Our Lives Interupted by Covid—19
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Postal Address P.O. Box 546, Rosny Park Tasmania 7018 RETIRED POLICE ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA i n c Newsleer Issue: April 2020 Email: [email protected] Patron: Sir Max Bingham QC, BCL, LLB, LL Secretary Kerrie Whitwam President David Plumpton Treasurer Steve Collidge OUR LIVES INTERUPTED BY COVID—19 Today we find ourselves in a world and in circumstances Recently, the RPAT circulated advice concerning the that none of us would have envisaged three months services it provides under normal circumstances to properly ago. Even with the hindsight of the last three months, it is recognise and respect the passing of a member. In some difficult to picture where we may be in a further three circumstances these usual services are not going to be able months. On a daily basis, we are receiving almost 12 hourly to be provided. information updates which identify the progress of the virus Subject to a request from the family, the RPAT provides an and the measures being taken by our Governments to opportunity for a former colleague, or close personal friend, address it. to read the ‘Ode to a Police Officer’ at any service. In the Most of us would never have imagined possible the remedial absence of such person nominating, a RPAT Executive strategies that are now in place concerning international member usually reads the Ode. Given the previously and inter-state travel and the requirements for social isolation. mentioned sanctions, this will not be possible in the The progress of these strategies has been followed by the foreseeable future and, as an alternative, the RPAT will RPAT Executive Committee, particularly given that the provide a copy of the Ode to the family to incorporate into the service as they would like. majority of our membership falls into the high to extreme risk group as a result of age and/or existing ailments. Given Similarly, the Police Department prepares a eulogy of the the known risks, the RPAT is very mindful of the risks to its deceased member’s service, which is then presented at the members and the need to provide protections wherever service by a local serving member. Again, this will not be possible, particularly as they relate to ‘unnecessary’ gatherings. possible in the foreseeable future and, as an alternative, the To a degree, the Government has made the decision making RPAT will provide a copy of the eulogy to the family to incorporate into the service. process easy for us with the overnight closures of pubs, clubs, cinemas, cafes and churches to name a few. Other services offered by the RPAT include the provision of The Victorian Premier was, however, on the news and a police cap and an Australian flag to be placed on the confirmed the closure of these public meeting places and casket. Because of the contamination risk via delivery and also made specific reference to the banning of weddings and collection of these items being exposed to the virus, this will not be possible in the foreseeable future. funerals for mass gatherings. I would imagine immediate family will still be able to participate in these ceremonies, These decisions have not been taken lightly, and many are however that is also not a given at this time. imposed on us by Government requirements. However, the As a consequence of these requirements, it has been RPAT is also considering the health and well being of its members in making these decisions. determined appropriate to postpone all RPAT social functions until further advice is received that such It is envisaged that in the coming months there may be a gatherings are permitted and, more importantly, safe to be held. number of members’ funeral services that are not A most difficult decision has therefore been taken in respect recognised in the normal manner and with the usual level of respect and RPAT member participation. to the funeral service of any RPAT member who may pass away during these difficult times. It is understood that The RPAT Executive Committee intends to consider the general mourners will not be permitted to attend such merits of holding a memorial service to recognise RPAT services and, in any event, in the interest of personal health members who may pass away during these difficult times. it would not be advisable for them to do so. RPAT Executive would welcome member input on this issue . Internet sites for up to date informa&on— see back page Precautions to be taken against Coronavirus are to Some people are hoarding pasta and rice. wear a mask and gloves, but at the supermarket I I don’t like either but I do like beer and I am found this was wrong. guessing that will shut down the bottle shops Everyone else was wearing clothes! before the supermarkets 1 FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT DAVID Hello once again and I hope members mental health where it has been affected this newsletter finds you all in by their service. good health and content with Having mentioned COVID-19, can I also reiterate life. a recent post I made on our Facebook page. A Well, things were going significant number of our members/mates fall swimmingly with our mental into the “at risk” category regarding the current health plan. We had eight public health concerns over COVID-19 (Corona excellent volunteers ready to Virus). attend training organised by TasPol at the Whilst most will be well supported by family or academy with an interstate presenter and friends some may not. So, if there is anyone out Relationship Australia were arranging funding to there having concerns, or the issues associated assist with any personal expenses by members. with the virus are having a major detrimental Then COVID-19 hit and training has been impact on your life and there is no assistance, cancelled. TasPol advise they hope to have the maybe we can all jump in and help. training in the second half of this year however we It may be arranging groceries, or just checking on will have to wait and see. one another but if there is anyone concerned, or Can I thank RPAT Treasurer, Steve Collidge, at you know of anyone we could possibly use this site this point. Steve has come to my assistance and to alert one another and see what can be done. coordinated our efforts on this issue and his Hopefully there is no one but if there is let’s do assistance is genuinely appreciated. what we do best – jump in and help. We will continue with our efforts and my aim Again, thank you for your support and hope to see remains to ensure Tasmania Police accept you soon. responsibility (totally) for the management of David Plumpton CONGRATULATIONS—AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Australia Day Award recipients included two former Tasmania Mr Neil Gerard VAN VELDHUIZEN [ESM] , Police Officers, and fellow RPAT members, Doug Honoured with the Emergency Service Medal. RENSHAW [OAM] and Neil Van VELDHUIZEN [ESM] Mr Van Veldhuizen has served Tasmania State Emergency Mr Douglas Alan RENSHAW [OAM], Service since 2013 and is an integral volunteer member of For service to the community of Bicheno, honoured with the SES North, playing a pivotal role as Deputy Unit Manager of Order of Australia. the Incident Management Unit (IMU). Bicheno Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of He provides outstanding service to SES North particularly Australia - President, current. Member, since 1986. with training and development. Bicheno Men's Shed -Chair, current. Committee Member, Initially joining as a member of the Northern General more than 4 years. Former Steering Committee Member. Response Unit he quickly proved himself to be a capable Bicheno Fire Brigade , Tasmania Fire Service - Volunteer, SES member, and in 2015, he was approached by staff to since 1986. Former Group Captain. Treasurer, current. lead the development and implementation of a volunteer operational support team which now forms part of the Former Coordinator. Recipient, Long Service Award, 2016. Northern Incident Management Unit. Lions Club of Bicheno - Former President. Life Member. This team is instrumental to SES in its provision of vital Charter Member, since 1987. Recipient, Long Service Medal, 2017. staging area management and support to SES, Tasmania Bicheno Golf Club - Former Club Captain, 6 years. Life Police and Tasmanian Fire Service. Member, since 2013. Founding Member, since 1968. In his capacity as Deputy Unit Manager IMU he can always Community - Former Gardener/Maintenance Officer, Bicheno be counted upon to assist SES both during times of Primary School, more than 10 years. operations, as well as non-operationally. Serving Officer, Tasmania Police, 1965-1985. Awards and recognition includes: Recipient, National Medal, 1984, and Non-operationally, he is a regular feature on the SES 1999. Recipient, National Police Service Medal, 2016. compound, giving countless hours each week to ensuring Lifetime Achievement Award Finalist, Tasmanian operational readiness by undertaking much needed equipment maintenance. Volunteering Awards, 2019. He also plays a key role in leading volunteer training and is .This year’s Australia Day recipients of the Australia Day dedicated to providing support to various community education efforts with the aim of raising disaster resilience in ‘Australian Police Medal’ were: the region. Detective Senior Constable Sharee Simone Mr Van Veldhuizen's commitment to the Tasmania State MAKSIMOVIC [APM] Emergency Service, and to the Tasmanian community, is Commander Ian John WHISH-WILSON [APM] most noteworthy 2 Southern Branch News . On 28 th January we had a great turn out with 42 but unfortunately due to the Coronavirus the members and friends meeting at the Globe Hotel function has been postponed to a later date. in Davey Street. (Expect more information in due course from Vice President Tom Lahl –phone 0408 320 683 or email [email protected]) We were planning another get together shortly, How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night? and the ones that mind don't matter.