A PUBLIC ceremony drew a sombre crowd to the Wallan Cemetery last month, where attendees reflected on the importance of mental health resources for both past and present members of the Victorian Police Force.
The long over-due memorial for the unmarked grave of an ex-constable was unveiled at the event, its creation made possible thanks to community contributions.
Mounted ex-constable Hugh Bracken died on February 23, 1900, at his home in Wallan from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had previously played an instrumental role in the final arrest of Ned Kelly on June 28, 1880.
Wallan Cemetery Trust Chair Ron Laffan said that it was disappointing that it had taken 125 years to recognise Bracken’s courage.
“I can only assume that this is not the fault of the secretary of the day, but is an expression of the social attitude to suicide at the time,” he said.
Victoria Police Chaplain and Reverend Jim Pilmer opened and closed the service.
poignant excerpt from George Orwell’s 1984 novel.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Murphy attended as a guest speaker, praising the police force’s improvement in acknowledging its members mental health needs.
A storyboard will be erected at the cemetery in June to mark the 150th anniversary of the Kelly gang’s last stand during the Glenrowan siege.