Recent Events
2009 a Year of Fun, Friends and Challenges
January – Vietnam
Victoria Police Legacy provides a number of events targeted at continuing the fellowship of legacy, 2009 has proved a busy year. January saw 20 young legatees and 4 supervisors trek to Vietnam to learn about the culture and daily challengers of the Vietnamese. The trip was indeed a humbling experience for the attendees and a great way to bring this special group together. A heart-warming adventure for these fine young people who share a common bond, albeit through the loss of a parent or guardian, come together, interact and share their experiences whilst also reaffirming friendships and making new ones.
Quotes from the trip
Natalie Marley
“ ….. the best part of the trip for me was Halong Bay … it was peaceful and quiet compared to the other parts of Vietnam…… it was an awesome experience though, going through the markets was quite scary and overwhelming in some parts … but all in all a great experience.”
Bridget White
“Vietnam for me, was more than an exciting experience. It was an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself and meet new people….. Sometimes it’s good not only to meet new people but to meet people who you can relate to and who have an understanding of your life. Even though we all have different stories we’ll always be connected somehow through VPL. J The Vietnam experience is something we’ll always have. It’s something no one can take away from us and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!”
Ryan Morgan
“Vietnam Trip was amazing. We all shared so many experiences and saw some really beautiful places. The Mekong Delta River was my favourite because we saw so much of Vietnam’s gorgeous natural scenery in one day, and fit in so many incredible experiences. From riding on a wonky donkey cart, to seeing a live snake killed and it’s blood drunk by Russian’s, to sipping coconut juice straight from the coconut after being paddled down a jungle river, it was awesome fun! The best part though I think was doing all this with such a fun group. I made some really great mates out of the trip and can’t wait till we all get together again!”
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July – Perth Trip
Way Out West 2009
“You must be mad!” was the resounding chorus when Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) announced that we would take twenty of our legatee youth to Vietnam earlier this year. When we sent out invitations to the Biennial Children’s Trip and received an enormous response, which resulted in thirty-five kids ranging in age from eight to sixteen travelling to Perth during the first week of the July school holidays there were similar questions raised as to the sanity of those responsible!Nonetheless the group set off early on Wednesday, 1st July, from Melbourne Airport and after an initial accommodation hitch made our way to the Perth Ambassador Hotel that was to be our base for the next few days. A walking tour of the Perth CBD and visit to the Perth Mint by the older group saw an early night for the younger group and movies for the teenagers.
Day Two saw another early start and a visit to the Calamunnda Camel Farm in Kalamunda atop the Darling Range, which included a short camel trek, a guided bush tucker tour and insightful presentation about birds of prey. Then it was off to Hilary’s Marina for an afternoon at aqwa, the Aquarium of Western Australia. A marine discovery centre with an interactive pool provided an opportunity for a number of kids to take advantage of the warm weather and end up soaked through. Next stop was the nearby Great Escape – trampolines, rides, mini golf and things to climb including the jungle mountain climbing tower which is described as a true test of fitness and fear of heights. Once you reach the top you get to fall through the interwoven elastic webbing on to a padded base. A height of about three storeys! Great fun?
Day Three started with a visit to the Fremantle Maritime Museum and the ‘Life Beneath the Waves’ guided tour of a decommissioned Ovens submarine. A quick lunch at the sheds wetted the appetite of those wanting to shop at the nearby E Shed Markets but it was not to be. After a security check we were then ferried out to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington courtesy of our friends at Western Australia Police Legacy (WAPolLeg). The aircraft carrier is work and home to some 5000 personnel serving on board. The tour of the carrier was conducted by staff and aided by members of the Association of Naval Aviation Squadron 55 ‘The Sandgropers’ who are locals with a special interest in naval aviation and as a result of their assistance, more naval personnel get to take shore leave. The tour provided an interesting insight into life on board the crown jewel of the US Seventh Fleet and is certainly a lot different to the submariners’ environs. There were plenty of fighter planes, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft. An obligatory shopping session and tea for forty was followed with an evening tour of the Fremantle Prison for the not so faint hearted.
Saturday, Day Four and another early start and still no sign of anyone, with the exception of the adults, tiring. A ferry across to Rottnest Island followed by a day of exploring, making friends with quokkas, bike riding, lazing in the sun, relaxing, walking, snorkelling and swimming with the only respite being a BBQ lunch.
Another session at the movies including an exciting screening of Hannah Montana during which many in the audience joined Miley Cyrus in song, especially one of our younger legatees who did not miss a word.
The last day, we spent the morning exploring the beautiful Kings Park in Perth and again basking in the sun. Then came a much quieter trip home and much anticipated welcome home by many of the well rested parents.
With everyone home and settled next came the photo completion. Congratulations to everyone who entered. Below are just some of the amazing entries.
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Parents Retreat
While the children enjoyed the Perth trip many adults took the opportunity to catch up with each other and spend a night in the city. The evening started off with a cocktail party at the Police Museum followed by dinner in Southbank and hotel accommodation in the heart of the city. Thank you for Terry Claven for making the Museum available and for his informative monologue on its many features.
Regional Lunches
Regional lunches are in full swing around the state with larger than ever gatherings at most venues. These lunches are a great way to meet old friends and make new ones in a relaxed atmosphere. Below are photos from just a few.
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Canberra Trip
There was a buzz of anticipation in the air at Southern Cross bus terminal recently as 90 legatees and 6 representatives climbed aboard the two busses for the annual Police Legacy trip bound for Canberra. These breaks away give legatees a chance to continue friendships forged when their spouses were serving officers and also to form new supportive alliances with others from within the police family. Amongst the many planned activities on the trip was a visit to the National Police Memorial for the Annual Police Remembrance Service.
There was also time for enjoying the sights, with visits to Government House where the group enjoyed an intimate tour of the building, Parliament House for some behind the scenes gossip, The National Gallery for art lovers and the miniature village of Cockington Green so pristinely laid out. Floriade gave the group a chance to see all the wonders, colours and the spectacle of the biggest flower festival in Australia, a spectacular celebration of Spring, set in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park. Stops included Mulwala for the first night’s accommodation and an evening in Albury on the return journey. As each day came and went bonds grew stronger and friendships were cemented, the chorus of where are we going next year had begun.
 The National Police Memorial |
 On the bank of Lake Mulwala |
Seniors Christmas Function
The annual Christmas Lunch was held this year at The Sebel, a most elegant venue with fantastic views of Albert Park Lake. Guests included Deputy Commissioner WALSH, Assistant Commissioners and board members as well as our honoured legatees. The grand ballroom seated all guests, and after formalities a visit from the ‘King’ himself drew the crowds and the congo line around the room. Despite the missing chocolates, it was good to have everone together from around Victoria and interstate for the traditional introduction to the festive season. Dancing continued throughout the lunch and on through to the end whilst staff were cleaning. Well done to all those who hopped up on stage and danced with Elvis.
 Dancing with 'The King' |
 The Congo line |
Juniors Christmas Function
The annual juniors Christmas party was held beside Albert Park Lake at ‘Sailability’. The day started perfectly with a clear sky and light breeze. All the participants were given instructions on how to operate the water craft. No one needed encouragements as we took to the water in the sail boats, kayaks or water bikes. Everyone toured onto the island in the middle of the lake and from there circumnavigated the island returning for lunch after a couple of hours. After a feast on the verandah of the yacht club, a visit from Santa brought toys for everyone, with smiles all round.
From there we split into two groups, one going to check out the snakes and creepy crawlies from the visiting zoo. A swap around after the visit made sure everyone was able to touch the snakes and have a go at the water activities. A nice day had by all….
Sailability at Albert Park lake