How NT Police Legacy supported the Cubillo family, as National Police Legacy Day falls June 17

With less than a week until the country celebrates National Police Legacy Day, a Top End family who were helped by the organisation have spoken about their experience.

Alberto Cubillo (back row, second from the right) with his colleagues. Picture: Supplied

It was the mid-2000s, and Alberto Cubillo was overjoyed.

After several unsuccessful attempts at joining the Northern Territory Police Force, the father-of-three finally secured his dream job as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer.

“He was really excited about it,” recalled his wife, Teri Cubillo.

But not long after starting, Mr Cubillo and his family received some devastating news: he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and he had an estimated six months left to live.

Despite the devastation, Mr Cubillo did not let it consume him.

Alberto Cubillo with his wife Teri and daughters Demi, Abby and Tyla. Picture: Supplied

The born and bred Territorian instead scheduled chemotherapy around his rostered shifts and remained on duty for as long as he could.

“Alberto absolutely loved his job – every single part of it,” Ms Cubillo said.

“He was always looking, always taking note of different types of things in general life to do with police work.”

Mr Cubillo defied expectations and lived three-and-a-half years beyond his initial prognosis.

Alberto Cubillo with his daughters Demi, Abby and Tyla. Picture: Supplied

He passed away in 2008 at age 46, leaving behind his shattered wife and their three daughters Demi, Abby and Tyla, who were aged 13, 8 and 4 when he died.

“He was an extremely good father, spoke to his daughters a lot, and he would be the one that they would always run to,” said Ms Cubillo.

“He would do anything for them.”

Within days of his passing, the Cubillo family was approached by NT Police Legacy, an organisation established in 1990 that provides long-term care and support to officers and their loved ones.

“Tony Fuller from NTPL was at my house helping us with funeral things, and told us how the police can help us get through it all,” Ms Cubillo said.

“They were always checking in on myself and the kids, they were fantastic.”

L-R Terri Cubillo, Elle Fuller, Kain Fuller, Demi Cubillo, Tony Fuller and Tyla Cubillo at Demi's graduation. Picture: Supplied

Years after Mr Cubillo’s passing, the NTPL continue to support the family, with the organisation paying in full for Demi’s and Abby’s bachelor degrees.

“It was overwhelming,” Ms Cubillo said.

“I didn’t understand it, I had no idea what the Police Legacy did, so it was very overwhelming.

“Demi’s done a teaching degree, and Abby’s done a degree in sports business management.”

June 17 marks the inaugural National Police Legacy Day – the anniversary of the founding of Queensland Police Legacy, Australia’s first such organisation, in 1971.

Alberto Cubillo and his family. Picture: Supplied

The day aims to celebrate the support that Police Legacy organisations have provided to families such as the Cubillo’s over the years.

Ms Cubillo hopes that people will recognise the day and thank the organisation.

“They’ve supported us and other families so much, and we want everyday people to know how much it means to families that are supported,” she said.

“The day is about helping families who have lost their loved ones, which makes a really big difference.”

Originally published as How NT Police Legacy supported the Cubillo family, as National Police Legacy Day falls June 17