Community
5 September, 2025
Camperdown shows support for Vic Police
THE Camperdown community has shown its support for Victoria Police last week following deaths of two police officers in the line of duty in north eastern Victoria.
The show of support followed the shooting of two police officers and the injury of a third officer last Tuesday in Porepunkah.
Corangamite Shire Council, Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade, Camperdown State Emergency Services (SES) unit and Lismore CFA brigade were among those who expressed their condolences last week.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said the shooting had touched communities across Victoria, including Camperdown.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in Porepunkah this week,” she said.
“Our thoughts are also with the officer who was seriously injured and with the entire Victoria Police community who serve our state with courage and dedication every day.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Porepunkah and we honour the bravery and commitment of the people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
“As a community, we are reminded of the risks our police officers face and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.
“We offer our full support to Victoria Police during this difficult time.”
The flags in front of the Civic Centre on Manifold Street were lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect, with the clocktower and Camperdown Courthouse lit up in blue from last Thursday to Monday this week to show support for Victoria Police.
Poet Tony Dawson also showed his support last week, penning the poem ‘Dressed Supreme’ as a tribute to the fallen officers and their families, friends and colleagues.
He said he was blown away by the positive response for his poem.
“I’ve been writing poetry for about 30-40 years and I write for army personnel, war victims and victims of crime,” he said.
“On this occasion, I lived near that area – I lived in a little place called Strathbogie, which is near Euroa and I knew the area well.
“I think it’s really sad – you’ve got a fellow who spent about 38 years in the police force and he was going to retire the next week.
“In contrast, you’ve got a younger fellow in his 30s who hadn’t been in the police force that long.
“Their families have now paid the ultimate price – I think the families are the victims as well.”
Mr Dawson's poem is published below in full:
Just old enough to have a beer or sip a wine
To end your teenage years – sublime
You joined the police right at your prime
They’ll be nothing done in vain at the end of your time.
As they’ll dress you in socks weary legs lean
But to you – police bluer that they’ve ever been
Shoes they choose a middle brown what a sight
To you – shiny black to uphold the right.
And that dress up belt 10 years it did last
But in your eyes, it holds your kit with class
The no white shirt to tell your story
You’ll be humble to not claim infinite glory.
As police mates salute they’ll remember it all
A rummin, a mate that answered the call
There’s reason to embrace those men you knew
That police attire is still part of you.
They’ll lower you into your last resting place
Those present love you and never hesitate
And just as you meet the rich soft clay
Angels with blue tint will carry you away.
And they’ll play the song while some colleagues weep
‘I am you are we are Australian’ forever asleep
And they dressed supreme they carry you
A parade of honour in police blue.
So, you’ll join your mates that paid the price
From all Aussie forces a combined sacrifice
You’ll feel at home with yelling, laughter and care
The Aussie flag, the police badge and a society that cares . . .