Commuters on the M1 will notice the Australian Reptile Park’s dinosaur mascot Ploddy sporting a new paint job in the lead-up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.
Officers from Brisbane Water Police District joined Reptile Park staff on September 14 to paint the classic blue and white Remembrance Day ribbon on the well-known mascot, which is seen by thousands of motorists daily.
National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD) is one of the most important events on the policing calendar as members of the NSW Police Force and the community remember those police officers who have given their lives in the course of their duties.
It is also a time to remember both sworn and unsworn members of the NSW Police Force who lost their lives through illness, accident or other circumstances in the previous 12 months.
This year, as part of NPRD commemorations, Brisbane Water Police District has partnered with the Australian Reptile Park to transform a local icon which is seen by thousands of motorists daily.
Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson, said the display would serve as a highly visible symbol to commuters and travellers heading north on the M1.
“Through our partnership with the Australian Reptile Park, this Remembrance Day ribbon will be visible to more than 70,000 motorists who use the M1 each day,” Jobson said.
“We hope this provides an opportunity for the public to remember the courageous and selfless officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and through other circumstances.”
General Manager Tim Faulkner said the Park was proud to work with police on the project.
“Collaborating with Brisbane Water PD to transform Ploddy into a symbol of remembrance is a great honour for us at the Australian Reptile Park,” he said.
“Our hope is that this display on the M1 serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement heroes.”
Brisbane Water Police District will host a National Police Remembrance Day Service at 11am on Friday, September 29, at the Anglican Parish of Gosford, 3 Mann St Gosford.
An open invitation has been extended to the public so they can pay their respects and participate in the service.
Source:
NSW Police