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West Australian
14 hours ago
- General
- West Australian
Eucla community servant receives award in King's Birthday Honours
Eucla's long-serving volunteer fire brigade captain is among those recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours. Simone Conklin has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. The award citation said Mrs Conklin had been involved in emergency services since 1994 and been the captain of Eucla Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service since 2010. Located in one of the most remote areas of WA, on the border with South Australia, Eucla VFES covers 550km of the Eyre Highway, responding to a range of emergencies that include aircraft and road crashes, bushfires, hazardous material spills, and structural fires. Mrs Conklin has attended more than 98 per cent of incidents since 2014, with the isolation of the area meaning she often handled critical incidents with minimal support, frequently being the sole responder for hours until help arrives from distant brigades. 'She has shown outstanding leadership, decision-making and calmness under pressure in numerous emergency situations,' the citation said. 'One example (was) a truck fire at Border Village in 2021, which put the roadhouse at serious risk due to the proximity of the fire to the fuel bowsers, increasing the potential for explosion. 'Mrs Conklin's actions in isolating the area and ensuring that those present were kept at a safe distance, as well as leading her crew in extinguishing the blaze, saved the roadhouse and ensured everyone was unharmed.' The citation said she had also responded to serious road and aircraft crashes in both WA and South Australia which involved casualties with serious, life-threatening injuries who required airlifting. 'In addition to responding to incidents, Mrs Conklin was involved in securing funding for Eucla's airstrip upgrade, which plays a vital role for emergency services and the community,' the citation said. 'Mrs Conklin's dedication sees her constantly seeking ways to improve and increase public awareness. 'In 2023 she consulted with the Eucla community, Eucla police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on a suitable evacuation plan for the town. 'This has now led to discussions with the SA Country Fire Service for them to develop evacuation plans for Border Village as well.' Several people who served part of their careers or community service in the Goldfields-Esperance were also recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. Those who received a Medal of the Order of Australia included Esperance Museum co-founder and Esperance Bay Historical Society co-founder and life member Marjorie Barker, Kalgoorlie Golf Club life member and Inner Wheel Club member Lorraine Winchcomb, and Roy Dowsett, who served with the Kalgoorlie Scouts in 1962-64. Senior Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer Ian Tullock, who served at Kalgoorlie police station from 2018-22, received an Australian Police Medal for a career of nearly 50 years, as did Det-Sen. Sgt Gregory McDonald, who served in the Goldfields during a career that spanned more than 40 years. Anthony Dodd, who served as a volunteer firefighter in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Kambalda during his career of more than 40 years, received an Australian Fire Service Medal.
Herald Sun
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Tracy Linford and Mick Willing firm as favourites in race for Victoria's police chief job
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Victoria's new top cop is odds-on to be a woman. Sources with knowledge of the race to become Victoria Police's next chief commissioner believe two candidates – Tracy Linford and Mick Willing – are the top contenders. It can also be revealed that the outgoing Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson has been interviewed for the chief commissioner role. Mr Paterson was told in February the Allan government would not be reappointing him. An announcement on Victoria's chief commissioner is set to be made as early as next week. Deputy Commissioner Linford, who has been on leave from the Queensland Police service, cut her teeth as a Victorian cop. As a detective in Victoria, Ms Linford rose through the ranks to become an assistant commissioner before leaving for Queensland in 2015. During her time there, Ms Linford has headed up intelligence, counter-terrorism and major events portfolios. Her other experience in her 37-year career includes general duties, investigations and countering serious organised crime. Ms Linford, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2014, has been on leave from Queensland's force. 'She's a good person and good copper. Very astute and she fights for what she believes in,' a source said. If Ms Linford wins the position, she will be Victoria's second woman to become chief. Former chief commissioner Christine Nixon was Victoria's first female top cop from 2001 to 2009. Another veteran cop, former NSW deputy commissioner Mick Willing, is being touted as a contender. Mr Willing's 31-year law enforcement career came to a sudden end in 2022 when his new boss, NSW Commissioner Karen Webb, tore up his contract. He had been considered former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian's 'preferred candidate' for commissioner before she resigned her post. It's understood Mr Willing is keen to make a comeback to policing after time away from law enforcement helping first responders deal with mental health issues. Mr Willing has also spoken openly about his own demons after his career ended. Pundits say a star performer from the federal police was asked to apply but declined. Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who has spent her 23-years with the feds, has managed the national security portfolio since 2024. Prior to her promotion, Ms Barrett headed the AFP's counter-terrorism and special investigations, including foreign interference and espionage. Although several serving Victorian cops have put up their hand to lead the force, none is considered likely to get the nod. The Allan government's committee will make a recommendation to Police Minister Anthony Carbines. The Victoria Police Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Victoria Police Act for a five-year term. Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent is expected to leave the force soon after a permanent chief is named. Mr Nugent replaced Chief Commissioner Shane Patton in February, who was informed his contract would not be renewed after rank and file police members took a vote of no confidence in him. Mr Patton took leave after being told of the government's decision not to reappoint him. His contract expires on June 30. Mr Nugent, who left Emergency Management Victoria to take the acting role at Victoria Police, opted out of applying to lead the force after less than two months in the seat.
