Guest Speaker
Max Burmeister Speaks to Wollundry Rotarians
Pictgured above are President Phil MacIntosh, Inspector Steven Bradwood and Guest Speaker Constable Max Burmeister.
Graham Burmeister introduced his son Max admitting that this would be the most biased introduction in 35 years! Max has attended most of the Sunday Markets that Graham has attended which means that he has worked approximately 50 Sunday Markets. Max is currently an acting detective in Wagga Wagga Police department and his presentation will be about police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Max came to the podium and noted that he felt that the introduction was very objective …which was followed by chuckles from the audience. Max began his presentation by noting that people would remember Captain Moonlight and his historic takeover of Wantabadgery Station.
He noted at the time the Daily Advertiser totally bagged the Wagga police for being bad shots, having a preference for sunning themselves in front of the courthouse and were reluctant to leave town to find criminals. Max then noted that nothing has changed!
He gave details of the battle and noted that Senior Constable Edward Bowen was killed. He then outlined all of the significant accomplishments of Senior Constable Bowen. Max went on to note that only the “bad” are remembered in our history. Rarely do people know the details of the good men and women who led honest lives and gave their lives in defence of the law.
The plan is to hold a meeting with the Wantabadgery Community to discuss if they would be honoured to have some form of monument located in the Village in memory of Senior Constable Bowen. He invited anyone to come along to the Wantabadgery Hall at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 1st.
Max answered several questions. Frank Fuller commended Max and related to the members the story of an officer killed.
Max was given a vote of thanks by long time friend John Gray. John told a nice story about how all of the shouts at the MCG had to include an ice cream for Max. John recognised the considerable contributions made by Police Officers.