Tributes flow for Peter Baumanis, Maryborough prison’s dog squad supervisor

The respected dog squad boss at one of Queensland's toughest prisons has been remembered as both a formidable crime-fighter and loved family man.

Hervey Bay's Peter Baumanis with his beloved family.

He was a man who would hide for eight hours in bushland to stop drugs from going into Maryborough Correctional Centre and a dad who would drive for hours on the weekend to get his kids to a sporting event.

Hervey Bay’s Peter Baumanis, Maryborough Correctional Centre Dog Squad supervisor, died of cancer on August 30.

But while those he worked with and his beloved family grieved his loss, they also shared a multitude of memories that made Peter so special.

Daughter Nathania said her dad loved his family and his dogs.

“He was the best dad any kid could have,” she said.

“He did everything for his kids. He was a joker, he was always playing jokes on everyone.”

Nathania said her dad was well respected and hardworking.

Hervey Bay's Peter Baumanis with his beloved family.

“He always supported us kids and the things we wanted to do,” she said.

Right up to the end, he had soldiered on and remained positive, Nathania said.

“I still don’t want to believe it’s true.

“He loved all his dogs that he’s had.

“They’re like his best friends.”

MORE FRASER COAST NEWS

• ‘In Greg’s honour’: Family of slain golf club owner speaks out
  
• FLASHBACK: Formal photos from Xavier College Class of 2012
  
• Maryborough’s Downer rail workers have walked off the job
  

Peter had started his 32 year career in corrections in New Zealand before moving to Queensland and working with the dogs every day was living the dream as far as he was concerned, Nathania said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Anderson said he had known Peter in both a professional and personal capacity as their daughters had played netball together.

Alyssa Staples (left), Isabella Gordon-Horne and Dylan Tralau from Sunbury State School with Maryborough Correctional Centre Dog Squad Supervisor Peter Baumanis with 7-year-old Tyson (dog).

An experienced dog handler, he had been involved with supervising and training others, Det Snr Sgt Anderson said, and was always willing to lend a hand if the police dog squad ever needed it.

“He was certainly an advocate for joint operations,” he said.

Once, after receiving information drugs would be thrown into the prison, Peter had waited in the bush for eight hours to catch the culprit, Det Snr Sgt Anderson said.

“He was a real go getter – he was so positive,” he said.

“Peter never gave up, he was a fighter all the way.

“He would never give up on anything.

“He was a great family man and proud of his kids and all their achievements.”

Maryborough Correctional Centre, Superintendent Kristine Winter said Peter’s contribution to corrections had spanned over 30 years, starting as an officer in New Zealand in 1990 and serving as a corrections officer in East Timor before relocating to Australia in 2000.

“On behalf of all officers at Maryborough Correctional Centre, I would like to extend condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dog Squad Supervisor Peter Baumanis,” she said.

“Peter’s distinguished career with Queensland Corrective Services commenced in 2003 and included positions as Correctional Supervisor, Dog Squad Supervisor and Dog Handler.

Maryborough Correctional Centre dog squad supervisor Peter Baumanis in the centre with one of the corrective services dogs. Photo : Robyne Cuerel / Fraser Coast Chronicle

“Peter constantly extended himself by contributing to his colleagues’ professional development as a trainer assessor in situational response, use of force, weapons, and ION scan detection.

“The expertise and professionalism Peter displayed went far beyond his correctional career, with colleagues recounting his frequent assistance to Queensland Police Service, and the respect they held for him.

“Peter was also someone with tremendous respect for our service men and women.”

Supt Winter said Peter was known and held in high regard for his dedication and experience in corrective services, with his colleagues remembering him as someone who held the courage of his convictions.

“A fond memory of Peter was his role as the ‘unofficial snake catcher’ here at MCC, and his fellow officers described him as a gentle giant,” she said.

“Peter was an impressive, caring and kind-hearted man who was known as a family man, with a variety of interests, including renovation and fossicking.”

To honour Peter and recognise his contribution, a plaque will be installed in the Maryborough Correctional Centre memorial garden.

Peter is survived by his partner Ana, children Corbin, Nathania, Kiel and Isabelle and dad Gunars.

His funeral will be held at the Orana Chapel at J Kirk & Sons at 10am on September 6.