I am fortunate to be the first recipient of a PTSD Assistance Dog through the Blue Ribbon Assistance Dog initiative – in partnership with Fighting PTSD VicPol, the Code 9 Foundation and Assistance Dogs Australia to whom I am extremely grateful, as this program has made such a significant change to my life. 

I was diagnosed with PTSD in March 2021 and due to ill health I retired from VicPol in November 2022, after 22 years in the job.

I thoroughly enjoyed my career and was fortunate enough to have a seamless and well supported exit onto the ESSS pension. I didn’t attempt to return to VicPol after my diagnoses and instead threw myself into my recovery. 

In January 2023 I became aware of the Blue Ribbon Assistance Dog Program and after talking myself out of it a millions times and overthinking it completely I finally decided to apply for a dog. Fast forward to October 2023 and I have a beautiful assistance dog called Fallon matched to me. Fallon is now my regular sidekick and accompanies me everywhere. Kids sport, their school – where I now volunteer in the classroom a few hours a week, shopping, the gym and caravanning. I am doing things now that I could not undertake before. I can’t completely explain why, but when he is out with me in public, somehow, my PTSD is often under control. 

The purpose of this post is to reach out to other Retired VicPol Veterans (with a PTSD diagnosis) and encourage them to think about the benefits of an assistance dog. Blue Ribbon and Fighting PTSD Victoria have funded dogs in training right now and are keen to match suitable applicants.  I am more than happy for anyone to PM me and ask me any questions, have a chat about it etc.  Check out the link below and have a read of the application form, then hit me up with any questions / fears / worries you have via messenger. Here are a few things that swirled around my head: 

• My PTSD is not bad enough for an assistance dog. There is someone worse who needs one so I’ll leave it for them. 

• It’s too hard to fill out the application form. 

• Everyone will stare at me when I am in public with a dog with a jacket on.

• What if I get the dog then decide I don’t want it. 

• I can’t possibly travel interstate for a week-long course to get my dog

• I do not want to pick up dog poo! 

There are solutions to most of the above questions and likely to most of the questions / worries you may have (except for the dog poo one. I have had to get used to picking it up!)

An Assistance Dog is not for everyone but if you think it may be for you then please get in touch with the Blue Ribbon Foundation or directly with me. Can I also add that the level of confidentiality and compassion by the Blue Ribbon Foundation and ADA was exceptional.

Cheers,

Cherie Arnell 

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On 13^th February, devasting bushfires swept through the Grampians with many homes destroyed in Pomonal, along with community infrastructure, businesses and properties.

Just days earlier on Sunday, 4^th February the Pomonal community came together in support of our annual Grampians “Ride to Remember” by providing morning tea for the 500+ riders, pillions, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Ride Marshalls and Support Teams and did an amazing job.

We have been contacted by many motorcycle enthusiasts, especially those who did our 2024 Ride and have offered their assistance or want to give a donation – we thank you all and am sure the Pomonal community are so grateful for the outpouring of support.

So, we have set up the below “Giving Back to the Pomonal community” try-booking site and if you would like to offer your support by giving a donation through the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation – Ararat Branch this will assist in their recovery.  Please note donation $2 or more are tax deductible. https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/blueribbonpomonal

Over 500 riders and pillions took part in the 2024 Grampians “Ride to Remember” held on Sunday, February 4th, with this year’s signature regional event being one of the largest ever.

Waved off from Ararat, riders proceeded to journey via the rural countryside to Pomonal where morning tea was served, then continued around both Lake Fyans and Lake Lonsdale, headed to Halls Gap then onto Lake Bellfield before returning back through Halls Gap. Riders were able see the procession of the bikes going the other way which was reported as one of the highlights of the Ride. The Ride ended back in Ararat for the popular Show N Shine.

Ride Chairman, Dean Pinniger highlighted the valuable support sponsors together with great assistance from all the staff including Ararat RSL & Lions Club, AME Systems, Ararat Motorcycle Club, East Grampians Health Service, the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Ararat Branch members, partners and the many community volunteers.

Ararat Branch President Dianne Radford presented a cheque for $40,000 to East Grampians Health Services Board Vice Chairman and CEO Nick Bush.

What would you do with a cool quarter million suddenly in your hands?

Maybe it’s that new luxury car you’ve wanted or that dream holiday abroad that you never thought
you’d be able to take!

How about a massive shopping spree for those special people in your life, or even just for yourself!

Invest it, use it to upgrade your home or put a deposit down on an investment property. You could even charter a yacht or buy some fine art!

Why not become an AutoPlay member and receive you tickets automatically. You will have three exclusive bonus chances to win – including a $1,000 VISA voucher in December, a $1,000 BCF voucher in January, and a $1,000 Amazon voucher in February.

Should the December winner be a Victorian resident, the prize will be $1,000 Woolworths WISH voucher.

Enter the Raffle through the Play For Purpose link below:

https://www.playforpurpose.com.au/victoria-police-blue-ribbon/

Raffle 22 closes 8pm AEST on Thursday, 14 March 2024 and will be drawn and announced on Friday, 15 March 2024

Victoria Police Netball Club will be hosting the annual Netball Tournament at the Diamond Creek Netball Courts, 2 Diamond Street, Diamond Creek 3089. The Tournament is for ladies and mixed seniors above the age of 16 and will support the Victoria Blue Ribbon Foundation.

The Tournament will be held on Sunday 14th of April 2024. We hope to see you there!

More information and the Entry Form are provided below!

Looking for a gift this Christmas? Support the Blue Ribbon Foundation and purchase a Santa T.bear or Constable T.Bear. The Bears can be purchased at Cop Shop or by searching Copshop.com.au

Thank you to everyone that who attended the 2023 Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham Gala and contributed to the $30,000 raised on the night!

Special thanks to all contributing businesses for your donations of auction items, raffle items, and table decorations. The generosity of local businesses was truly amazing and has definitely contributed to our evening being a great success in helping fund life-saving medical equipment in memory of fallen officers.

Registrations are open for the 2024 GRAMPIANS “Ride to Remember” on Sunday, 4th February.

Registration is $50 per rider/pillion which this year includes both your Morning Tea & Picnic Lunch plus your 2024 Commemorative Badge, Show- bag and Bottled Water.

You can book via:  https://www.trybooking.com/CKXUC

The 190km Ride will leave Ararat at 9am and travel the rural countryside including Moyston through to Pomonal (Morning Tea) then around Lake Fyans and Lake Lonsdale, and into the Grampians National Park, through Halls Gap to Lake Bellfield then back via Pomonal, Moyston to Ararat for a relaxing lunch in the Alexandra Gardens

Refer: Ride Route Map 2024

Also check out all the details regarding the Show N Shine (Free Entry), Main Raffle (10 Great Prizes) plus our Merchandising range on offer.

PLUS our Saturday night welcoming “Get Together” Dinner  – $15 entry for a chance to win 20 prizes – please book early as limited.

We look forward to welcoming motorcycle enthusiasts to Ararat in February – in the meantime, take care and keep safe.

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH TRYBOOKING

Book via:  https://www.trybooking.com/CKXUC

Raffle Closes December 14

Imagine the exhilarating feeling of driving your new elegant $118,000 Audi Q5 Sportback S Line which combines sportiness and luxury with its sleek coupé-like design and panoramic tinted sunroof. You’ll find parking easily with Park Assist which searches for suitable parking and helps steer the vehicle into the space. Never get lost again thanks to the built-in high resolution colour voice control 3D navigation system. Your next road trip will be a breeze with all these high-tech features!

As you cruise down the highway – or even around your local area, you can relax knowing you’ll also have over $131K in cashable gold bullion to spend or invest as you please!

Second Prize: JB Hi-Fi gift voucher worth $15,000