Corrective Services NSW: Motorbike ride of remembrance for deceased colleagues
Hundreds of NSW’s prisons staff took part in a massive motorbike remembrance rally from Sydney to Goulburn to remember fallen friends and colleagues. See the pictures.
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Hundreds of the state’s prison officers roared down the Hume Highway on Friday for a Corrective Services NSW Remembrance Day motorcycle ride to honour those lost in the line of duty.
Over 300 Harley-Davidsons, hogs and an assortment of motorbikes set off on the 200 km journey from Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, in Eastwood, to Goulburn Correctional Centre as part of the Remembrance Day Ride, to revel in mateship, drive some beasts and – most importantly – remember those colleagues who didn’t come home after a day at work.
“It’s more than a ride, it gives us an opportunity to remember mates, family and friends,” Senior Assistant Superintendent, and rider, Andrew Fielman said.
“A lot of us constantly remember people who didn’t go home one day to their families, and it gives people an opportunity to honour them.”
Senior Assistant Superintendent Fileman said it was also a way for staff across the state – from the Northern Rivers down to the south coast – to revel in one another’s company.
“I’m pretty stoked, the turnout is awesome, I’m blown away,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get on the road and get a bit of wind in my hair!”
Assistant Superintendent Chris Xuereb is another riding down to Goulburn. He lost his colleague and mate Matt, who had a heart attack at work.
He said he had an extended break after the trauma of his mate’s death, and slowly returned to the world when colleagues invited him for a motorbike ride.
“I lost a very good friend of mine, he passed away while on duty and left behind a wife and two children,” he said.
“He was a very good officer, we worked closely together and I think about him most days.”
Assistant Superintendent Xuereb said the day allowed for colleagues far and wide to look out for each other, signified by the wings on the day’s logo.
“It’s about people looking after each other on and off the road,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve got the wings on the emblem, it’s about guardianship, looking out for one another.”
Rider and Northern Region Custodial Director Hamish Shearer is one of the founding members of the ride, which is now in its fourth year, and said to see the event grow from 40 riders in 2019 to about 350 this year was testament to its importance.
“We wanted it to be unlike a commemorative ceremony, which can sometimes be a sombre affair,” he said.
“The ride recognises not only those that passed, but also the camaraderie across the services.
“It brings people together and brings out the best of all of us, which is really important.”
Overseer Sharon Fuller lost a colleague at Silverwater Correctional Complex over a decade ago, but still remembers them to this day.
“Things can change in our job in a split second,” she said.
“There are great days, but things can change – so it’s great to come together and remember those people.”
Each rider will also donate a toy to be gifted to sick children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead prior to Christmas.
Previous rides have included trips to Nowra and Cessnock, but Friday’s ride to Goulburn saw the largest number of riders make the remembrance journey.
The Remembrance Day is held on the last Friday in November, and commemorates staff who’ve passed away while employed or retired while honouring the 12 corrections officers killed by inmates in the organisation’s 176-year history.
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