Meeting Report 3176 September 18th 2023
Apologies for the evening:
Colin Bazeley, Julie Tekell, Tom Kelly, Mark Forgie, Patsy Johnson, Stan Roulston, Anthony Barilla, Ian Nys, Kathy Heinrich, Mark Smeaton, Wayne Murphy, John Lyons, Michael Jacob, Anthea John.
Guests: Garry Wills (Guest Speaker); Kyle Smith (Guest of Lance Hatcher), Janice Wills (Guest of Brian Burt), Rob Mowday (Guest of Brian Burt) Stuart Cain (Guest of Brian Burt)
Harrison Clinch
|
This evenings Formalities:
Fines to: Ryla
|
|
Toast
|
Grace
|
Chair
|
|
Bob Hinderwell
|
Geoff Benier
|
PP Brian Burt
|
PP Barry Stewart introduced the chair for the evening- pp Brian B. Brian welcomed members and guests before introducing members who had messages to come forward.
PP Steve Barilla
- Thanked everyone for their huge efforts over the last few weeks. Between the last three events we have added a substantial amount to our fundraising balance. In addition to this we have had the opportunity to socialise and show great comradery and be visible in the community. Because of our organisation We were approached at the swap meet to assist at the Clare Swap meet next weekend although we had to decline.
After dinner, Brian introduced our guest speaker Senior Constable Gary Wills.
Gary gave a brief history of his policing career including his beginnings in Northern Ireland and his move to Australia. When he arrived in Australia he was stationed at Elizabeth and was amused when it was described as being very hard. He went on a 3 month secondment to Gawler and this is where he has stayed. He spent time stationed at Two Wells and loved it there. In 2020 he faced a health scare and had to reassess his career. He went to talk to Senior Sergeant Rob Mowday about his options and Rob told him about a new concept the Blue Rose (given its name due to Blue roses not occurring naturally but requiring intervention to bloom). Gary was put in charge of the project and they both drew up terms of reference etc. The project focusses on building relationships with vulnerable youth and offering early interventions, Gary gave specific examples of ways the project had impacted on these young lives and it is clear that he sees it as more than a job. Gary explained that once he has gained their trust and built the positive relationships most don’t see him as a policeman. After receiving his award Gary went into work and a young man was waiting for him. He had a letter he wanted to give him. Gary was still visibly moved by the gesture as this young man had spent four hours the previous evening composing the letter, so it perfectly conveyed what he wanted to say. (the letter was published in the Bunyip on sept 13th).
Gary expressed his thanks to Rob for giving him the opportunity and Brian for nominating him for the award. He plans to continue with the project until he retires but says the project will carry on long after he is gone. The project has been nominated for child projection awards 2 years in a row. Since the publicity Rob and Gary have had enquiries from other stations wanting to start the initiative in their area. They can see that the project actually saves on Police resources.
Members had the opportunity to ask questions of Gary before Chair Brian thanked Gary and presented him with his certificate of thanks and acknowledging the donation in his name to vaccinate children against Polio.
There being no sergeants session due to technical issues, Barry conducted the wheel spin with Brian guests Gary and Janice spinning the wheel. Winners this week were Mike W, Harrison and Lance.
Members and guests then sang happy Birthday to Wayne before handing over to PP Kathy who after thanking everyone for their attendance, closed the meeting with the Four Way Test.
