorbikes.

All sponsors are invited,welcomed and actively encouraged to participate in our evening Riders’/ Sponsors’gathering held at EPIC, Canberra as part of their involvement.

Financial assistance and in-kind support of $10,000 and above Benefits: • A stand at the official after-ride function at EPIC • Recognition on printed promotional material and logo placement on official merchandise including the annual commemorative t-shirt • Recognition and a link to sponsor’s homepage on the ride’s Facebook page and walltowallride.com

Silver

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Financial assistance and in-kind support of $15,000 and above Benefits: • Choice of sole branding rights to the merchandising items (polo shirts etc) and other tailored options that might suit the sponsors marketing strategies • Opportunity to ride with the VIPs from EPIC to the Memorial • A stand at the official after-ride function at EPIC • Recognition on printed promotional material and logo placement on official merchandise including the annual commemorative t-shirt • Recognition and a link to sponsor’s homepage on the ride’s Facebook page and walltowallride.com

Gold

Prominence and sizing of brand logos are reflective of the level of sponsorship.

Platinum

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE ARE:

Financial assistance and in-kind support of $5,000 and above Benefits: • A stand at the official after-ride function at EPIC • Recognition on printed promotional material and logo placement on official merchandise including the annual commemorative t-shirt • Recognition and a link to sponsor’s homepage on the ride’s Facebook page and walltowallride.com

Financial assistance and in-kind support of $2,500 and above Benefits: • A stand at the official after-ride function at EPIC • Recognition on printed promotional material and logo placement on official merchandise including the annual commemorative t-shirt • Recognition and a link to sponsor’s homepage on the ride’s Facebook page and walltowallride.com

Minor

• Sponsorship funds will contribute to the promotion, planning and operation of the event.

• Funds will be used to subsidise cost components such as merchandising, printing, promotion and postage.

• All profits are donated to each of the state and territory police legacy organisations.

• Sponsorship conditions are negotiable with discussion of other sponsor proposals and requirements welcomed.

• Sponsorship will not carry any implied or explicit endorsement by any of the Australian policing jurisdictions.

Bronze

SPONSORSHIP CONDITIONS

Financial assistance and in-kind support of anything between $1,500 – $2,500 Benefits: • A stand at the official after-ride function at EPIC • Recognition on printed promotional material and logo placement on official merchandise including the annual commemorative t-shirt • Recognition and a link to sponsor’s homepage on the ride’s Facebook page and walltowallride.com

For further information contact the Police Federation of Australia: 02 6239 8900 | office@walltowallride.com

JUNE 2018 23

BRAVERY IN THE FIELD

Territory Officers Recognised for Daring River Rescue

By Sean Parnell

Policing in the Territory is littered with examples of brave conduct and deeds of valour.

24 NT POLICE NEWS

Peter McAulay Centre with previous members who have been recognised for their bravery. There is no doubt that police in the territory quite often place themselves in danger when undertaking their sworn duty to protect and serve. So, it it important that we are constantly cognisant of the actions of our fellow members when they have performed their duty and displayed courage, bravery or valour. Any member can submit a nomination for someone who undertakes a brave action including their own members, and nominations can be submitted direct to the honours and awards secretariat at: www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards-secretariat Courtesy NT News

Dozens of Northern Territory police have won bravery awards since the inception of the Northern Territory police force.

They include such hero’s as Constable Eric McNab who won the British empire medal for bravery during the war, for his actions during the bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942.

More recently they include modern day recipients such as, Commander (then Constable), James Joseph O’Brien who won one of the highest honours available: the Star of Courage for his actions when pitted against a crazed gunman who shot dead Brevet Sergeant Glenn Huitson, who was posthumously awarded an Australian Bravery Medal and a bar to his Valour Medal.

The Northern Territory Police Force was fortunate recently to have two of its finest receive Bravery Medals in the Austrian honours system for their efforts rescuing stranded tourists in the swollen and flooded Hugh River in Central Australia in 2016.

The citation for their actions reads; In the early afternoon of 27 December 2016, Senior Constable First Class (then Acting Sergeant) Kirstina Jamieson, Constable (then Probationary Constable) Zachary Rolfe and Mr Michael Priestley rescued two tourists from floodwaters near Alice Springs.

Acting Sergeant Jamieson, Probationary Constable Zachary Rolfe and other police officers, went to a flooded river crossing, 50kms from Alice Springs from where they could see a man clinging onto a tree in the middle of the fast-flowing river. The man had escaped from a car that had been washed off the river crossing and a second person who had been in the car was still somewhere in the river.

Without knowing the depth of the fast-flowing water Acting Sergeant Jamieson and Probationary Constable Rolfe entered the river and made their way towards the stranded man. After reaching a small island, Probationary Constable Zachary Rolfe remained there whilst Acting Sergeant Jamieson returned to the crossing to gather rescue equipment. She then returned to the small island along with another police officer and Mr Priestley.

Acting Sergeant Jamieson entered the water again and was pushed downstream by the strong currents. Probationary Constable Rolfe and Mr Priestley also entered the water and swam further downstream to the small island, where Acting Sergeant Jamieson was located. Mr Priestly threw a rope to the man who tied it around himself. Using themselves as anchors they moved back into the water and encouraged the man to let go of the tree. Letting go of the tree he was pushed by the current to them. Acting Sergeant Jamieson and Mr Priestley then assisted the man to cross through the strong currents and debris to reach a waiting paramedic on the opposite side of the river.

Meanwhile, Probationary Constable Rolfe went searching for the second tourist on land and by wading through the water. After travelling approximately 5kms he located the distressed woman on the opposite bank. He made his way through the water and carried the woman on his back across the fast-flowing river before assisting her to walk back to the crossing and to waiting emergency services.

By their actions, Senior Constable Jamieson, Mr Priestley and Constable Rolfe displayed considerable bravery.

Their names will now be inscribed on the honour roll at the

Constable Zachary Rolfe

The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.

Thucydides

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Deb Blackwell Awarded Prestigious Accolade Senior Constable First Class Deborah Blackwell’s office is flanked by pristine beaches where turquoise waves gently lap the white-sand coastline. No wonder she thinks she’s got the best job in Territory policing.

You can always find the good in somebody. The ability to kindly encourage and mentor those that don’t have the same skill set, to gently encourage them – to mentor them to be humble when you do that and to be positive without an ego.

Senior Constable First Class, Deborah Blackwell, being presented with the 2018 Patricia Anne Brennan Award by NT Commissioner of Police, Reece Kershaw APM

Deb is stationed at Alyangula on Groote Eylandt, where she works as a Community Engagement Officer, driven by an unwavering commitment to do what is right, not what is popular.

Her impressive resume includes almost two decades in diverse roles from an investigator with the Domestic and Family Violence Unit, and the Child Abuse Taskforce, to her current position on Groote Eylandt, an island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Her commitment and significant contribution to the role of women within the force saw Deb named the 2018 Patrician Anne Brennan Award recipient at a ceremony on International Women’s Day Thursday March 8.

The award was presented by Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw, who praised Constable Blackwell for her dedication in promoting youth leadership, motivating and engaging the community, and mentoring and training female Aboriginal Community Police Offices and Aboriginal Liaison Officers.

“Today’s recipient is a highly valued and respected member of the police force, who is known for her passion and her dedication to community engagement. With her extensive experience and knowledge, she is considered a subject expert in community engagement, partnerships and leadership,” he said.

Deb isn’t particularly comfortable with the attention she’s garnered but says she’s proud and humble to have received the award that celebrates the achievements of the talented and dedicated women within NTPFES.

“I have quietly reflected on what this award means, what it represents, the significance of this award and the dedication of women in policing over the years. I feel very proud to have been selected, I feel very proud to be linked to .. the previous recipients of this award,” she said.

Deb counts the women she shares the title with as “women of high calibre, of high standards and those women are the ones that have a quiet determination to just get on with the job.”

“I see values in those women, strong values. I see a particular tenacity with those particular women, to push forward through any difficult time and any challenge.”

Deb says the support of her family – husband Owen is also a Police Officer at Alyangula - and Groote work colleagues, all of whom are male, play a huge role in her success.

“I’m the only female out of that group. I’m the only female that also gets to live in my patch. So I’m pretty much fairly convinced I have the got the best job – sorry Sir,” Deb giggles as she turns to the Commissioner.

“I’m blessed to have a very supportive husband. My husband is the husband that does not stifle development, rather he encourages it and provides that trust and the freedom to develop that. He 100 percent allows me to be what I want to be. I’m also blessed to have three wonderful children; Courtney, Amos and Bronte. They’re each very different and they have each made it easy for me to achieve that work/life balance.”

Deb says the key to community engagement is relationships, developing a rapport, listening actively, encouraging selfdetermination and seeing the value of inclusiveness and diversity.

PAST RECIPIENTS: • Anne-Marie Murphy 2007 • Helen Braam 2008 • Kate Vanderlaan 2010 • Kylie Anderson 2011 • Kirsty Manser 2012

• Isobel Cummins 2013 • Renae McGarvie 2014 • Cynthia McIntosh 2015 • Francine Elsegood 2016 • Kaye Pemberton 2017

JUNE 2018 25

Advertisement

Five things you need to know about the current property market in Darwin Are you thinking about getting into the property market in Darwin? Maybe it’s your first home, you’re upgrading or even looking to invest… Whatever the case, there are some important points that you should keep in mind when doing your research, making a decision and taking the leap.

WET SEASON MAY BE THE BEST SEASON

It may seem odd, but some experts say it can be beneficial to purchase property during the wet season. Why? Well, it gives buyers the chance to see how a property holds up during this time of year. Do the gutters work, are there mould spots throughout the property, any unwanted leaks, how is the drainage and water flow of the property? All important things to consider when living in the tropical Top End. Further to this, property prices also tend to decrease during this time, making it more affordable for buyers.

INVESTORS

and auctions, the number of offers being made increasing and the “time on market” improving. These are all signs of an upswing in the activity, interest and positivity surrounding the property market in Darwin.

Property experts are predicting that housing values have hit the bottom of their cycle and the rollercoaster should start climbing back up again, plus the government is also working on and encouraging population growth which will, in turn, drive growth in the market.

With these points in mind and such positive conversation surrounding property, how does that impact you? Have you been looking to dive head first into the property market?

Maybe it’s your second or third time investing? Whatever the case, Police Credit Union can help. On top of our award winning owner-occupied home loans and bank beating* residential investment home loan rates, we ensure that your experience is better than the banks. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Get in touch with our team at our Casuarina branch and find out more.

Darwin is known as the property investor capital of Australia with more than two thirds of the city’s units owned by landlords. Investors have seen a benefit in the transient population of the area, knowing that the rental market will remain strong – even with some dips here or there.

BUMPER RENTAL YIELDS

Currently, rental yields are increasing while house prices are at an all-time low – that’s only good news for those looking to invest.

THE ONE TO WATCH

Located in one of the major growth areas in Darwin’s northern suburbs, Millner is the suburb to watch, with Darwin’s second largest shopping complex (the Homemaker Village), its central location, convenient access to main and connecting arterial roads. It also has affordable house prices and evidence of good returns.

Although, house prices in Darwin may have decreased in the last few years, there are some suburbs and areas where prices have been going up, including outer Darwin and Alice Springs.

So, keep your options open and your eyes peeled for some great opportunities.

ON THE UP

There is evidence that the property market in Darwin is improving, with more people turning out at open inspections

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26 NT POLICE NEWS

A rate so low your home loan will want to move itself

Ask for more information in branch at 247 Trower Rd, Casuarina Square, email casuarina@policecu.com.au, call 8928 9500, or apply online policecu.com.au Police Credit Union Ltd ABN 30 087 651 205 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238991. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Full details upon request. Minimum loan amount is $150,000. Owner Occupied only. New money only. Interest rates current as at 27/03/2018 and subject to change. Comparison rate is based on a secured $150,000 loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Maximum Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) equal to, or less than 90%.

BLOODY HEROES

President Paul McCue donating blood as part of the #Bleed4Blue blood drive

Boys & Girls in Blue Roll up Sleeves for Good Cause Forty-four bags. That’s the staggering amount of blood it took to save the life of NSW Detective Sergeant John Breda, who was stabbed while on duty in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, on Australia Day 2018.

Det. Sgt Breda was knifed multiple times in the chest and stomach while attempting to arrest an alleged paedophile at the Maroubra Junction Hotel.

The offender, 33-year-old Nick Newman, was shot dead by two other officers as he lunged at Det. Sgt Breda.

From that near-tragedy, the #Bleed4Blue blood drive was launched by the Police Association of NSW, together with the NW Police Force, and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

The month-long, Australia-wide campaign was proudly supported by the Northern Territory Police Association, along with the NT Police Force.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, one 28 NT POLICE NEWS

in every three Australians will require a blood product in their lifetime. This incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of blood donation.

NTPA President Paul McCue, rolled up his sleeves for the important cause, and said the campaign highlights the dangerous job Police Officers do, every day.

“The #Bleed4Blue campaign is a great way to support our colleagues, right across the country, in their time of need. We wish Detective Sergeant Breda, the very best on his road to recovery,” said Mr McCue. More than 2,000 donations were made for the #Bleed4Blue blood drive across the country during February.

Executive and Compliance Officer Tessa Pringle donating blood for the cause

State results Donation Organisation count NSW Police Force

942

Victoria Police

350

QLD Police Service

222

South Australia Police (SAPOL) 204 WA Police

135

Australian Federal Police (AFP) 126 Tasmania Police ACT Policing – Australian Federal Police

70

Although the challenge has concluded, we encourage all eligible members to donate blood.

Visit www.donateblood.com.au for more information.

16

NT Police Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) 15 Total 2,080 Source: Australian Red Cross

JUNE 2018 29

THE LAST SHIFT

Farewell Wayne Burnett

Sergeant Owen Blackwell presenting wall hanging to Betty Herbert

Farewell Betty Herbert

Friday 23rd February 2018 marked the retirement of Senior Constable Wayne “Burnie” Burnett from NT Police, Southern Traffic Operations.

Burnie started with NT Police on 14th October 2002 and was initially stationed in Alice Springs. He also served in Ali Curung and Finke and then served the remainder of his career with Southern Traffic. He is now on leave until his official retirement date in June next year.

A well-attended function was held at the Alice Springs Police Station where Burnie was presented with a letter and small plaque from Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael White on behalf of Commissioner Kershaw, a gift (Bunning Vouchers) card from his colleagues and a wall hanging from NTPA Vice President Chris Wilson.

Burnie thanked local staff for their support and camaraderie during his time with the organisation which, as well as the Alice Springs weather, he will miss. He gave thanks for the assistance he received from the NTPA following his involvement in two past critical incidents and reminded everyone present of the value of being a member and the support available.

Burnie is moving to Sellicks Beach in South Australia to enjoy his retirement with wife Lorrie and welcomes any members in the area to drop in.

S/ACPO Betty Herbert retired in December 2017 from the Northern Territory Police Force after 14 years of service. Betty spent her whole career working on Groote Eylandt servicing the township of Alyangula and the communities of Angurugu, Umbakumba and Milyakburra.

She has been a strong community leader and participated on several boards within the Groote Eylandt region as well as being heavily involved with the Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra Youth Diversion Unit. Her liaison with community and council provided invaluable advice to police members in dealing with community issues.

Betty was awarded the NT Police Medal for 10 years’ service, and the Remote Service Pin for service to her community. In January 2017, Betty was awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of her service.

From that nomination, is the following excerpt which exemplifies her work ethic and personal courage: S/ACPO Herbert has been involved in several high risk incidents at Angurugu and Umbakumba, and at all times provides a calming influence on community members who are at risk of becoming involved. During riots in May 2015, which resulted in participants being injured by spears, S/ACPO Herbert was physically engaged within the large groups of combatants, preventing further escalation from within the riot.

Betty was also awarded the ACPO Administrator’s Medal in 2017 for her work in the community.

We wish Betty a long and rewarding retirement.

30 NT POLICE NEWS

Top: NTPA Vice President Chris Wilson presenting Wayne Burnett with his wall hanging; bottom: Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael White presenting Wayne Burnett with a letter and plaque

Farewell Jeannette Kerr Early this year, we farewelled Assistant Commissioner Jeannette Kerr, who was joined by some of her closest friends and family to share the occasion.

Jeannette joined the NT Police Force in July of 1988, and after almost three decades of policing across the Territory, was promoted to be the first female Assistant Commissioner for the Northern Territory, something to be immensely proud of.

Jeannette worked tirelessly to improve the lives of disadvantaged people, and was a big believer in selfdevelopment and study.

While Jeanette is no longer with policing, she continues to serve Territorians through her work at Children’s and Families, helping to support families across the Northern Territory.

Thank you for your service to the NT Police Force Jeannette, you will no doubt always have policing close to your heart!

Jeanette Kerr with family and friends at her farewell

Competition

Guess Who? Correctly name the members who appear in these vintage photographs for the chance to win an iPad! Email your answers to our Communications Officer kyrrie.blenkinsop@ntpa.com.au by 31st July 2018.

JUNE 2018 31

UNDER THE RADAR

Covert Policing in Plain Sight

32 NT POLICE NEWS

Sally Major showing off her covert apparel for plain clothes officers

Plain clothes officers play a unique and important role in Territory policing. They could be mingling with rev heads at the V8s, in the grandstand at the weekend footy, or rubbing shoulders with revellers at Bass in the Grass.

It’s crucial these officers blend into everyday life – swapping the dark blue uniform for street clothes to patrol the Territory in a less visible, proactive style of policing.

But the bid to operate in civilian clothes and avoid being identified as a member of the Northern Territory Police Force during sporting events, parades, and protests has its challenges.

Sally Major is a former Tasmanian police officer, who was born and raised in Darwin. After years of struggling to find the right clothing and battling to conceal the bulk of her equipment, she’s developed a range of apparel to make plain clothes officers more comfortable lugging around their gear – and harder to spot, especially if they’re a woman.

“My male counterpart could wear jeans, and a t-shirt and quite easily conceal his gear. For me, I found it really hard. I looked like a bit of a dag, I had the baggy t-shirt to hide the firearm, and I was lifting the firearm to get to my wallet and badge. When you went to the bathroom, you’d drop all your gear on the ground, and if you had to use a public toilet, that’s all accessible underneath (the bathroom stall). There were

just so many issues and I thought there has to be a better way,” she said.

But the issues Sally identified were not confined to gender, nor division.

“We were all having the same problems. The detectives were the same, the drugs squad was the same. Especially with youth crime, you don’t want that confrontational appearance of having a firearm on your hip,” she said.

More than a decade after the concept was initially forged, and 12 solid months of sketching, testing, and prototypes, Covertact - a range of fit-for-purpose discreet and tactical work wear, was created.

I’ve done a lot of waking up at 3.00am and thinking ‘I’ve got to put that there’. What I’ve created is a clothing line for plain clothes officers which has jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts, you name it. The pockets are where they need to be.

It’s all tactful, muscle memory, how you’re trained at the academy, knowing where to grab things like your OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, handcuffs or magazines. Everything is designed specifically to have the gear where you need it, how you need it, to be actually operational,” Sally explains.

JUNE 2018 33

Covert policing in plain sight– continued

Sally Major with the covert apparel

The Covertact protective vest and apparel is currently being field-tested by two male and two female volunteers who are officers here in the Territory. They’re making sure the gear fits properly, and testing the heat and comfort factor.

“Some officers choose not to carry important gear, like the OC spray or spare magazine because it’s too heavy, bulky and difficult to fit into pockets, which means their operational effectiveness and reaction speed is compromised. Our apparel is designed to fix these problems and optimise their safety. It gets the weight off the hips and will allow female officers to use bathroom facilities without having to drop all their gear to the floor.”

“I’m catering for all different types of police officers. You’ve got your detectives, they’ll have their business line, their more formal work trousers, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, buttons up – that sort of thing. Any protection that can be put into that – like elbow pads and knee pads will be added because I know a lot of my injuries were from grappling in arrests and taking bark off myself around the knees, elbows and hands.“ The protective vest that’s worn under the clothing, offers Dyneema Diamond Technology fabric which protects the centre body mass and meets the highest level of international testing standards for cut/slash resistance. It’s strong and lightweight. This cutting edge technology fabric has only just been released and Covertact has secured the rights to the fabric for this application.

“All your vital organs are protected with the Dyneema fabric, as it’s cut/slash resistant. So, if officers in the field are suddenly 34 NT POLICE NEWS

attacked with an edged-weapon like a box-cutter, a knife, broken bottle, anything like that – and they get slashed, this will prevent them from injury around their centre body mass.”

All Covertact products are made in Queensland and because it’s categorised as workwear, it can be claimed on yearly tax returns.

Sally is planning to roll-out the technology across the country and parts of the United Kingdom and America – but says Australia and New Zealand is first on her list, and she wants to begin with Officers in the NT. "I have a business innovation support initiatives voucher from the Northern Territory Department of Trade, Business and Innovation and I have been encouraged to apply for a federal grant. There’s a lot of prospect to go offshore with this because, it hasn’t been done in the UK or the U.S either which is why the product is now patent pending. I’ve presented this apparel to the NT Uniform Committee, which agrees that the apparel fills a void for plain clothes members that current accoutrements don’t necessarily meet,” she said.

Northern Territory Police Association members will be able to access the products through a secure website, with a unique log-in, so criminals aren’t privy to the product design and technology.

If you’d like more information on Covertact, you can visit www.covertact.com.au or email Sally Major via sally@covertact.com.au

ACCELERATED RECRUIT SQUAD 133

Experienced Officers Beef up Frontline Silhouetted by the spectacular and towering MacDonnell Ranges, almost 30 new and experienced officers were welcomed to the Territory Policing family in April.

ACCELERATED RECRUIT SQUAD 133 AWARD WINNERS The Commissioner’s Trophy Constable First Class Doris Ta’ala, recruit from New Zealand and posted to Alice Springs.

After 11-weeks of intensive training, going to have to work a bit harder than members of Accelerated Recruit Program (ARP) Squad 133 graduated on Friday April 13, 2018, in front of proud family and friends at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

ARP Squad 133, made up of experienced Police Officers from across the country, and across the ditch from New Zealand, was the first squad to complete training in the Red Centre.

It’s a credit to the work of Police College staff, supported by the Alice Springs management team, which accommodated the new squad, and we acknowledge all their hard work.

Singled out for her exceptional performance in all areas of the recruit training course including academic, practical and physical training was Constable First Class Doris Ta’ala, who was presented with the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Speaking to NT Police News from her post in Alice Springs, Doris said “graduating was a mix of emotions for me. I felt relief, grateful, happy, excited, nervous and thankful that I got through the course.

“I have been out of the police scene for a while so I felt a little out of the loop compared to everyone else who had come over to NTPOL straight out of their (respective) jurisdictions. I knew I was

everyone else, but I enjoy a challenge so I was determined.

“Being awarded the Commissioner’s Trophy was a complete surprise and very humbling. I felt that everyone in our course deserved the award, as much as I did, but there could only be one. I was both honoured and privileged to be the one to carry the award on behalf of the other 31 individuals of ARP Squad 133,” said Doris.

Constable First Class Ta’ala was put straight to work, starting her first shift the night after graduating.

“I did my first shift on Saturday night (14 April 2018) and it felt great to get back into Policing. I think the best part of the job for me so far is the diversification of the job. It is most definitely not a monotonous job. You could meet different types of people from all walks of life, different cultures, different experiences and adventures.

Every day there is something different and its always busy. An added bonus is the scenery in the Northern Territory. It is something else altogether,” she said.

Good luck with your new careers Accelerated Recruit Squad 133!

The Rod Evans Memorial Award Constable First Class Jonathan Sharp, recruited from New Zealand and posted to Alice Springs.

Our newest members from Squad 133 are: • Jacqueline Appo • Paula Atiola • Amy Bennett • Brenda Blair • Mark Decourcy • Michael Dempster • Nicola Easton • Harley Eruera • Colin Fraser • Stephen Heffernan • Nettal Hitila • Michael Honan • Fraser Jackson • Ellena Manukau • David Mear • Emelio Mulu • Johnny-lee Pati • Rui Pereira • Dean Schrader • Bradley Sercombe • Jonathan Sharp • Benjamin Skene • Sally Skerys • Doris Ta’ala • Brendon Young • Jonathan Yuile

JUNE 2018 35

ACPO Graduation

ACPO Squad 24

Welcome Aboriginal Community Police Officer Squad 24 The Territory Police Force is twelve officers stronger, following the graduation of Aboriginal Community Police Officer Squad 24, on Friday 16 March 2018.

Officers from ACPO Squad 24 are now stationed across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.

Aboriginal Community Police Officer Philip Mayo was the recipient of the Most Dedicated Trophy, which was presented

by NTPA President Paul McCue. Philip has strong family connections with the NT Police Force; brother Nathan Mayo and his partner Danielle Suddaby, along with niece Tamika Broome-Mayo, who is based in Tennant Creek – and brother Peter Mayo, who also graduated as part of ACPO Squad 24, are all part of NTPOL. Following his graduation APCO Mayo, who is stationed at Tennant Creek, told NT Police News that he joined the Police Force because he wanted to start a new career and help contribute to the community.

“Another influence was the opportunity to become a role model for Indigenous kids, to show them that you are able to be and do anything you want. The best part of the job, so far, has been interacting with the community and getting to know the area.”

36 NT POLICE NEWS

On graduating, Philip said “It was a great feeling after all the effort we had put into the training as a squad. On a personal level it was a great honour because I felt as though we had deserved it.”

Aboriginal Community Police Officer Jermaine Ostrofski was awarded the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Originally from Queensland, and living in Canberra three years prior to joining the NT Police Force, ACPO Ostrofski said it was the warmer weather than coaxed him to the Top End. “Policing was always a job I could see myself doing; helping the community and being a role model for my people,” he told NT Police News.

ACPO Ostrofski said graduation was a mix of emotions.

“I was happy to finally get out into the real world and put into practice all we have learnt; on the other hand, it was sad as the Squad, during College, had grown close and then we had to see each other off to all corners of the Territory. Graduation was, however, a proud moment for us all and our families.

Even more so for myself and my family after receiving the Commissioner’s Trophy. It was a pleasant surprise receiving

JOURNEY BY JERMAINE OSTROFSKI Presented to the NTPFES College on behalf of ACPO Squad 24

Top: Jermaine Ostrofski presenting artwork to the College on behalf of ACPO Squad 24; bottom: ACPO Philip Mayo being presented with The Most Dedicated Trophy award by NTPA President Paul McCue

such an honour, but I must dedicate it to the hard work put in by the whole Squad and the College staff.

Since graduating, Jermaine has been stationed at what he calls the ‘interesting’ Darwin Watch House.

“I would have to say the most interesting part of the job so far would have to be the people and the stories.

When dealing with members of the public who come through the Watch House, they always seem to want to tell their story (when they get over the fact they aren’t allowed to leave). I, as an ACPO, have also been given the opportunity to be involved in City Safe patrols. I’ve found it interesting that although we learnt (at the College) how to deal with people and all the legislation, putting it into practice is very different and anything really can happen. That’s what I enjoy the most – no situation is ever the same,” said Jermaine.

Congratulations and welcome to the Territory Police family, Aboriginal Community Police Officer Squad 24!

The centre community circle represents the NTPFES Organisation. This inner circle has three different circles inside, representing the Police, Fire and Emergency Service families. There are 13 outer community circles. Each is a different pattern and different colour, representing each squad member's different community and experiences.

Each community circle is outlined in a bronze circle, this represents the common goal of joining the Police Force and being a role model for our communities. The lines joining the outer community circles to the inner community circle represents the journey we have each taken to becoming a member of the Northern Territory Police Force.

ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER SQUAD 24 Physical Training Trophy Aboriginal Community Police Officer Nicole Paterson Most Dedicated Trophy Aboriginal Community Police Officer Philip Mayo (award presented by NTPA President Paul McCue) Commissioner’s Trophy Aboriginal Community Police Officer Jermaine Ostrofski Gavin Jabaltjari Spencer Memorial Trophy Aboriginal Community Police Officer Austin HamptonTungutalum • Raymond Butterworth • Donald Cockatoo-Collins • Bianca Copeland • Damien Guyula • Austin Hampton-Tungutalum • Dennis Jevdenijevic • Peter Mayo • Philip Mayo • Jermaine Ostrofski • Nicole Paterson • Shannon Richards • Heleama Whiting

JUNE 2018 37

Advertisement

I have separated from my partner and I am worried that s/he is trying to hide and move assets, what can I do to protect them?

Wendy Barry, Senior Associate | Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

When a couple separates it is a common to preserve the asset pool until such time as a binding settlement can be put in place and both people can walk away with an agreed share.

But what if your former partner is draining the asset pool of shared funds or making purchases using shared lines of credit?

It should be of comfort to know there is much that can be done to protect assets and limit exposure to increased debt. But the key to being effective is to be proactive and prepared.

Once a former partner has sold or drained equity in a property, drawn down on lines of credit, withdrawn joint savings etc there are limited avenues available to restore or addback what has been removed. So prevention in these circumstances is the key.

Some preventative strategies include: 1. Consider caveating a property where that property is held solely in your former partner’s name. A caveat effectively prevents the property being sold, transferred, refinanced until such time as your caveat is dealt with ie it compels the person whose property has been caveated to talk to you about the interest you are asserting in the property. A caveat should not be lodged without receiving legal advice as there can be costs consequences for caveats that are not correctly or appropriately lodged; Obtain an injunction preventing your former partner 2. accessing and potentially draining assets of the relationship.

An application to the court is required to obtain an injunction.

It is not a simple process and legal advice should be obtained before making such an application; 3. Review all of your bank accounts to work out those that are held in joint names then contact the bank to ensure no monies can be accessed without the signature of both parties. Review also lines of credit and where you might be ahead in your mortgage repayments. Remember that making the account “two to sign” puts the account off limits to you (individually) so be sure this is appropriate in your circumstances. You may prefer to withdraw some of the monies in the account and then effect a “two to sign” regime with the bank. You should get advice about what is best in your circumstances before taking action; 4. Drop limits on credit cards or, if appropriate, close the credit facility – you may need to pay off the card before closing it. Make sure you keep a statement of the credit facility showing the balance at separation so that if it increases post separation you will be able to prove the increase and, in certain circumstances, limit the debt to the balance at separation; 5. Change passwords to bank accounts, social media accounts and computers; 6. Update your: a) Binding death nominee – in the event of your death your superannuation will be paid to your binding death 38 NT POLICE NEWS

nominee. If your nominee is your former partner and you do not want him or her to receive it then you may wish to make arrangements to change it to the person you now want to receive your superannuation; b) Will to reflect your new circumstances; and c) Life insurance policy to reflect who you wish to benefit under the policy.

If your partner has already depleted the pool do not despair. There are some remedies available but they could come at considerable legal cost because often they will involve proceedings in court and if not court proceedings then potentially lawyer-to-lawyer negotiations. These remedies may include: 1. Making an application to set aside transactions that have been taken to deliberately defeat your entitlement eg transferring or selling a property. Such an application is made to the Court as part of an overall application for a property settlement and should not be made without obtaining legal advice; 2. Seeking an injunction against your former partner accessing further monies (see paragraph 2 above). In some instances an undertaking from your former partner may suffice but you will need assistance in drafting an appropriate undertaking; 3.

Applying for an addback in your property settlement for monies inappropriately accessed by your former partner.

Addbacks are ordered in very limited circumstances so seeking an addback is something that requires careful consideration with an experienced lawyer before it is made.

Of course there is no one-size-fits-all approach because every person’s circumstances are different, but if you suspect your partner is about to, or has taken steps to, manipulate the assets of the relationship you should immediately get legal advice about how to protect your pool of assets.

Tindall Gask Bentley is proud to provide legal services to the Northern Territory Police Association and offers a 10% discount to NTPA members. To set up an appointment with one of our lawyers call the NTPA on (08) 8995 9520, TGB Lawyers on (08) 89417814, or email ntpa.tgb.legalservices@ntpa.com.au

NTPA’s legal services provider lawyers The firm offers a full range of legal services.

Discount legal service for current financial NTPA members and their families.

Receive 20 minutes free preliminary advice on all legal matters.

We also offer a 10% discount on any legal fees for:

The NTPA works in partnership with leading law firm Tindall Gask Bentley (TGB) to provide members with access to first class legal services.

• Workers Compensation, • Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation, • Family and Divorce law, • Estates and Estate Planning (including Wills), • Business and Property, • Criminal and Disciplinary.

Established in 1970, TGB has grown to become South Australia’s largest plaintiff law firm and has now expanded to Northern Territory and Western Australia.

To book an appointment with a lawyer or for more information please contact the NTPA office 08 8995 9520 or email ntpa.tgb.legalservices@ntpa.com.au

p: (08) 8941 7814 e: ntpa.tgb.legalservices@ntpa.com.au 1/21 Cavenagh St Darwin, Darwin NT 0800 w: tgb.com.au 39 NT POLICE NEWS

SPORTS STORIES

Camp Dogs: In a n w O ir e h T f o e u g a e L

By Matt Hughes

Once again, with lubricated joints and some ill-fated good intentions, this motley group assembled to partake in the frivolity known as the Central Australian Rugby League 9 a side competition.

Our first game A precursor to the season proper, this fine bunch of fellows sourced from NT Police, NT Fire, Australian Federal Police and NT Corrections were gathered for the sixth year, in what can only be described as a fine example of proactive policing. Letting the community know that the Camp Dogs were there to hit and be hit and show that Police are only human after all.

The Camp Dogs were 1 of 8 teams competing on the day with 4 regular competition teams and 4 teams put together just for the day Ably organised by the inestimable Matt Hughes (Boozy Hughesy) and with the support of sponsors Police Health, Police Credit Union, Police Association and Fleet Network, the Camp Dogs took the field looking resplendent in bespoke Navy uniform for the 1st game of the day against full-time CARFL team, the Central Bulls.

40 NT POLICE NEWS

With concerns raised early regarding the Camp Dogs average age and apparent athletic ability (not to mention the distinct lack of hair) these fears were allayed when the Dogs bounced out of the blocks to score three tries before half time. The Camp Dogs circled around the still wheezing carcass of the Bulls before closing out the game with another three tries in the second half, keeping their opponents scoreless in a 35-0 win. The rasping howl of the Camp dogs rang out across the park in victory.

Game 2 was against another full time CARFL team, Wests, who appeared to have enough players at the ground to field about 4 teams. New ARP and Camp Dogs recruit Emelio Mulu was sighted in a Wests jersey after advising that he would be unable to play for the Dogs. The start of the game saw the Camp dogs come out a little tender and hesitant before the pack mentality took hold and they threw themselves into the contest with abandon. Sgt Jason Lock in particular took it upon himself to play the enforcer role and threw himself into a bloke small enough to be the Wests ball boy. A broken collarbone for the poor little fella and a large delay was the end result before the game was called with Wests winning 24-12.

Due in no small part to the delay in play to allow treatment for Sgt Lock’s victim, the Camp Dogs became acutely aware of the onset of stiffness in the joints (and not in a good way).

Several different strategies and lubricants were tested to combat the impending lactic build up.

NT Police Golf Club Team

2018 Australian Police Golf Championships

By Kylie Anderson The NT Police Golf Club Team cleaned up at the 2018 Australian Police Golf Championships in Launceston.

Matty Woldseth was the C Grade Gross winner, David Proctor was awarded C Grade Nett winner and, best of all, Alex Brennan was the 2018 Overall Gross Champion, bringing the John Stone Trophy home to the NT for the very first time. Awesome work AB! Palmerston proved it is the premier NT golf club by taking out the inaugural NT inter-club Alan Hodge APM VA Memorial Shield for Best Average Nett Result. At the opposite end of the results sheet Mal Guerin secured the NTPGC NAGA jacket for 2018. Beige really suits him.

See you all in Victoria next year.

Coming up to the final pool game of the day this was a hot topic of conversation... but not the only topic as Sgt Terry Simpson (Admin Support) advised that due to the even nature of the competition, the Camp Dogs had the potential to play in the grand final should they win the final pool game. The camp erupted with feverish discussion as to the challenges of playing another game in the blistering April afternoon heat.

With a consensus reached of “whatever”, the Camp Dogs sauntered onto the playing park for the final pool game against the Talice Tigers. Scouts had earlier flagged the possibility of performance enhancing liquids being consumed in the Tigers camp throughout the afternoon, and the aroma in the contact area alluded to some sour mash combination having been guzzled.

The suspicious liquids had the desired effect and the Tigers put the brave, but tired, Camp Dogs to the sword with the final score 24 – 7.

A wonderful day had by all, with the Camp Dogs continuing their now time-honoured tradition of ensuring at least one win for the day with absolutely no possibility of finals football.

Thanks again to Matt Hughes for his tireless efforts in organising the Camp Dogs rabble, Sgt Terry Simpson for his efforts at water boy/admin duties and Jen Hamilton and Brodie Anderson for trying to keep the H2O up to the dogs.

To the boys who donned the blue – kudos to you.

To everyone who pitched in and helped out in some way – thank you.

And again, to our sponsors who have been with us since 2013 – thank you so much for allowing us to look the part and have fun.

From top left to bottom right: David Proctor, awarded C Grade Nett winner, 2018 Australian Police Golf Champion Alex Brennan, Mal Guerin secured the NTPGC NAGA jacket, Matty Woldseth, C Grade Gross winner

JUNE 2018 41

Communications

from the Communications Officer

Kyrrie Blenkinsop Communications Officer

Member engagement is non-negotiable

I hope you’ll forgive me if this sounds too much like an excerpt from Monty Python’s ‘Ministry of the Bleeding Obvious’ – but our members are what make our Association.

You all work bloody hard, and you deserve an Association that continues to work bloody hard for you.

Of course, with a membership as vast and diverse as the NTPA, it is challenging keeping everyone happy, all of the time – but we can start with rewarding the membership-base for their loyalty.

One of the challenges bestowed on the Communications department, is to identify how best to engage and interact with our members. In fact, one of the key indicators of an Association’s success and relevance to its members, is measured by their satisfaction.

We’re currently in the process of expanding our Benefits Program to offer a new range of rewards for our hard-working members. We have partnered with a number of trusted brands and products to offer our members special deals and discounts. For more information on how you can take advantage of these offers, log on to www.ntpa.com.au and head to the MEMBER BENEFITS section.

One important thing to remember is the Association is not just the six staff members who call Salonika Street home, the Association is your Executive, you regional delegates, you – the members.

And, of course, member/Association interaction and communication only works as with a reciprocal approach.

If you think there are ways Member engagement can be improved we invite you to take part in this year’s Member Survey, we also welcome feedback on social media or via MemberServices@ntpa.com.au

A customer is someone who buys something. A member is someone who belongs to something.

Paul McCue speaking with Katie Woolf ‘Member engagement: what does it even mean?’ by Roslyn Atkinson

42 NT POLICE NEWS

What does it mean to be engaged?

And how exactly is it measured?

Loyalty/retention Engaged members are the ones likely to renew their membership and stay loyal for long periods of time Satisfaction Engaged members are happy members Passion Engaged members are most passionate about their association and its mission Referrals Engaged members are those who are most likely to make a word-of-mouth recommendation to a nonmember Attendance Engaged members are those who attend the most events and workshops Opens and click-throughs Engaged members are those who open every eNewsletter and click on almost every story Volunteering Engaged members volunteer to be on committees and maintain the status of ‘usual suspect’ when something needs to be done Participation Engaged members are the ones who use the most products and services

For tech-savvy members, the NTPA has also expanded its social media platforms to include Twitter (@NTPoliceAssoc) and Instagram (@NTPoliceAssociation), so if you’d like to see what your Association has been up to in the media, join the conversation, or share your unique Territory policing snaps – please Like, Follow, Share and interact!

If you’d like to get in touch with suggestions about what you’d like to see on the Member Benefit Scheme, or you have ideas around communication and engagement with members, please contact Communications Officer Kyrrie Blenkinsop on 8995 9520 or via email kyrrie.blenkinsop@ntpa.com.au

health

photo courtesy taste.com.au

Don’t take this with a pinch of salt For generations now, salt has been an ever-present condiment enjoyed at dinner tables across the country. But the average Territorians’ salt intake is now exceeding health recommendations by 30%.

So where does it all come from?

Many believe reducing salt, added during cooking, and on meals is the best way to cut down - when in fact 75% of our salt intake is from packaged and processed food products. It turns out salt is a very powerful preservative, so you can find it in almost all packaged foods.

But salt shouldn’t be avoided completely. In fact, it’s essential for our existence. This is because the sodium in salt helps maintain fluid balance in the body and thus has a strong influence on blood pressure.

Unfortunately, excessive intake of sodium can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, which can go on to cause heart disease and stroke. The National Heart Foundation recommends we consume no more than 6g of salt daily- the current Australian average is 9g per day.

The good news is it’s actually very simple to reduce your salt intake. And no, you don’t have to throw the salt shaker in the bin. I mean, what’s a BBQ or roast dinner without some salt and pepper right?

The easiest way is to cut down on the amount of processed meats and canned foods you are eating each week.

Particularly take away foods like fast-food, pies, sausage rolls, and packaged foods such as soups, sauces, and potato chips.

Occasionally there are low-sodium varieties available too.

If you aren’t ready to go cold turkey just yet, think about switching brands of the foods you commonly eat. Using the nutrition label on the packet, go for foods that have less than 150mg per 100g of sodium. Foods with more than 500mg are high in salt.

At Darwin Dietitians we can help you with reading nutrition labels, identifying which high salt foods are currently in your diet, and work with you to find enjoyable, healthier alternatives.

PINEAPPLE-TERIYAKI CHICKEN Ingredients • 1/3 cup dry sherry • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 20-ounce can pineapple rings, plus 1/3 cup juice from the can 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs, • (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed • 1 teaspoon cornstarch • 1 tablespoon salt reduced butter Preparation 1. Whisk sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar and the 1/3 cup pineapple juice in a large bowl. Add pineapple rings and chicken and gently stir to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium-high.

3. Remove the chicken and pineapple from the marinade and pat dry; reserve the marinade.

Oil the grill rack. Grill the chicken and pineapple until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is marked, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

4. Whisk the reserved marinade and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking, until reduced and thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in butter. Serve the chicken and pineapple drizzled with the sauce

JUNE 2018 43

health

Get to know Police Health’s new CEO

Scott Williams, Police Health CEO

Scott Williams I feel very fortunate to be the CEO for Police Health and Emergency Services Health. My dad was a police officer, which instilled a very high level of integrity, probity and doing the right thing – a great connection with the values of Police Health.

Originally from Port Augusta in South Australia, we relocated to Darwin in 1973 when my father was accepted to the NT Police. I basically grew up in Darwin, Alice Springs and the remote Aboriginal settlement of Papunya. As a child growing up in those times, and indeed places, I was afforded opportunities and experiences that many kids my age weren’t.

We were in Darwin at the time of Cyclone Tracy. I was only two, so my memory is not the best but I remember being upset as dad had to stay back after we left. We lost our roof early on in the cyclone and while my memory is not crisp, to this day if it’s windy and raining I get an unsettled feeling that won’t shift.

Some of my favourite memories have been living in remote places. It’s tough. It’s hard. It’s isolating, but there is a greater sense of community in some of these rural and remote places because really, you only have each other.

I loved the feeling of isolation. There’s nothing better than just sitting on the bonnet of a car on a dirt road in remote Central Australia and feeling that sense of being so small in such a vast country.

In addition to my upbringing as the son of a copper I have a career history in health. My Nan was my inspiration for choosing to become a nurse. She was an enrolled nurse in a country hospital. Sadly, she passed away in 1988, right at the time of my Year 11 exams. I believe now her passing was probably the deciding factor for me to choose a career in nursing.

At 17, I was working on a ward caring for six or more patients with anything from a stroke to an amputation.

Looking back now it was a lot for a 17-year-old to deal with.

I later did my Bachelor’s degree, specialising in paediatric nursing, so I’m a trained children’s nurse as well.

I had to lay out my first body when I was 17½years old.

I was fortunate to be paired with a very senior nurse who chatted to the deceased patient throughout the process of preparing her body. I questioned her afterwards why she had done that.

Her response was however you choose to look at it, there was a person present. They may be there in a different way, shape, or form when they were alive but they were still a person. They still had a history; and it was about being respectful. That nurse set me on a very strong path around ethical behaviour.

Moving into children’s nursing was generally a positive experience, as children have this amazing propensity for 44 NT POLICE NEWS

Scott’s father Gary Williams

crashing one minute with a bounce back recovery that as adults we can only envy.

Another strong memory for me is of a patient that I advocated for to stay in the hospital. He was passing away, but we were like family and he knew everyone around him, so he didn’t want to go to a hospice. I remember advocating on his behalf to keep him there and him being so grateful. He gave me a soccer ball in thanks, and at the time I didn’t realise the significance of that, but he had been brought over from Italy to play soccer for Australia. Absolutely amazing guy.

I’ve worked across the country; from rural South Australia, rural Victoria, and New South Wales to metropolitan Adelaide, before moving to the UK for about 10 years. I worked for the National Health Service in the UK, and while there, I transitioned into my first management role. By the end of my 10 years I was managing a large tertiary health service,

In terms of Police Health, we have seen continued growth year on year, which is often against the trend of what you hear about private health cover. It’s about making sure all of our police officers across the country are given the choice of cover that they decide on.

Left: Family photo taken on Gary’s graduation in April 1974; right: Scott and his dad at their home in Nightcliff, May 1974

specifically emergency medicine with about 1,000 medical Now, I don’t want to ever be accused of being overly ambitious but why do we need to stop within the borders of Australia? beds over three sites and three emergency departments.

I came back to Australia in 2008 with three children in tow Why set our sights to just be the best health insurer in the – all with little British accents – and ended up at the Women’s country? Why not be the best health insurer in the world? I and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide. I learnt a lot back into the think there's always something especially motivating about Australian health care system after being out for about 10 years. having a desire. Now I should have preface that statement Now with my new role I get to combine the worlds of my with this not about me being power mad but because of a history within the policing family with my experience working recent conversation with a police officer recently who made in the health industry, which I think is a perfect combination a point of saying they can be anywhere in the world and they show their warrant badge to another officer and there's an for a role like this.

I love that we are an organisation that is national and immediate understanding between each other about their member owned. There’s an expectation that we understand environment which is virtually unspoken. If that’s the case the difference between metropolitan living, and rural and with two police officers in two different countries, who’s to remote living - and how we can best support our members say that can’t be the case for an insurer? in those vastly different environments.

As an organisation, we’re just about to embark on our next big strategic planning process. It’s quite an exciting time to come on board as a CEO because you get to play a part in setting the agenda for the next three to five years or beyond. We also, I strongly believe, have a Board that have a genuine interest and appetite in wanting us to go from strength to strength.

If I look at the two arms of the organisation, firstly Emergency Services Health, I think one of the most fundamental objectives is to get our name out there and for people to understand we exist. For some of those specialties, it will be the first time they’re going to get a choice of belonging to what is a restricted access fund - and a fund that will understand them better than some of their existing open funds they may be Gary Williams on his graduation day, April 1974, photo taken at the old Police Barracks members of.

JUNE 2018 45

member Update

NTPA Gift Shop • NTPA and NTPF Cufflinks • Keychain bottle openers

Resignations and Retirements Resignations

Rank

Date

Grainger, Daniel Gordon

Senior Constable

6 February

Metcalfe, Martin Robert

Senior Constable

6 February

Lavens, Bailee Macneil

Recruit Auxiliary

24 January

Sheppard, Brendan John

Senior Constable

2 February

Smallbane, Joanne Elizabeth

Senior Constable

9 February

• Leather compendiums • NT & Shield shaped NTPF plaques, with custom engraving • Did you know that we can arrange mounting of medal replicas to wear at official functions?

Lunnay, Jacob Andrew

Constable First Class

14 February

What would you like to see in our gift shop?

O'Brien, Jonathan James

Senior Constable

28 February

Email your feedback to reception@ntpa.com.au

Wu, Yang

Constable

11 April

O'Brien, Paula Marie

Recruit Constable

13 April

Broughton, Michelle Fay

Auxiliary

14 April

Clarke, Sophie Florence

Auxiliary

27 March

Retirements

Rank

Date

Todd, Walter

Senior Constable

5 February

Pulford, Neville Ross

Senior Sergeant

1 March

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46 NT POLICE NEWS

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