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Last week the Blue Ribbon Foundation and our North East Branch honoured Constable Joseph Delaney 6389 with a dedication ceremony at Benalla Hospital.

Constable Delaney was a decorated World War I veteran and Victorian police officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty at Tyntynder, near Swan Hill, on August 30, 1923, and passed away on September 3, 1923, at the age of 28.

His memory has been honoured with the branch funding seven overhead hoists and a mobile hoist in the Acute Care Ward at Benalla Health.

While Constable Delaney died over 100 years ago, a number of family members live in the Benalla area and have continued in Joseph’s footsteps and are serving Victoria Police members.

Our Northeast Branch continues its commitment in honouring our fallen police members by strengthening regional health services and improving the quality of care in local communities.

Read the full story of Constable Delaney below:

Constable Joseph Delaney 6389

Constable Joe Delaney’s death was an ironic twist of fate, considering   he had survived some of the heaviest fighting of the first World War, to become a policeman in a quiet country town where violent death was almost unknown.

At the time of his death Constable Delaney, aged twenty-eight years, had been in the force for four years. The last two had been spent in Swan

Hill, where he was a highly regarded and popular figure both amongst his workmates and in the community. The events that led to his killing commenced on Saturday, 28 August 1923 and gave no hint of impending danger.

On that day Walter Crick’s house on Speewa Road, Tyntynder (about eight miles from Swan Hill), was burgled. The matter was investigated by Constable Delaney and Constable Joseph Trevean, who went to the home of a suspect, Frederick James Smith, who was living at Pickering’s farm about half a mile from Crick’s.

The two constables questioned Smith and conducted a search, finding no evidence but still suspecting the boy, they left.

The next day it was decided that Smith should be re-interviewed and Delaney set out alone for the farm, arriving.at 4PM.Tethering his horse in the backyard and going up to the house; no one came to meet him at the door so he went inside. As he entered the passage, Fred Smith came out of his bedroom carrying a shotgun and called out, “Get your hands up”.

Delaney immediately replied, “You put your hands up”, and rushed at the boy. He got to within two yards of Smith before the boy fired and he received the full   force of the blast in his   neck, immediately falling to the floor but remaining conscious.

A neighbour, who had been alerted to the fact that a policeman had gone to Pickering’s and that something was amiss, went and spoke to Smith. The boy told him to leave because the constable was in a bad mood and was searching the house for Crick’s property. The neighbour ignored him and went inside, at which Smith took the constable’s horse and galloped away, later surrendering himself at Nyah West Police Station.

Constable Delaney was taken to Swan Hill Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition. The Police Commissioner took the unprecedented step of authorising the Police Surgeon be flown from Melbourne. But to no avail, and Constable Delaney died the next morning being cared for by his girlfriend, a nurse at the hospital.

Delaney’s death shocked the local community and his funeral service at St Mary’s Church was widely attended.  Afterwards, a large procession, led by the municipal band, took his coffin to the railway station from where it was conveyed to his   home town of Greta for burial.

Smith was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and ten lashes of the birch. Smith’s full punishment was not inflicted. He never received the birching and was soon released into foster care.

Constable Delaney was recommended for a posthumous Valour Badge, but his father refused the honour, believing that his son accepted the risks of being a police officer and was simply doing his duty.

The award was finally presented in November 2018 at Police Headquarters in Melbourne, to

Joe’s nephew Bryan Delaney, his niece Shirley Fisher and his great nephew and niece, Stephen Delaney and Jane Richard, both serving officers.

Our Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch hosted their annual gala night on Friday May 29 with 250 guests attending.

The branch handed over the first instalment towards a Mammorgraphy Project at East Grampians Health Service Ararat Hospital.

The $100,000 has been raised by the branch, notiably $35,000 from this year’s Ride to Remember, the EGHS Murray to Moyne Cycling Relay Team; raising $16,000, the Moyston Easter Market; raising $4,500 and Commonwealth Bank Austrlia donating $5,000.

In 24 years the Ararat branch has raised over $1.2 million and this latest project valued at $250,000 is their largest yet.

While last Sunday’s Angela Taylor Run/Walk ended up a very damp affair with a downpour at the end of the day, it didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending.

Competition for the prestigious Angela Taylor Team Shield was fierce, particularly in the 10km section, with the Fire Rescue Victoria Running Club winning by just 11 seconds, with their combined top four competitors finishing in 2.54.10sec. Second-place team, the Victoria Police Gang Crime Squad, finished in 2.54.21sec and the Academy Cruisers finished third.

The 5km section in the Police section was won by the Critical Incident Running Team, who won for the first time – beating AFP Southern Command by three minutes and Team Mernda.

#fortheloveofjosh Team were worthy winners of the General Public/Corporate Team section. The Team in honour of Constable Josh Prestney also won the largest team award and Josh’s parents Belinda and Andrew both won individual awards for the second year in a row in the over 55s 5km run bracket.

The highest fundraising team award went to the Boroondara Blazers with a special shoutout to Stephanie Smith who raised $680 on her own. She would have won the individual fundraising medal if it wasn’t for Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Vedran Drakulić raising over $53,000. It was an amazing effort by all attending to raise such a large amount of over $100,000.

First place across the line in a time of 16 min and 30 sec went to 18-year-old Cameron Ellis of the Forensic Services Department. Mia Ioannou from AFP Southern Command was the first female to cross the line in 20 minutes and six seconds.

Local Middle Park resident Callum Drake, who just loves running and wanted to support the cause won the 10km section in a time of 34.24 while Amanda Bowden was first female across the line.

The special award of first dog across the line went to Olive who is part of the Critical Incident Running Team.

The last little dogs across the line were Millie and Mack with owner Donald. They were all pretty drenched by the time they finished. Winning and last placed dogs received special awards donated by EAC Animal Care, while all others chowed down on samples from Ziwi Peak.

A special Thank You goes to event sponsor BankVic and supporting partner ESSSuper for hosting the BBQ even though the snags got a bit wet at the end. The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation would also like to thank Channel 9 Melbourne crime reporter Gillian Lantouris for being a wonderful MC on the day, the SES for manning the water stations around the lake and Victorian Road Runners for marking out the course.

More than $100,000 has been raised for the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation following this year’s Angela Taylor Memorial Run/Walk, held at Albert Park Lake on Sunday 3^rd of May.

The annual event honours the memory of Constable Angela Taylor and all police officers who have died in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Russell Street bombing, which claimed Constable Taylor’s life, this year’s event attracted over 1,100 participants who took part in the run or walk around the lake. First established in 1989 by the Victorian Road Runners, the event continues to be delivered in partnership with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, with ongoing involvement from the running club.

More than 50 police and emergency services teams participated, including representatives from the Australian Federal Police, Law Enforcement Torch Relay, Forensic Services Department, Squad 7/86 and Boroondara Blazers. They were joined by corporate and community teams including BankVic, Motorola, ESSSuper, KordaMentha, Eastern Health and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Funds raised will support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s ongoing work delivering projects which help fund vital medical equipment and facilities to public hospitals across Victoria.

Chair of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Mark Stone AM, thanked participants and supporters for their contribution.

“Your efforts, together with the support of our sponsors and the broader community, enable us to fund critically important hospital equipment and facilities that benefit all Victorians—both in metropolitan Melbourne and across regional communities,” Mr Stone said.

“I would also like to acknowledge Angela’s parents, Marilyn and Arthur Taylor, who continue to honour their daughter’s legacy by attending this event each year.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush CNZM, Patron of the Foundation, also participated in the event and joined Marilyn and Arthur Taylor in presenting trophies and medals.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is delighted to welcome Budget Car and Truck Rental to its family of supporters as the Principal Partner

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation (VPBRF) is proud to announce a significant new five-year partnership with Budget Car and Truck Rental, marking a major milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing work to honour Victoria Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This long-term commitment reflects Budget’s strong alignment with the Foundation’s mission and its dedication to supporting the Victorian community. As part of the partnership, Budget will also actively promote the collaboration across its fleet, with VPBRF branding to be featured on trucks and vans, helping to raise awareness of the Foundation’s work across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Chair of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Mark Stone AM, welcomed the partnership, noting its importance financially, operationally and symbolically.

“Budget joins us as our Principal Partner, following on from decades of past support. This is a deeply valued relationship for our Foundation. Budget’s multi-year commitment demonstrates a genuine belief in our mission to honour the sacrifice of fallen officers while supporting critical health infrastructure that benefits the entire Victorian community.

“Having our message carried across Victoria through Budget’s vehicle fleet will significantly expand awareness of our work and ensure the legacy of those we honour continues to reach new audiences – as well as helping us to continue to foster strong, supportive and trusted relationship between the community and our Police Force.”

Budget Car and Truck Rental Chair, Paul Wheelton AM CGSJ, said the company was proud to support the Foundation and its enduring impact.

“We are honoured to partner with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and to serve as its Principal Partner. This relationship and connection is about more than just financial support – it’s about helping share their story across the communities we serve every day.”

Since its establishment, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to public health facilities, including the funding of key hospital infrastructure and vital emergency medical equipment that help save lives and support the frontline medical staff.

“This partnership with Budget represents a shared commitment to community, remembrance, and impact – ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen police officers is remembered, that their service legacy endures, and that it continues to make a meaningful difference for generations to come,” concluded Mr Stone.

The Lions Club of Ararat has donated significant funding to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch’s fundraising project, a mammography unit for the Blue Ribbon Foundation Wing at East Grampians Health Service.

Members of the Lions Club met with Blue Ribbon Ararat Branch members and EGHS staff to present a cheque for $20,000 towards the project.

The mammography unit project is the largest in the Ararat Branch’s 24-year history. The Ararat Branch has committed to raising $250,000 towards the purchase of the vital equipment, which will cost in total $296,000. Additional funds will be provided by East Grampians Health Service.

Mammography is a specialised breast x-ray imaging technique used for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Having a mammography unit at EGHS will enable the health service to offer an additional service to Ararat and surrounding areas by improving access to the national free screening program, BreastScreen, which can identify early signs of breast cancer in asymptomatic people.

It is estimated that EGHS could screen approximately 700 clients through BreastScreen each year and having a local service will reduce the need for long-distance travel, with Ballarat currently the closest service.

Ararat Branch president Dianne Radford was thrilled to accept the cheque on behalf of members.

“Almost everyone knows someone or has a relation who has been affected by cancer in some way,” she said.

“This donation from Lions is just incredible and I cannot thank them enough.”

Lions Club president Peter McNeil said the members of the club were delighted to support such a worthy cause.

Mrs Radford said the Ararat Branch had already raised $55,000 toward the project, with the Lions donation providing a welcome boost.

The EGHS Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay team is aiming to raise $10,000, which will also go towards the Blue Ribbon Foundation mammography unit project.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s next fundraising event for the mammography unit project will be the annual Gala Night, to be held on Friday May 29 at the Ararat Town Hall, with ticket details to be released soon.

Since the Ararat Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation was formed 24 years ago, it has donated more than $1.2 million to East Grampians Health Service.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Stone AM as Chair of the Board.

Mark brings extensive leadership experience across the notfor-profit, public and private sectors, with a long-standing commitment to community service and governance. He has held senior executive and board roles with a range of organisations including Chief Executive of Parks Victoria and Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He currently Chairs SCT Logistics and Goulburn Valley Water. Mark is highly regarded for his strategic insight, stakeholder engagement, and strong values-driven leadership.

Mark has been a dedicated supporter of the Foundation’s mission for many years and is deeply committed to honouring the memory of Victoria Police members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. His appointment as Chair reflects both his professional capability and his personal passion for ensuring the Foundation continues to deliver meaningful impact across the Victorian community. In 2016, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘significant service to commerce and industry through leadership roles, to the environment and tourism sectors, and to the community’.

The Foundation also welcomes the appointment of Nicole Baker as Deputy Chair, Leo Kennedy as Treasurer/Secretary, and Rosanna Bruzzichessi as a new Board member. Together, they bring a diverse mix of skills, experience and commitment that will strengthen the Board and support the Foundation’s ongoing growth and effectiveness.

Ongoing Board members include Deputy Commissioner Robert (Bob) Hill APM, Myles King OAM KSJ, Anne Rogers and Dave Ellis, whose continued service provides valuable continuity and experience to the Board.

The Board acknowledges with deep gratitude the outstanding contribution of retiring long-term Chair David Mann AM, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Foundation over many years. We also extend our sincere thanks to retiring Board members Pat Boyle, Grant Coultman-Smith and Craig Harwood for their valued service and commitment to the Foundation’s mission.

This follows the recent announcement of Vedran Drakulić OAM as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter for the organisation’s leadership and future direction.

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Vedran Drakulić OAM Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

In his new role, Mr Drakulić will lead the Foundation’s strategic direction, fundraising activities and stakeholder engagement, supporting the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to enhancing policing resources, hospital facilities and trauma care for the Victorian community.

Mr Drakulić said it was an honour to be appointed CEO of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.

“The Blue Ribbon Foundation has a proud history of supporting Victoria Police and improving outcomes for victims of trauma,” Mr Drakulić said.
“I look forward to working closely with the Board, donors, volunteers, Victoria Police, the Blue Ribbon branches and our many community partners to build on this significant legacy and ensure the Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference across Victoria.”

Mr Drakulić succeeds Neil Soullier OAM who the Board thanked for his dedication and long-standing contribution to the Foundation.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation (originally named the Tynan-Eyre Memorial Foundation) was established in 1988 and has since raised millions of dollars to help fund new and upgraded emergency and trauma care equipment and facilities in Victorian public hospitals, each named in memory of police officers who died in the line of duty.