Tasmanian Constable Keith Anthony Smith is being farewelled with a police funeral in Devonport
Tasmanian Constable Keith Anthony Smith is being farewelled by family, friends and colleagues with a police funeral today in Devonport.
The 57-year-old officer was shot dead on June 16 during a "routine" job to serve a warrant to the owner of a rural property in North Motton, in the state's north-west.
At the request of Contable Smith's family, the funeral is open only to friends, family and invited guests and police.
A live stream of the service is available.
Constable Smith, who served for 25 years with Tasmania Police, will be given a guard of honour and procession through the streets of Devonport after the service.
Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams will deliver an address at the funeral and a eulogy will be given by Inspector Andrew Hanson and Sergeant Joshua Hayes.
Commissioner Adams has described Constable Smith's death as a "traumatic and tragic event" that has left the community shocked.
"Keith served with unwavering dedication and integrity, and his legacy will not be forgotten," Commissioner Adams said last week.
Despite being in the midst of a state election campaign, Tasmanian politicians have paused all campaigning for the day out of respect for Constable Smith.
Constable Smith was shot and killed on Monday 16 June, while attending a North Motton property with another police officer and two civilians.
They were there to deliver a court-ordered repossession notice of the property.
Constable Smith was allegedly shot with a rifle, "sometime between" leaving his car and making his way to the front of a house, according to Commissioner Adams.
Police have charged 46-year-old Leigh Geoffrey Sushames with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault after the fatal shooting of Constable Smith.
Mr Sushames will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on July 7.
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The Advertiser
31 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Our protector': fallen officer remembered for being kind, caring, gentle
"There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Those were the words of colleague and friend Inspector Andrew Hanson as the community came together on Friday, June 27, to farewell Constable Keith Anthony Smith. Constable Smith, 57, was killed in the line of duty at a rural property in Tasmania on June 16. He had served in the force for 25 years and had been stationed at Ulverstone for the past five years. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as hundreds of people gathered at the paranaple Centre in Devonport to pay tribute to Keith's service as an officer, a husband, a father and a friend. In words shared from Keith's wife, Janaha, she said he was more than just a husband and a father. "You were our protector and safe place," Janaha said. "Thank you for the best days of our life together, and loving Ava and I unconditionally." Janaha said there was never a day that went by without receiving a text message from her husband that said "I love you" or "I miss you". "This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you in a minute," she said. "I love you forever my special blue boy." Keith's daughter, Ava, said her dad had taught her so much. "I love your big smile and your big warm hugs," Ava said in words that were read out. She said she was so proud of her dad and his job, and would always tell her friends at school that her dad was a policeman. "I love you so much for taking wonderful care of me and mum," Ava shared. "I love you forever, bubba." Constable Smith's adopted father-in-law, Dudley Corbett, also shared a poem to remember the "great man". Constable Smith grew up at Bridgenorth and shared a special bond with his grandfather Alfred. After college, he started working for his father, Graham, before working at an electronics store. He later started his own business while volunteering at a bike store. But wanting to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Constable Smith enrolled in the police academy. Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000. He was a passionate cyclist and participated in three charity trust bike rides. Constable Smith served in the Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform. He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016. Inspector Hanson, who first worked with Keith as a brand-new officer, said his friend and colleague was kind, team-oriented, and always had time for the people around him. "Keith was really a living definition of what it meant to be kind, what it meant to be caring, and what it meant to be gentle," Inspector Hanson said. "I credit him with making me the person and the police officer I am today." Inspector Hanson said when he was transferred to the Ulverstone Police Station in January this year it took no less than 10 minutes before Constable Smith embraced him in one of his famous bear hugs. "It instantly made me feel like I belonged there," he said. "He genuinely embodied service, compassion and quiet strength." On behalf of the Ulverstone Police Station, Inspector Hanson shared a message directly to Constable Smith's family. "I want you to know that Keith's legacy will continue in us," he said. "His kindness, his compassion, and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all and there will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Apart from cycling, Constable Smith also had a passion for IT and golf. His colleague, Sergeant Joshua Hayes, said no matter whether it was the force or the cycling community, his friend was always loved and respected. "He never played the bad cop, he couldn't," Sergeant Hayes said. "He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to." Sergeant Hayes recalled being permanently partnered with Constable Smith for two years as some of the "fondest" memories of his career. "He didn't realise the profound effect he had on others," Sergeant Hayes said. During the service, photos of Constable Smith in uniform, with his family, friends and his beloved pets were shown as his coffin sat covered by an Australian flag, flowers and his police peak cap. Constable Smith's long-time friend Marcus Todman shared fond memories of the pair's 40 years of mateship. Mr Todman shared how Constable Smith became an integral part of his family, and was loved by his brothers and sisters alike. "You don't need to be blood to be considered a family member," he said. Mr Todman spoke about growing up alongside Constable Smith in their teenage years, sweaty sessions at the gym, and nights out at the pub. He said Constable Smith was the friend who made sure he always got home safe. "He was the type of mate who always had your back," Mr Todman said. "If something went wrong, Keith would be the first to show up and the last to leave." Mr Todman said what had hit him hardest with the death of his friend was knowing he would never receive another text or phone call from his mate. "But, people like Keith never really leave you," he said. "He is in the way I carry myself with loyalty, he's in the way I treat people with kindness and calmness. "I'm grateful, truly, because not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith." Words from former professional cyclist Richie Porte, who could not be there in person, spoke of Constable Smith's kind nature. "He would literally give you the shirt off his own back and help anyone out in their time of need," Mr Porte said. "When Keith came for a coffee, it was impossible to pay." Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Constable Smith as an officer known for his quiet professionalism and calm resolve. She said throughout his career, a number of members of the community had written letters in appreciation of Constable Smith's service. More uniquely, on one occasion, a letter was written from an offender Constable Smith had arrested. "The grief that has followed Keith's death has been deep and far-reaching," Commissioner Adams said. "His legacy of courage, support, compassion and service will live on. "Rest in peace Keith, with honour you served." The streets outside the paranaple Centre were lined with emergency service personnel and members of the community as the region stood still to farewell Constable Smith on his final journey. The funeral procession and guard of honour continued at Ulverstone as Constable Smith passed his police station for the last time. "There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Those were the words of colleague and friend Inspector Andrew Hanson as the community came together on Friday, June 27, to farewell Constable Keith Anthony Smith. Constable Smith, 57, was killed in the line of duty at a rural property in Tasmania on June 16. He had served in the force for 25 years and had been stationed at Ulverstone for the past five years. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as hundreds of people gathered at the paranaple Centre in Devonport to pay tribute to Keith's service as an officer, a husband, a father and a friend. In words shared from Keith's wife, Janaha, she said he was more than just a husband and a father. "You were our protector and safe place," Janaha said. "Thank you for the best days of our life together, and loving Ava and I unconditionally." Janaha said there was never a day that went by without receiving a text message from her husband that said "I love you" or "I miss you". "This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you in a minute," she said. "I love you forever my special blue boy." Keith's daughter, Ava, said her dad had taught her so much. "I love your big smile and your big warm hugs," Ava said in words that were read out. She said she was so proud of her dad and his job, and would always tell her friends at school that her dad was a policeman. "I love you so much for taking wonderful care of me and mum," Ava shared. "I love you forever, bubba." Constable Smith's adopted father-in-law, Dudley Corbett, also shared a poem to remember the "great man". Constable Smith grew up at Bridgenorth and shared a special bond with his grandfather Alfred. After college, he started working for his father, Graham, before working at an electronics store. He later started his own business while volunteering at a bike store. But wanting to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Constable Smith enrolled in the police academy. Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000. He was a passionate cyclist and participated in three charity trust bike rides. Constable Smith served in the Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform. He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016. Inspector Hanson, who first worked with Keith as a brand-new officer, said his friend and colleague was kind, team-oriented, and always had time for the people around him. "Keith was really a living definition of what it meant to be kind, what it meant to be caring, and what it meant to be gentle," Inspector Hanson said. "I credit him with making me the person and the police officer I am today." Inspector Hanson said when he was transferred to the Ulverstone Police Station in January this year it took no less than 10 minutes before Constable Smith embraced him in one of his famous bear hugs. "It instantly made me feel like I belonged there," he said. "He genuinely embodied service, compassion and quiet strength." On behalf of the Ulverstone Police Station, Inspector Hanson shared a message directly to Constable Smith's family. "I want you to know that Keith's legacy will continue in us," he said. "His kindness, his compassion, and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all and there will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Apart from cycling, Constable Smith also had a passion for IT and golf. His colleague, Sergeant Joshua Hayes, said no matter whether it was the force or the cycling community, his friend was always loved and respected. "He never played the bad cop, he couldn't," Sergeant Hayes said. "He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to." Sergeant Hayes recalled being permanently partnered with Constable Smith for two years as some of the "fondest" memories of his career. "He didn't realise the profound effect he had on others," Sergeant Hayes said. During the service, photos of Constable Smith in uniform, with his family, friends and his beloved pets were shown as his coffin sat covered by an Australian flag, flowers and his police peak cap. Constable Smith's long-time friend Marcus Todman shared fond memories of the pair's 40 years of mateship. Mr Todman shared how Constable Smith became an integral part of his family, and was loved by his brothers and sisters alike. "You don't need to be blood to be considered a family member," he said. Mr Todman spoke about growing up alongside Constable Smith in their teenage years, sweaty sessions at the gym, and nights out at the pub. He said Constable Smith was the friend who made sure he always got home safe. "He was the type of mate who always had your back," Mr Todman said. "If something went wrong, Keith would be the first to show up and the last to leave." Mr Todman said what had hit him hardest with the death of his friend was knowing he would never receive another text or phone call from his mate. "But, people like Keith never really leave you," he said. "He is in the way I carry myself with loyalty, he's in the way I treat people with kindness and calmness. "I'm grateful, truly, because not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith." Words from former professional cyclist Richie Porte, who could not be there in person, spoke of Constable Smith's kind nature. "He would literally give you the shirt off his own back and help anyone out in their time of need," Mr Porte said. "When Keith came for a coffee, it was impossible to pay." Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Constable Smith as an officer known for his quiet professionalism and calm resolve. She said throughout his career, a number of members of the community had written letters in appreciation of Constable Smith's service. More uniquely, on one occasion, a letter was written from an offender Constable Smith had arrested. "The grief that has followed Keith's death has been deep and far-reaching," Commissioner Adams said. "His legacy of courage, support, compassion and service will live on. "Rest in peace Keith, with honour you served." The streets outside the paranaple Centre were lined with emergency service personnel and members of the community as the region stood still to farewell Constable Smith on his final journey. The funeral procession and guard of honour continued at Ulverstone as Constable Smith passed his police station for the last time. "There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Those were the words of colleague and friend Inspector Andrew Hanson as the community came together on Friday, June 27, to farewell Constable Keith Anthony Smith. Constable Smith, 57, was killed in the line of duty at a rural property in Tasmania on June 16. He had served in the force for 25 years and had been stationed at Ulverstone for the past five years. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as hundreds of people gathered at the paranaple Centre in Devonport to pay tribute to Keith's service as an officer, a husband, a father and a friend. In words shared from Keith's wife, Janaha, she said he was more than just a husband and a father. "You were our protector and safe place," Janaha said. "Thank you for the best days of our life together, and loving Ava and I unconditionally." Janaha said there was never a day that went by without receiving a text message from her husband that said "I love you" or "I miss you". "This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you in a minute," she said. "I love you forever my special blue boy." Keith's daughter, Ava, said her dad had taught her so much. "I love your big smile and your big warm hugs," Ava said in words that were read out. She said she was so proud of her dad and his job, and would always tell her friends at school that her dad was a policeman. "I love you so much for taking wonderful care of me and mum," Ava shared. "I love you forever, bubba." Constable Smith's adopted father-in-law, Dudley Corbett, also shared a poem to remember the "great man". Constable Smith grew up at Bridgenorth and shared a special bond with his grandfather Alfred. After college, he started working for his father, Graham, before working at an electronics store. He later started his own business while volunteering at a bike store. But wanting to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Constable Smith enrolled in the police academy. Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000. He was a passionate cyclist and participated in three charity trust bike rides. Constable Smith served in the Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform. He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016. Inspector Hanson, who first worked with Keith as a brand-new officer, said his friend and colleague was kind, team-oriented, and always had time for the people around him. "Keith was really a living definition of what it meant to be kind, what it meant to be caring, and what it meant to be gentle," Inspector Hanson said. "I credit him with making me the person and the police officer I am today." Inspector Hanson said when he was transferred to the Ulverstone Police Station in January this year it took no less than 10 minutes before Constable Smith embraced him in one of his famous bear hugs. "It instantly made me feel like I belonged there," he said. "He genuinely embodied service, compassion and quiet strength." On behalf of the Ulverstone Police Station, Inspector Hanson shared a message directly to Constable Smith's family. "I want you to know that Keith's legacy will continue in us," he said. "His kindness, his compassion, and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all and there will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Apart from cycling, Constable Smith also had a passion for IT and golf. His colleague, Sergeant Joshua Hayes, said no matter whether it was the force or the cycling community, his friend was always loved and respected. "He never played the bad cop, he couldn't," Sergeant Hayes said. "He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to." Sergeant Hayes recalled being permanently partnered with Constable Smith for two years as some of the "fondest" memories of his career. "He didn't realise the profound effect he had on others," Sergeant Hayes said. During the service, photos of Constable Smith in uniform, with his family, friends and his beloved pets were shown as his coffin sat covered by an Australian flag, flowers and his police peak cap. Constable Smith's long-time friend Marcus Todman shared fond memories of the pair's 40 years of mateship. Mr Todman shared how Constable Smith became an integral part of his family, and was loved by his brothers and sisters alike. "You don't need to be blood to be considered a family member," he said. Mr Todman spoke about growing up alongside Constable Smith in their teenage years, sweaty sessions at the gym, and nights out at the pub. He said Constable Smith was the friend who made sure he always got home safe. "He was the type of mate who always had your back," Mr Todman said. "If something went wrong, Keith would be the first to show up and the last to leave." Mr Todman said what had hit him hardest with the death of his friend was knowing he would never receive another text or phone call from his mate. "But, people like Keith never really leave you," he said. "He is in the way I carry myself with loyalty, he's in the way I treat people with kindness and calmness. "I'm grateful, truly, because not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith." Words from former professional cyclist Richie Porte, who could not be there in person, spoke of Constable Smith's kind nature. "He would literally give you the shirt off his own back and help anyone out in their time of need," Mr Porte said. "When Keith came for a coffee, it was impossible to pay." Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Constable Smith as an officer known for his quiet professionalism and calm resolve. She said throughout his career, a number of members of the community had written letters in appreciation of Constable Smith's service. More uniquely, on one occasion, a letter was written from an offender Constable Smith had arrested. "The grief that has followed Keith's death has been deep and far-reaching," Commissioner Adams said. "His legacy of courage, support, compassion and service will live on. "Rest in peace Keith, with honour you served." The streets outside the paranaple Centre were lined with emergency service personnel and members of the community as the region stood still to farewell Constable Smith on his final journey. The funeral procession and guard of honour continued at Ulverstone as Constable Smith passed his police station for the last time. "There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Those were the words of colleague and friend Inspector Andrew Hanson as the community came together on Friday, June 27, to farewell Constable Keith Anthony Smith. Constable Smith, 57, was killed in the line of duty at a rural property in Tasmania on June 16. He had served in the force for 25 years and had been stationed at Ulverstone for the past five years. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as hundreds of people gathered at the paranaple Centre in Devonport to pay tribute to Keith's service as an officer, a husband, a father and a friend. In words shared from Keith's wife, Janaha, she said he was more than just a husband and a father. "You were our protector and safe place," Janaha said. "Thank you for the best days of our life together, and loving Ava and I unconditionally." Janaha said there was never a day that went by without receiving a text message from her husband that said "I love you" or "I miss you". "This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you in a minute," she said. "I love you forever my special blue boy." Keith's daughter, Ava, said her dad had taught her so much. "I love your big smile and your big warm hugs," Ava said in words that were read out. She said she was so proud of her dad and his job, and would always tell her friends at school that her dad was a policeman. "I love you so much for taking wonderful care of me and mum," Ava shared. "I love you forever, bubba." Constable Smith's adopted father-in-law, Dudley Corbett, also shared a poem to remember the "great man". Constable Smith grew up at Bridgenorth and shared a special bond with his grandfather Alfred. After college, he started working for his father, Graham, before working at an electronics store. He later started his own business while volunteering at a bike store. But wanting to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Constable Smith enrolled in the police academy. Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000. He was a passionate cyclist and participated in three charity trust bike rides. Constable Smith served in the Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform. He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016. Inspector Hanson, who first worked with Keith as a brand-new officer, said his friend and colleague was kind, team-oriented, and always had time for the people around him. "Keith was really a living definition of what it meant to be kind, what it meant to be caring, and what it meant to be gentle," Inspector Hanson said. "I credit him with making me the person and the police officer I am today." Inspector Hanson said when he was transferred to the Ulverstone Police Station in January this year it took no less than 10 minutes before Constable Smith embraced him in one of his famous bear hugs. "It instantly made me feel like I belonged there," he said. "He genuinely embodied service, compassion and quiet strength." On behalf of the Ulverstone Police Station, Inspector Hanson shared a message directly to Constable Smith's family. "I want you to know that Keith's legacy will continue in us," he said. "His kindness, his compassion, and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all and there will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community." Apart from cycling, Constable Smith also had a passion for IT and golf. His colleague, Sergeant Joshua Hayes, said no matter whether it was the force or the cycling community, his friend was always loved and respected. "He never played the bad cop, he couldn't," Sergeant Hayes said. "He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to." Sergeant Hayes recalled being permanently partnered with Constable Smith for two years as some of the "fondest" memories of his career. "He didn't realise the profound effect he had on others," Sergeant Hayes said. During the service, photos of Constable Smith in uniform, with his family, friends and his beloved pets were shown as his coffin sat covered by an Australian flag, flowers and his police peak cap. Constable Smith's long-time friend Marcus Todman shared fond memories of the pair's 40 years of mateship. Mr Todman shared how Constable Smith became an integral part of his family, and was loved by his brothers and sisters alike. "You don't need to be blood to be considered a family member," he said. Mr Todman spoke about growing up alongside Constable Smith in their teenage years, sweaty sessions at the gym, and nights out at the pub. He said Constable Smith was the friend who made sure he always got home safe. "He was the type of mate who always had your back," Mr Todman said. "If something went wrong, Keith would be the first to show up and the last to leave." Mr Todman said what had hit him hardest with the death of his friend was knowing he would never receive another text or phone call from his mate. "But, people like Keith never really leave you," he said. "He is in the way I carry myself with loyalty, he's in the way I treat people with kindness and calmness. "I'm grateful, truly, because not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith." Words from former professional cyclist Richie Porte, who could not be there in person, spoke of Constable Smith's kind nature. "He would literally give you the shirt off his own back and help anyone out in their time of need," Mr Porte said. "When Keith came for a coffee, it was impossible to pay." Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Constable Smith as an officer known for his quiet professionalism and calm resolve. She said throughout his career, a number of members of the community had written letters in appreciation of Constable Smith's service. More uniquely, on one occasion, a letter was written from an offender Constable Smith had arrested. "The grief that has followed Keith's death has been deep and far-reaching," Commissioner Adams said. "His legacy of courage, support, compassion and service will live on. "Rest in peace Keith, with honour you served." The streets outside the paranaple Centre were lined with emergency service personnel and members of the community as the region stood still to farewell Constable Smith on his final journey. The funeral procession and guard of honour continued at Ulverstone as Constable Smith passed his police station for the last time.
Sky News AU
32 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
‘If you're not willing to transact, it's a snub': Former Australian ambassador warns Albanese govt over handling of US relationship
The Albanese government been called out for its handling of the United States relationship, with a former top diplomat warning Australia could become a 'tier three ally'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese came under fire after a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit was abruptly cancelled when Trump left the event early – a move which is understood to have blindsided Mr Albanese. Key issues such as the AUKUS security partnership, which the Trump administration recently announced it would review, and US-imposed tariffs were expected to discussed in the scrapped meeting. Mr Albanese then decided not to attend the NATO summit held this week, which was attended by Mr Trump, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles going in his place. Speaking from Washington DC on Friday, Mr Hockey outlined the importance of the bilateral relationship, calling the US 'crucial to the Indo-Pacific". 'The danger is at the moment that we can slip from being a tier one ally of the United States to a tier three ally,' Mr Hockey told Sky New News host Laura Jayes. 'And of course Donald Trump... his focus is not really Europe, his focus is not really the Middle East. His focus is China and the Indo-Pacific.' The former diplomat then described Mr Trump as 'transactional' when it comes to his handling of international relations, and claimed 'if you're not willing to transact, it's a snub'. 'So the fundamental point for the Albanese government, or the Turnbull or Morrison government, whoever it is, you have to be prepared to transact. It's a living, breathing relationship. It goes two ways.' The comments from the former ambassador come after a leading defence expert expressed concern over the current state of the US-Australia relationship. 'The alliance is in its worst shape since the Whitlam/Nixon period which was more than 50 years ago,' Australian Strategic Policy Institute Executive Director Peter Jennings said on Thursday. 'One wonders then if they are trying to find a reason to distance themselves from the American strikes, because frankly you can create legal advice which will support the strikes, or also that says the strikes were illegal."
Daily Telegraph
34 minutes ago
- Daily Telegraph
Letting my 11-year-old go fishing alone taught me more about parenting than I expected
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News. When my 11-year-old asked if he could go fishing with his mates - no adults, just the kids - I felt like he was asking to walk into the wilderness with a butter knife and a prayer. Never mind that the river is five minutes from our house. Or that he's more responsible than half the adults I know. My gut response? Absolutely not. But then, I remembered my own childhood. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. We find it hard to let our kids go out into the world. Image: Supplied Rusty pipes, sea caves and absolutely no helmets My husband grew up in Scotland, where his days were spent roaming castle ruins and fields with his cousins. Meanwhile, I was in suburban Sydney, riding my bike through backstreets, looking for whichever house had a pile of bikes out the front - the universal 1980s sign for 'your mates are here'. We'd spend hours in the bush on dodgy homemade skate ramps, exploring sea caves, balancing on rusted pipelines that led to the oyster farms, and jumping on trains to the beach with a few coins and a muesli bar. No one knew where we were. Our only job was to be home before dark, or call from a payphone if we were angling for a sleepover. RELATED: I 'underparent' - but no need to call the cops, the kids are fine Stranger danger was a sticker on a mailbox Stranger danger was covered once a year at school, and some houses had 'Safety House' stickers on the mailbox - little yellow signs letting kids know someone inside could be trusted if things went sideways. That was it. Good luck, kids. Have fun out there. Our kids? Not so much. Now we worry like it's our full-time job. We worry. Constantly. Maybe it's the internet. Maybe it's the heartbreaking stories of kids like Daniel Morcombe, Madeleine McCann and William Tyrrell, embedded in our collective memory. Whatever it is, we've raised our children like the big bad wolf is waiting around every corner. We look back now and realise we may have overcorrected. RELATED: The benefits of unstructured free play We were free-range. Our kids are on leashes. We live near the water, and for years we've watched local kids - same age as ours - walking past our house with tackle boxes and rods. 'I can't believe their parents let them go alone,' we'd gasp, clutching our invisible pearls. ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN. Our kids would beg to walk to the park by themselves. And we - who once balanced barefoot on rusted steel pipelines - would drive them and awkwardly loiter in the background like overgrown hall monitors. But lately… we've had an epiphany. Maybe we've been a bit much. Enter: The Fish Kid Our youngest, now 11, is a devoted fisherman. He watches fishing YouTube channels religiously, learning knots and techniques with the same intensity other kids reserve for Fortnite. He begs his dad to take him down to the river every spare weekend. A couple of his friends are part of a crew of regular local fishers. They trot off after school with their gear and are home by dusk - sun-kissed, muddy, beaming. And our son? He's been begging to go with them. Non-stop. So last weekend, we caved. RELATED: I'm a self-confessed helicopter parent… and I know I need to stop Why is so hard to give our kid a little independence? Image: Supplied. IF IF IF IF IF We agreed. With conditions. He could go: If they fished at the spot five minutes from our house. If he took a phone. If he promised to call if he felt unsafe or unsure. If he was okay with me 'swinging past' (read: low-key stalking from a respectful distance). If he answered his phone. Every ten minutes. Without fail. His friends didn't even roll their eyes. Not to my face, anyway. They were just thrilled he could come. They practically beamed. I, meanwhile, turned into a phone pest. "Mum, I'm trying to catch a fish. Can we not?!" 'MUM, I CAN'T TALK. Brodie saw an eel, we're trying to catch it!' 'MUM, I'M FINE. That noise? That's just Kaden laughing. We're trying to use red frog lollies as bait.' 'MUM… WHAAAAT?' He had the best time. So what's really changed? Why was I so worried? Sure, we've got more data, more headlines, more fear than our parents had - but has the world really become more dangerous, or have we just lost the ability to let go a little? I don't have the perfect answer. I still tracked his location. I still hovered in the background. I still felt a pit in my stomach that didn't fully go away until he came home, sunburnt and proud, holding up a photo of a fish his friend caught. But I also felt something else. Pride. That he's ready for these tiny steps of independence. And maybe pride that I'm finally ready too. Our own parents wouldn't have even known if we were out fishing! Image: Supplied. Maybe this is what parenting is meant to feel like Because as much as we joke that we're raising our kids in bubble wrap, what we're really trying to do is raise them to be capable, confident, and okay without us - eventually. And sometimes, that starts with letting them go fishing. Originally published as Letting my 11-year-old go fishing alone taught me more about parenting than I expected
