NSW Police Legacy has received it’s largest ever private donation.
Established in 1987, NSW Police Legacy provides financial and social support to families of police officers who have died both on and off duty. There are currently 1380 legatees ranging in age from a 1-year-old to 104-years-of age.
Today (Monday 8 December 2025), Terrey Hills Businessman Dick Smith and his wife Philippa donated a $1,000,000 cheque to NSW Police Legacy.
This represents the most significant grant ever provided to the organisation by an individual.
Mr Smith said that the reason we live with relative safety and comfort in a country like Australia is due to the efforts of the men and women who wear the police uniform.
“It’s an absolute credit to the risks you take. I have been fortunate to give a number of talks down at the Police Academy at Goulburn. I said I admire you all because you no doubt know it’s a risky job.”
“I admire everyone of you and in my whole life time its wonderful to be protected by the police,” said Mr Smith.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM said the donation is gratefully accepted and will go along way to supporting NSW Police Legacy.
“It is not just the financial benefit this will have to those who rely on Legacy for assistance but it actually goes beyond that. It show’s that they haven’t been forgotten by the community when they lose a loved one. It’s a lovely gesture,” said Commissioner Lanyon APM.
Chair of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM, went onto say the donation will allow the organisation to greatly expand on its support to those who rely on it.
“We have many kids who rely on us for financial support regarding their education needs. This has now opened the way for additional education grants.”
“Mr Smith has been a great advocate for police as well as NSW Police Legacy for many years. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are to receive this contribution,” said Superintendent McCarthy APM.
For more information about the role of NSW Police Legacy and what they do see www.policelegacynsw.org.au
We Remember
December 2025
In recent months, NSW Police Legacy joined the broader policing community in solemn remembrance of those who have served, those we have lost, and the families who carry their legacy forward.
On 29 September we gathered at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance for National Police Remembrance Day, coming together in reflection, gratitude, and unity. The ceremony honoured not only serving members of the NSW Police Force who passed away in the previous 12 months, but also officers from across Australia who died in the line of duty, including recent losses from Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW. It also recognised historic additions to the Honour Roll, dating back to the 19th century. No sacrifice forgotten.
And on 31 October, twelve names were memorialised at the NSW Police Force Service Memorial at the Sydney Police Centre. Family and friends gathered in a moving service led by Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM and Mr Edmond Atalla MP, where each name was read with reverence, and each life was honoured with love.
These events remind us that remembrance is not just about ceremony – it is about community, continuity, and care. NSW Police Legacy remains committed to supporting the families of those we honour, ensuring that their stories live on and their loved ones are never alone.
We remember them.
Photo: Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance - celebrates & remembers those Police officers who have paid the ultimate price.
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NSW Police Legacy COO's Report December 2025
December 2025
As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work of NSW Police Legacy and the strength of our Police Legacy family.
2025 has been a year of connection, compassion, and continued commitment to the families we support. From our youngest Police Legatees to our cherished widows and widowers, our community has been at the heart of everything we do.
In March we held our flagship fundraising event, the Blue Ribbon Ball at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. With a bold circus theme and a record crowd of more than 900 attendees, the evening was both vibrant and deeply emotional. Police Legatee Warren Proops shared his story of love and loss, and the NSW Police Band delivered their usual high-energy performance. We were thrilled to receive a $50,000 donation from Police Bank to support our program of education grants for Police Legatees.
One of the most significant milestones this year was the inaugural National Police Legacy Day, held on 17 June. This new annual tradition brought together Police Legacy organisations across Australia to raise awareness of the care and compassion we provide to the families of fallen officers. NSW Police Legacy hosted two moving events: a daytime celebration at the Sydney Police Centre, featuring the debut of Never Forget You, a song written by John Foreman and performed by Police Legatee Phil Burton; and an evening cocktail event at the Park Hyatt, attended by dignitaries including Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Premier Chris Minns, and Minister Yasmin Catley. The Sydney Opera House was illuminated with the Michaelmas Daisy, symbolising our shared commitment to police families.
Throughout the year, we continued to deliver our core programs: camps and events for young Police Legatees, education and life readiness support, and social connection gatherings that foster connection and community. These moments, big or small, remind us of the enduring bonds within our Police Legacy family.
Behind the scenes, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure our services remain responsive and relevant. We’ve strengthened partnerships, improved our IT and administration systems, and continued to advocate for the needs of Police Legatees across NSW. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our partners, supporters, volunteers, and donors, and we thank them for standing steadfastly with us.
As we head into the festive season, I want to acknowledge that this time of year can be hard for many in our community. Please know that you are not alone. NSW Police Legacy is here for you, and we remain deeply committed to walking beside you, every day of the year.
On behalf of the entire team, I wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season. May the new year bring hope, healing, and continued connection.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Frawley
Chief Operating Officer