THE unwavering dedication needed to provide vital support to families of fallen officers will be highlighted in a new national initiative this week.
NSW Police Legacy, in collaboration with the other seven Australian Police Legacies, has launched National Police Legacy Day to celebrate the important work done by the non-profit charities around the country to support police officers and their loved ones.
The newly-established National Police Legacy Day will be observed annually tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17.
The initiative aims to bring attention to the difficulties faced by police families left behind after a tragedy – the significant financial strain, emotional distress, and challenges related to family structure and daily life.
National Police Legacy Day will feature a variety of activities, community events, fundraising efforts, and a call to illuminate buildings around the state in a blue light in the evening.
Leading the way for the state, will be the illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails, announced by the NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The projection will be of the Police Legacy symbol, the Michaelmas Daisy, which is the flower of St Michael, the Patron Saint of Police, who protects those who have sworn to serve.
“NSW Police Legacy does a remarkable job ensuring no family is ever left behind,” Mr Minns said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support and raise awareness of Police Legacy Day – and I’m pleased NSW can lead the national day by illuminating the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday night with the St Michael Daisy, symbolising the Patron Saint of Police.
“It’s important that we commemorate this significant occasion.”
The NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police Legacies provide a range of assistance to police families, often after an officer is killed in the line of duty.
Chairperson of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM said National Police Legacy Day would serve as a reminder to families of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our community that they would always have support.
“Families all around Australia are being honoured because they are the ones left behind to pick up the pieces when their police officer has made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities,” Superintendent McCarthy said.
“Police Legacy also provides practical, emotional and financial assistance to families of officers who pass away off duty from illness or officers who lose a spouse.
“I want all police families to know that should the worst occur, all of us will be with you every day – helping you get through.”
The Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the Police Legacy daisy on Tuesday from 6pm until midnight.
Since the start of policing in Australia, police families have dealt with the inherent dangers of the profession.
Police Legacy organisations have supported more than 4000 people nationally, providing services including bereavement grants, educational opportunities, and connection and peer support.
In the early days, the police family and the greater community rallied together where possible to aid newly grieving families. But in 1971, the story took a different turn.
Queensland established the first Police Legacy on 17 June 1971, formalising support for police officer’s family in the event of their death. Police officers committed a portion of their pay to help these families when they needed it most.
Since this humble beginning, police officers throughout Australia committed to doing the same. And Police Legacies were born.
This journey is far from over. Those who work in the charities won’t stop until every police family member in Australia know and fully understand that Police Legacies are With You Every Day.
