Martin James VEAL, Martin VEAL, Marty VEAL
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Martin James VEAL

Martin James VEAL

Previously recorded asUnknown MALE VicPol member – suicide 3 

aka  Marty VEAL

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #   30157

 

Rank:  Training – Academy April 1994 – August 1994

Sergeant – appointed June 2009

 

Stations:  Coburg GD’s ( August 1994 – July 2002 ),

Melbourne City Police Station – Senior Constable on GD’s ( July 2002 – March 2007 ),

Heidelberg – GD’s ( March 2007 – June 2009 ),

Information System and Security Command ( Sgt on the Criminal Justice Enhancement Program – June 2009 – December 2010 ),

Operations Response Unit ( Specialist Duties – December 2010 – September 2011 ), 

Victoria Police Air Wing ( September 2011 – March 2013 ), 

LEAP Management Unit then Business Readiness & Transition Unit – assigned to LEDR Mk 2 project ( March 2013 – 1 June 2015 )

 

ServiceFrom  4 April 1994  to  1 June 2015 = 21+ years Service

 

Awards: Victoria Police Service Medal with 20 year clasp

National Police Medal – posthumously awarded at his funeral – 9 June 2015

No find on It’s An Honour

 

Born:  Wednesday 11 December 1968

Died on:  Monday 1 June 2015  about 5 a.m.

Cause:  Depression – Suicide – shot with Service weapon – on Sick Leave at the time

Age:  46 years, 5 months, 21 days

 

Funeral date:  Tuesday  9 June 2015 @ 2pm

Funeral location:  Great Hall, The Centre Ivanhoe,

275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe, Victoria

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial at?

 

MARTY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance ( 3 Dec 2022 ) *NEED MORE INFO

 


 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal


Troubled police database blamed for officer’s death

THE force’s trouble-plagued LEAP database has been blamed for the death of a senior officer in a damages claim against the state lodged on behalf of his two young sons by their mother.

After 21 years on the force Sergeant Martin “Marty” Veal, 46, took his own life on June 1, 2015, using a police gun obtained a day before against force protocols.

 

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Ffamily-claims-policeman-shot-himself-due-to-stress-of-working-on-forces-troubled-leap-database%2Fnews-story%2F2bf2ba1c4791433e28f3ed33c3730450&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-warm-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append


Eulogy:

Good Afternoon, my name is Damian Downie ( Sen Sgt ) and today I would like to take you through the service history of Sergeant Martin Veal or as we all knew him, Marty.

Firstly I would like to say that it was an honour and a privilege to manage and work with Marty over the last 2 and half years.

In April 1994 Marty began his career as a recruit at the Victoria Police Academy.

From August 1994 through to 2002 Marty worked in the Coburg area as a Constable performing general duties.   In that time the Superintendents comments on Marty’s work performance were:

“A team player who will be an asset to his next station.” and

“A professional, conscientious, effective and efficient member who is an asset to the Force and displays potential for promotion”

The reasons behind these comments were Marty’s excellent work ethic and his tenacious nature.  In May 2000 while working at Coburg Police Station, Commander Peter Graham commended Marty for his good work in that:

“After an armed robbery on Pascoe Vale Road Marty used his local knowledge of the area to predict in advance the escape route of the offenders in which Marty arrested both of the offenders, recovered the knife used in the armed robbery and the victims cash.”

In July 2002, Marty transferred to Melbourne City Police Station as a Senior Constable performing general duties.  In that time the Superintendents comment on Marty’s work performance was:

“A well conducted member whose work performance was above satisfactory.”

In March 2007 Marty transferred to Heidelberg Uniform performing general duties.  In that time the Superintendents comment on Marty’s work performance was:

“An efficient, mature and hard working member whose work performance was above average.”

Testament to this:

In May 2007 while at Heidelberg Marty was recognised for his good work in arresting a rapist and preserving the crime scene that supported the conviction of the offender, and showing the diversity of Marty’s skills.

In that same month Marty was at the scene of an accident where one of the drivers forwarded a letter of thanks to the Officer in Charge of Heidelberg.  The lady involved in the car accident wanted to thank Marty for his professionalism and support.

In June 2009 Marty was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to one of the most innovate IT projects at the time, being the Criminal Justice Enhancement Program.  Marty was an asset to the project with his extensive operational knowledge and problem solving skills.  Marty’s efforts helped to deliver enhancements to the way Victoria Police managed offenders and communicated with other government departments.

In December 2010 Marty transferred to the Operations Response Unit where he performed specialist duties such as assisting local police with public safety, road policing and crime reduction.

In September 2011 Marty had the opportunity and transferred to the Victoria Police Air wing.  Marty was involved in a range of specialist activities including:

  • Aerial observation and tactical assistance for ground units.
  • Crime prevention and detection with regular patrols of metropolitan Melbourne.
  • Supporting ground units involved in pursuits
  • Search and Rescue missions

 

In March 2013 Marty transferred to what was then the LEAP Management Unit, and then on to the Business Readiness and Transition Unit.  When Marty transferred we identified that he had an extensive operational, IT and specialist services knowledge.  As a result of this knowledge Marty was assigned to the LEDR Mk2 Project.  I met Marty when he commenced at the LEDR Mk2 Project and over the next 2 and half years it was my pleasure to work with him.

In his role on the LEDR Mk2 Project Marty was instrumental in delivering an IT system that benefits operational members and people in the Victorian Community.  I was always impressed with Marty’s work ethic, his problem solving skills and dedication to supporting operational members.

Marty has been awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal with 20 year clasp, National Medal and the National Police Medal of which he will be awarded posthumously today.

Marty was a team player and he will be missed by me, people in our office and the Victoria Police community.

On behalf of Victoria Police and the Information, Systems and Security Command we’d like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Veal family and their loved ones.

Thank You.


VEAL, Martin James

VEAL Martin James
11.12.1968 – 01.06.2015
Much loved son of Dorothy and John.
Brother of Christopher, David and Timothy.
Brother-in-law of Trina, Cindy and Elizabeth.
Will be sorely missed Rest in Peace
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 03/06/2015

VEAL.
A Service to celebrate the life of Martin James Veal will be held in the Great Hall, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe, on TUESDAY (June 9, 2015) commencing at 2.00 p. m.
Private Cremation
No flowers by request.
Donations to beyondblue will be appreciated.
Funerals
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

Supporting Notices

VEAL. Martin.
Heartfelt condolences to John, Dot, Chris, David, Tim and families at the tragic and unexpected passing of Marty.
A dedicated Dad to your boys, talented sportsman, valued colleague, great mate and an amazing man.
You were much more loved than you knew, with many more friends than you realized.
With overwhelming sadness , I say farewell.
How we will all miss you, but we will never forget you.
Dianne.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 06/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. It is with heavy hearts the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Football Club family record the tragic passing of our dear friend and life member Marty. Premiership captain, coach and administration secretary.
Always there for his mates and willing to do whatever was asked of him.
Sadly missed.
All at OIGFC offer our deepest sympathy to the family.
Rest in Peace Marty. You will always be a respected and loved member of the OIGFC family.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

 

VEAL. Marty. A much admired team mate, mentor and a loyal and treasured friend of our family. We are deeply saddened by your unexpected and tragic loss. You will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Veal family.
Mick, Mandie, Callum, Indyana and Elijah Asbury.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin James. Loved nephew of Joan and Ian Vassie (both dec. ), cousin of Catherine and partner Ken.
Our thoughts are with the family.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin James. Much loved uncle of Ally, Jack; Olivia, Dominic; Emma, Marcus and Adam.
Always in our hearts and forever missed.
Deepest sympathies to Michelle, Spencer and Cooper. xox
Rest In Peace
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

 

VEAL Martin James
Sergeant 30157
Assistant Commissioner Wendy Steendam, Officers and Employees of the Information, System and Security Command Victoria Police Force, regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 05/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. A great man taken too soon.
Deepest sympathies to the Veal family.
The Tragardh family.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Veal and extend their deepest sympathy to his family.
At Rest
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. Loved nephew of Peter (dec. ) and Elwyn, cousin to Rob, Andrew, Sue and families.
Many memories to cherish.
Our thoughts are with all the families.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. The Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club is deeply saddened at the sudden loss of Martin Veal.
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Michelle, Spencer and Cooper and know that our club is and will always be there to support you.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. Loving father to Spencer and Cooper. I will be eternally grateful to you for being a great father to our 2 beautiful children.
Rest in Peace Marty
Michelle.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. The Committee, Members and Supporters of the Banyule Cricket Club are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend and member, Martin Veal.
A talent unequaled on the field matched by your incredible passion and love for the club. In recent years your leadership of our 3rd X1 premiership team was inspirational and a generation of juniors call the Banyule Cricket Club home thanks to your dedication as our Junior Manager.
Our love and prayers are with Michelle, Cooper and Spencer. Deepest condolences to our Life Members John, Dorothy, David and Tim together with Chris and all families.
Rest in Peace Marty Your memory will remain always
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL. Martin. I wouldn’t have got through Chem without your help, Marty and I will never forget your comment “Just like toothpaste, Moz” all those years later when you were on the beat in Coburg.
Tragically far, far too young.
Deepest sympathy to the entire extended family.
Moz.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 04/06/2015

 

VEAL Martin James
Sergeant 30157
The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 03/06/2015

VEAL. Martin. We are deeply saddened by your passing. Loving thoughts and deepest sympathy to Michelle, Cooper and Spencer, Dorothy and John, Chris, David and Tim and families.
Our love
Uncle Russell (dec. ), Lorraine, Matt, Emily and Amy and families.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 03/06/2015

http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/164242043


Banyule Cricket Club
June 1, 2015 ·
Banyule Cricket Club wishes to express its condolences in the very sad passing of Marty Veal. Our thoughts are prayer’s are with Marty’s family and friends during this sad time. A valued member, friend and mentor to many. He will be sadly missed by all.
Greg Russell To say I was shocked to hear the news this morning is an understatement. Our thoughts are with Martins immediate family, particularly his children. RIP Martin Veal. Greg, Deanna, Blake and Taylah Russell. Sadly missed.

Danie O’Connor RIP Marty – our thoughts are with all of the veals.

Banyule Cricket Club This morning a son, brother, father, team mate, friend and colleague was lost. Marty was one of the most genuine men I’ve come to know. He was a loving, caring, passionate, hard working man who would go above and beyond to help out off his own bat. I am absolutely shattered, and wish to share my sincerest condolences with the entire Veal family whom are so heavily in our thoughts on this incredibly sad day. To Marty, I say thank you for being a mentor, a team mate whom shared my love for Banyule and for being a friend to celebrate with and confine in whenever I needed. You’ll be forever remembered and cherished.

 Te-rri Cartier Sorry to hear such sad news
Tony Ashcroft I cannot express sorrow enough.
Words escape me.
RIP Marty.

Leigh Arrowsmith O’Connor Our sincere condolences to the Veal family. RIP. Shaun & Leigh O’Connor

Tania Hutchins Such sad news. My sincere thoughts to Tim and all the Veal family. RIP Marty
Tim Lower Just heard of this. My condolences to the Veal family and the broader BCC community.
I’m sure I can pass on condolences on behalf of the GCC as many have played against. RIP Marty.

https://www.facebook.com/BanyuleCC/


We regret to advise that Marty Veal died tragically in the early hours this morning.
We are opening the Chelsworth Club rooms tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 6.30pm for any past players, supporters, members who wish to have a chat and drink following this devastating news.
All are welcome.

Kevin McLean
OIGFC President

Joanne Toll Such sad, sad news. Deepest sympathy to the Veal family.

Karen Patricia Griffiths Fantastic footballer, club legend and good friend to all… RIP Marty ?

Hem Pa Terrible, terrible news. Appears his last post was a call for help but alas too late. He was a good player, great captain, friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Vealy.

Richie Butler great footballer, great teacher of the game, and great bloke, RIP Marty

Rhy Gieschen Devastating news. RIP Vealy. A legend of the club and just a really good bloke to have around.

 Adam Baldwin A passionate Old Ivanhoe person, a great teammate and a gifted footballer. RIP Vealy.
Dean Craker Very sad news RIP Vealy a legend of the club and great gifted footballer, one of the best team mates a club could wish for. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Veal family at this very sad time…

 

Peter Parker An incredibly sad, tragic and sensitive time for all concerned. Sympathies to all and time to reflect on a wonderful contributor to the community in both his work and leisure.
Patricia Woods It’s never easy to lose anyone but so much harder when a life has been cut short. Deepest sympathy to the Veal family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Graeme and Tricia

 

Nick Gieschen Shattering news. Condolences to all the Veal family. Will be greatly missed. RIP Marty.

Scott Kent Vale skipper. Marty absolute champion of OIGFC just numb at the moment. Great player but even more importantly one of the best club man RIP thinking of the whole Veal family.
Jimmy Luk Devastating news. Legend of our club! My thoughts and sincere condolences to the Veal family… RIP my premiership team mate!

 

Jarrod Tania Weddle Great mate & team mate. Old Ivanhoe legend who will be sadly missed. RIP Vealy
Ash Steer A great mentor to me as well as one of the best blokes I’ve ever played with and been coached by.
RIP Vealy
Catherine Jones Vealy…a lifelong friend to Dirk and family gone far too soon. No words for the shock. Sincere sympathies and prayers to the Veal family.

Hayden Heta My thoughts are with the Veal family. Absolutely devastating. Rest easy Vealy

David Warry Was absolutely shocked when I heard the news
Great team man
Condolences to the Veal family
Brett Nagel My gosh ?? RIP mate. Thanks for all the advice and mentoring you provided during my younger days. Thoughts are with the Veals. #10

 

Nick Butler Footy smarts in spades. Very sad. RIP Vealy.

 

Leon Terenyi Condolences to the Veal family. Thanks for being a teammate, umpire and looking out for the young guys.

 

Matt Power A tragic end for a man I was mates with from the age of 10. Absolutely shattered. Get down to chelsworth and toast a man who was talented beyond how he saw himself. A unique individual who will be sorely missed. Vale my friend Marty.

 

Liz Gray So sorry to hear, Matt. Xx

 

Tim Lindley Terrible news Matt. Mike just filled me in on it. Sorry to hear it.

 

Jason Wier Really sad stuff. So sorry for his family and close friends.

 

James Binney Such sad news, thanks for being a great mentor and a role model for me around the club RIP Vealy

 

Thihan Chandramohan Terrible news. What a legend of a bloke. A great Old Ivanhoe man. My thoughts with the Veal family at this awful time.

 

Zac Keane Marty, I have fond memories of our 2005 season together. You were a leader of young men. Your legacy won’t be forgotten at OIGFC. Rest In Peace mate

 

Aliki Stathopoulos Very sad news. May he rest in peace.

 

Joel Mathew Marty you lived and breathed OIGFC. You were a great mentor to me when I came to the club in 2005 and always gave your all for brown and white. Sad to hear the news

 

Sam Geilings Devastating news such a great person lost to soon! thoughts are with the Veal family!

 

Cow Ian Roxburgh Sorry to hear this devastating news, deepest sympathy to everyone.. ?

 

Rex Roberts Will always remember you Vealy. Great man on so many levels. RIP June 1, 2015 at 4:52pm

 

David Madigan Thanks for everything over the years Vealy. You were great to me in my early days at the club.

 

Adrian Del Monte One of the most genuine, kind-hearted individuals you’d ever meet. Terribly sad news. A legend gone too soon. RIP.

 

Trevor Cornish Very sad news, RIP Marty

 

Andrew Atkinson Very very sad to hear this news. Rest in peace Vealy.

 

Nick Miller RIP Vealy you will be missed by many but not forgotten, sincerest condolences to all family.

 

Paul Northey The class of 86 is devastated by this news and there have been many messages shared today between our crew. A few of us were lucky to catch up with him at the OIG centenary dinner a month or so ago and I was lucky enough to sit next to him, something I will always be grateful for. A freak of an athlete, fantastic teammate (1st XIII, 1st XI and OIGFC), always interested in how you were going and always with a smile on his face. We are grieving today for our mate who was blessed with incredible talent and intelligence who followed his own path in life, sometimes the road less travelled. I was able to sneak a final year of footy in 98 back at OIGFC and my only teammates left from the 1st XVIII of 86 were AP and Marty. I was blessed to play that year with the great MV, sweeping across half back like a quarterback controlling the ground as if it were his own…..and it was! He was so proud of his boys and our hearts ache for them and the rest of the Veal family who are in our thoughts. Rest peacefully MV!

 

Jarrod Gieschen Fantastic footballer, great mentor / clubman and a really good fella. Such a tragedy – thoughts are with the Veal family. RIP Marty.

 

George Gabriel Haros Vealy, no words but plenty of premiership memories. A question though: Why mate? Please boys if anyone else is feeling shit….. TALK! Talk to me. Talk to your mates. Talk to someone. Gx

 

Daniel Bernet Tragic news. Champion fella who had time for everyone. Thoughts are the with family

 

John William Stevens I loved playing with you because you had a calming influence over the team. If it was a tight game I always felt safe when you were there and knew we’d win and most of the time we did. You were a fantastic player and a wonderful clubman. You bled brown and white and the brown and white community is feeling your pain tonight. My thoughts and love go out to the whole Veal family who have given so much to our great club. I will always picture you sweeping across half back and pushing forward to kick one of your legendary goals in front of the pavilion. We will honour you at our 20 year reunion, a year in which you won the B and F and dominated in the GF. Here’s a picture of 2 of our greats sharing a beer with you tonight from the other side of the world. The third beer is for you mate. RIP

 

Glen Douglas Absolutely gutted hearing about this tragic loss..Vealy you had a massive heart on and off the ground..I can still hear you screaming at me to “Switch it” and watch you take off..farewell skipper. RIP #10.
Our thoughts and condolences to the Veal Family.
Chanz Crowley My thoughts are with his family and friends. His influence on many young men (including myself) at the club will be my lasting memory. Welcoming and caring. Gone too soon. #10

 

Dale Hawkes Marty, you were a legend at the footy club. Such a selfless person as a player, coach and administrator over so many years. I’ll always have great memories of playing with you in your ever reliable “sweeper” role in defence, bailing us out on so many occasions. Very sad news. Thoughts are with your friends and family. RIP mate.

 

Ryan Coleman Totally unbelievable. Such a great man who was so great to so many of us. Vealy always cared and was so supportive. Very sad news. Thoughts are with his family.

 

Trent Cormack Great bloke legend of club ,so sad to hear the news,RIP Vealy

 

John Smart Only played 2 seasons of seconds footy in the late 90s for old ivanhoe. Marty used to prop up the back line when we were short on numbers. It was easy to see Marty was a class above. In my minimal dealings with him he was a lovely fellow and made me feel welcome. I bumped into him last year nearly 15 years later and he remembered me and was exactly the same. Rip marty.

 

Nick Duggan In my short time at the club you were clearly a dedicated loyal clubman the kind of person footy clubs can’t do without !!
RIP Marty .

 

Dan VanWinkel Loved my time at OIGFC and I remember Marty as a very helpful, passionate and highly respected man with a wicked sense of humour. Hope everyone at the club is holding up.

 

Sam Pearce Marty Veal (MV), club legend, leader of men, an inspiration as a player and a great example of a true clubman! We’re thankful to have known you mate and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, close friends and all who knew you! What a great man!

 

Kayne Theodossi Shocked… What a star, gave his heart and sole for the brown and white, I really appreciated his feedback and advise.. Rest easy mate!

 

Steve Smith I had the pleasure of knowing Marty and his family through Banyule football and cricket clubs. Saddened by the news. My thoughts are with the whole Veal family. R.I.P. Marty

 

Steve Chalkley Martin …

My team mate. My committee mate. My confidant. My friend.
I can’t understand why and you, you strong stubborn headstrong bastard can’t explain it to me now.
A great man who we both know always told me there is a reason for the mad world we live in but I’m struggling to believe that right now.
You were more than a mate. More than a friend. You shed light when there was sometimes only dark.

You shook my hand on a wing one day (playing for Banyule) and told me I wouldn’t see you again. And your 35 possessions and 4 goals summed that up. I was banished to the seconds at OI almost never to return

I shared so many moments. Watched you determined to conquer what the world put before you. I am at a loss to figure this one.

I love you. I pay my respects to your family. I will always be indebted to you for how you made my life better.

I’m not religious but I trust you are at peace with yourself.

Always

Steve

 

Craig Nichol An amazing bloke always great with his time, so sad to hear this, my thoughts are with the Veal family

 

Robbie Chalkley Marty .. That twinkle you got in your eyes .. The smile you gave when talking of your passions .. You gave your heart and hand to so many .. Steve, Jaimee and I were so fortunate to have you in our lives ..
Rest now .. Thoughts and love to all the family xxx

 

Danny Gleeson A better person u could not meet rest in peace Marty

 

Alfie Jenkins Was only at the hoers for a couple of years and could tell that the man would do anything for Club. True gentleman and legend. RIP Marty

 

James M Wooster Marty. We went to the same Primary School – and played footy together all those years ago. We attended at the same Grammar School – and played footy together there as well. In 1992 I joined OIGFC and again we played footy there together and won three premierships with you patrolling the backline like a panther protecting his own. I followed you and other great mates into the same career pathway. And I’m glad I did. And we share the same first name. You were a leader and were damn good at it. You inspired many and guided others. I’m finding it hard to accept what has happened; I can’t believe the tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the VEAL family and to the OIGFC family. Spiritually you are in a much more calmer and peaceful place. RIP mate. From a fellow BIG 7 member.

 

Belinda Hill Words cannot describe how much this is effecting those touched by Marty at some point in there lives… From all the Tolley Family – Mark, Craig, Allan, Robyn and myself, we pass on our deepest sympathy’s to all the Veal‘s at this difficult time. RIP xo…

 

Karen Schmidt My thought & prayers are with the Veal family & the extended OIGFC community at this very sad time

https://www.facebook.com/OIGFC/


 

Richard Evans (Former VAFA President)

On Tuesday night I attended a gathering at Chelsworth Park, home of the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Football Club.

It was an impromptu gathering called by the President Kevin McLean. At very short notice, the Club came together to honour a former Captain and leader of the club, Martin (Marty) Veal.

Married for some fourteen years, with two young sons, Martin, a Policemen, his life ended tragically on Monday morning, the first day of a very cold winter.

Upon hearing this tragic news, the Club decided to invite all associated with it to meet at Chelsworth Park; come together and try to work out how such a tragedy could occur and how best to deal with the human emotions. A committee man, Dan Bodycoat, himself a Police officer and grief/trauma counsellor addressed all present.

Why you might ask am I relating this sad event to you?

For many years whilst privileged to be part of the VAFA Board I stressed on many occasions our Association was more than a football competition. We are a mixture of clubs; men and women, who by their association are uniquely placed to embrace each other in circumstances that I have described where we can support, console, show concern, and offer our help and love to those most in need of it.

I know Management and Board are across many of the issues, such as depression, confronting people in our clubs . In your position you are able to “strengthen our arm” in dealing with such issues and showing leadership.

Last evenings’ experience whilst sad was uplifting, to see over ninety young men and women embrace each other and share a sad burden that had befallen them and their club and to find comfort in each other’s company. I urge you all Management and Board, players and supporters, as you steer the future, to even further cement links and ties with everyone in the VAFA; embrace them, hear their story and always be there for them.

If you or anyone you know need to talk, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The VAFA and the player led initiative Thick and Thin encourage all in the VAFA community to #StartTheConvo if you or anyone in your circle need to talk. 

http://www.vafa.com.au/featured/old-ivanhoe-starttheconvo-in-wake-of-tragedy/


Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week

  • Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston

Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.

As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.

In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.

The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.

The other officer ( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.

Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.

“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.

“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.

“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”

Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.

“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.

“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.

“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”

In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.

The leading senior constable ( Simone CARROLL ) was a mother of three.

It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.

Senior Constable Tim Baker, 44, allegedly shot Vlado Micetic three times in the chest during the intercept, and claimed he acted in self-defence.

He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.

Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.

But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.

The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant ( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.

It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40 Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.

The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.

For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/two-victoria-police-officers-take-their-own-lives-in-a-week-20160210-gmr0yu.html


 

 

 

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