NSW Police Legacy and a committee that organises the annual Graeme Donnelly Cup hosted a Police Legacy lunch at Collegians Club in Wollongong on Thursday just days before the annual rugby league charity match.
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Sergeant Bob Minns said the lunch was for widows and family members of police officers who have died. “One of the main purposes of these events is to provide Legatees with the opportunity to meet others in their local area,” he said.
Graeme Donnelly was a well-respected police officer in the Illawarra and the memorial cup is a way to remember him and other local police who had died.
The day also raises funds for PCYC and this year is is supporting Constable Robert Sasagi’s family and Senior Constable Dave Adams’ Family.
The game between the Wollongong Area Command Falcons and Lake Illawarra Area Command Lions is on Sunday at Collegians Sports Centre, Figtree. Gates open at 1pm and entry is a gold coin donation.
Graeme Donnelly’s mother Betty and wife Kerri have attended the annual fundraiser since it started four years ago. “It keeps his memory alive. The police community is very supportive,” Kerri said.
Assistant Commissioner Gary Worboys said being a police officer meant you were a part of a big family with a special bond. “This week is about National Police Remembrance Day which is really important. And I want to show my support here today for what is a very important set of activities. It is just so good to be able to come here and see some faces of people who are associated with people that we worked with and loved so dearly. I know that Graeme’s name is attached to all of what we do today and over the weekend. He is a representative of each and every person here who is now without one of their loved ones,” he said.
Assist Commissioner Warboys said Police Legacy was like an unsung hero that just worked in the background until it was needed.
The day is also supported by Nikolovski Lawyers, H. Parsons Funeral Directors, Remondis, Police Bank, PANSW, 1st Choice Mechanical, Collegians Rugby League Football Club, Fernhill Smash, Gala Trophies, Alexander Michaels Menswear, ProUniforms and Embroidery, Music by Serafina and Triple Zero Medals.
The day will feature activities for the whole family.
Highlights include the Sgt Col Stevenson Tug of War at 2pm, Senior Constable Ray Schuberg touch football game at 2.30pm and the Graeme Donnelly Cup is played at 3pm with the player of the game award is being made in honour of Sgt Nick Skomarow. After awards there will be a celebration at The Ord Bowling Club. This year’s event will also remember Detective Senior Constable Steve Tier and Senior Constable Pat Carney.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
