Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Incorporated

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Incorporated is a nonprofit organization dedicated to memorializing members of the Victoria Police who have died in the line of duty. It was originally established in 1988 as the Tynan Eyre Memorial Foundation following the tragic deaths of Constables Damian Eyre and Steven Tynan. In 1998, the foundation was incorporated into its current form, merging several committees with similar objectives into one organization.

Mission Statement

The foundation's mission is to honor the memory of fallen police officers by supporting worthwhile community projects across Victoria. It aims to foster positive interactions between the Victoria Police and the community while recognizing the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives serving the public.

Structure

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is structured with a volunteer-driven approach. It operates without government funding and is managed by a Board of Management consisting of serving and retired police officers, business professionals, and community volunteers. The organization has a network of regional branches across Victoria, including locations such as Ararat, Bendigo, and Ballarat, facilitating local community engagement and fundraising efforts.

Activities

The foundation engages in various activities, including fundraising events managed by volunteer business units. It also develops and distributes its own merchandise, ensuring all products are sourced from trusted suppliers. Notably, the foundation does not use third-party commercial fundraisers for these purposes.

Current Projects

One of the significant projects undertaken by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is funding the installation of an ECMO heart-lung bypass unit at a hospital, in memory of four police officers tragically killed in 2020. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to supporting community health projects while honoring the memories of those who have fallen in service.

History and Significance

Since its inception, the foundation has been a symbol of community respect for the sacrifices made by Victoria Police officers. Over 175 members of the Victoria Police have lost their lives in the line of duty, with 30 being murdered. The Blue Ribbon Foundation serves as a living memorial to these officers, recognizing their service and dedication to the community.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

The foundation benefits from the efforts of over 270 volunteers from diverse backgrounds, who work together to make a difference in their communities. This volunteer-driven approach has been crucial in maintaining the organization's community focus and ensuring that its mission remains consistent with its founding principles.

[1] https://remember.org.au [2] https://remember.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/23a57bcc-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/23a57bcc-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/45f46059-b544-eb11-bb23-000d3ad1ce4e [5] https://eghs.net.au/community/partnerships/blue-ribbon-foundation