Last Monday marked a very special day for our area and the NSW Police Force.
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I was invited to attend the 150th commemoration of the largest mass murder of police in Australian history. The dedication was held at the property Jinden, 60km south of Braidwood, at the exact spot where four Special Constables – John Carroll, Patrick Kennagh, Eneas McDonnell and John Phegan – were ambushed and murdered on January 9, 1867, by the notorious Clarke Gang who rained fear across what is now the South Coast, Snowy Monaro and Queanbeyan-Palerang areas. These crimes led to many new laws being introduced that are still in effect today.
We were joined by officers of the Monaro LAC, mounted police, SES, NSW RFS and Ambulance Service, along with Queanbeyan-Palerang representatives, locals and descendants of both the gang and Special Constables. It was a sombre ceremony that honoured the lives of those killed in the line of duty, but it was interesting to be able to learn more about local history in the area.
On a different note, I would like to welcome medical student Katherine Wright to Bombala for work experience. The Rural Doctors Network runs a program (supported by council) which allows students to experience living and working in the country.
Ms Wright, who is currently in her second year of her studies, will be working alongside Dr Cunningham for the next two weeks, gaining an in-depth understanding about what being a doctor in a rural area is like. She will also be sight-seeing around the Bombala area, and will be shown the best of what the Snowy Monaro has to offer within our rural towns and villages and some local farms.
This is a great opportunity for aspiring doctors to come to area and see what issues are affecting the community most, so I wish Ms Wright the best for her time with us and for the future.