Narelle Fraser Interviews

Over the next two weeks I'm providing some personal comments and thoughts on parts (certainly not all) of The Honourable Justice Michael Lee's judgement where he was the presiding judge in the Lehrman v Network 10 Trial Judgement which he handed down on 15th April 2024. These are MY thoughts and opinions on Justice LEE's judgement and not about what I think about Bruce Lehrman or Brittany Higgins per se – it's about how His Honour saw it and the lengths he went to, to try and help us all understand it a little better. Justice LEE has shown a deep understanding of the ‘humanness' and complexities of human nature emotions, particularly regarding victims to a crime. He has shown fairness and transparency and has gone to great lengths to explain why he made the decisions he has. It showcases the depth of research and reference, particularly to case laws which assisted him in those decisions he made. Bottom line is, alone, I feel he's restored some faith in the community's confidence in the judiciary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Storer was a country policeman for the majority of his 45yr career with Victoria Police but it's the last 15 which were his most rewarding at Violet Town Police Station. Pat didn't have the luxury of being able to rely on specialist units/squads or services to help – most times it was up to Pat and Pat alone. Violet Town taught Pat the true meaning of inclusiveness and acceptance.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Storer was a country policeman for the majority of his 45yr career with Victoria Police but it's the last 15 which were his most rewarding at Violet Town Police Station. Pat didn't have the luxury of being able to rely on specialist units/squads or services to help – most times it was up to Pat and Pat alone. Violet Town taught Pat the true meaning of inclusiveness and acceptance.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast is quite different. I talk with many partners of Police and today I have the pleasure of sharing with you 2 separate conversations I had with 2 women who give very different accounts of what it's like being in/having been in, a relationship with a Police Officer. I need to point out as I often do, but I need to reiterate, these 2 women share their personal thoughts, feelings and experiences – it's how they feel and their own personal opinions. Charlotte shares with us the torment she endured not only during their marriage but afterwards, the violence, the threats, and the ways in which she says, her partner used his knowledge of the justice system to intimidate and belittle her and ultimately remove her children from her due to what she describes as lies, untruths and false statements in court documents and to the authorities. She also doesn't hold back with what she thinks of his colleagues who sided with her partner and intimidated and threatened her. Charlotte isn't her real name and we've changed her voice slightly to protect her and their children. Then we have Michelle, who's story is completely different. Michelle's partner and father of their 4 children, joined the job with a belief he could help others not as fortunate as himself. Michelle noticed a change in her partner's behavior from the very day he began at the Academy. His 11yrs with Victoria Police resulted in substantial psychological injuries, to the point he's been a patient in a psychiatric hospital and not just the once. Their relationship has survived, but it hanged the 2 of them and their kids as well – no one has come out unscathed. Victoria Police broke him, and nearly broke his family too, but 12 years on, life has found new meaning for him, his wife & family. You all know how much I love and miss Victoria Police. but by now I think you'll know & appreciate there are parts of Victoria Police I will not gloss over and pretend they don't exist or happen – BECAUSE THEY DO. The only way we can improve anything in our lives is by sharing the good and the bad and not pretending it's a perfect world, when it isn't. My guests today both contacted me separately, but I felt it was a good opportunity to share that good and the bad. I'm hoping today's podcast gives those out there who feel they are alone, some encouragement and realization they are NOT alone. There are so many aspects to the lives my 2 guests with their respective partners which deserve more time than I can give them, but I wanted to give you a taste, an idea of their experiences in an educational, respectful, helpful way, albeit concise. We just address the tip of an iceberg with both my guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast is dedicated to Di McDonald, who is launching Stalking Awareness Day Australia (SADA) on 24th May 2024. Di has been a guest of NFI a few times, and is a strong advocate for law reform regarding stalking legislation and Police response to reports of stalking. She's lobbied MP's, organisations & the media in her mission to raise awareness of the offence of Stalking. Di's story is very powerful and has been featured on programs including Australian Story and Insight and 7 of her recommendations she submitted to the Victorian Law Reform Commission's Stalking enquiry, were accepted. Di's passion has arisen from somehow surviving a stalker who's offending was relentless and included humiliation, denigration, fear and terror, not only upon her, but her friends & family. What an incredible woman Di McDonald is. Congratulations on your pursuit for a safer community for us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sel is a trauma informed lawyer and understands the stresses clients experience when navigating the Family Court system as unfortunately, she has experienced this on a personal level, so she really DOES understand the impacts. Sel is committed to trying to resolve family law matters in a timely way without court proceedings where possible. There's so much I'd love to chat to Sel about today, because, in my podcast and policing world, I've heard too many stories of those treated poorly by the court system, particularly in family court matters where the common themes seem to include humiliation, intimidation and feeling demeaned by defence lawyers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sel is a trauma informed lawyer and understands the stresses clients experience when navigating the Family Court system as unfortunately, she has experienced this on a personal level, so she really DOES understand the impacts. Sel is committed to trying to resolve family law matters in a timely way without court proceedings where possible.There's so much I'd love to chat to Sel about today, because, in my podcast and policing world, I've heard too many stories of those treated poorly by the court system, particularly in family court matters where the common themes seem to include humiliation, intimidation and feeling demeaned by defence lawyers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1990 Assistant Commissioner Ray Shuey called Chief Inspector Rob Bailey to his office, as Rob had already managed one force-wide project called TRIM (the tape recording of formal interviews) in the 80”sRob was asked to select a group of selected people to investigate the potential to introduce Computer Aided Dispatch to the Victoria Police.Ultimately in 1996 Rob decommissioned D24 at Russell Street and a combined EMS was implemented at the Police Centre (in what was a car park) and at Tally Ho at Burwood.Rob was initially the Project Manager and at the end the project, after 6 years, was co-ordinator for the estimated cost of around $360m project;Rob talks about the great team & environment which was created & shares some stories about the evolution including the fact;· He was offered a bribe· he WITNESSED CORRUPTION· the difficulties in POLICE COMMAND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT;· THE EVALUATION PROCESS AND POLITICAL INTERFERENCE;· BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS AND INTERRUPTIONS· FALSE ACCUSATION OF INTERGRAPH CAUSING DEATHS· FALSE INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE CORONER· DEATH OF A WOMAN AND BABY· PERJURY AT THE CORONERS COURT· CORRUPTION AT TALLY HO CENTRE· The waste of time & resources into a ROYAL COMMISSION· MISINFORMATION BY THE MEDIA, PARTICULARLY 3AW Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn't believe that we're recording this the day after the Victims of Crime Commissioner here in Victoria released her report titled ‘Silenced and Sidelined” which was a disturbing report/insight into how victims of crime are treated by the justice system – from their initial report to Police through to their experience in the court system and how we can improve that experience. It was disturbing reading. My guest today Tammy Casselson's story just highlights and confirms what the Victim of Crime Commission found in her report. What REALLY frustrates me is the fact that since 2016 there have been 7 reports into how victims are treated in the justice system and what can be done to improve their experience. With all due respect to Fiona McCormack, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, nothing seems to have changed. We just seem to be going round & round in circles. And Tammy's story is proof of that……………Tammy Casseslon had it all – or so it appeared. A carefree, happy childhood, happy upbringing, meets Mr Handsome, Mr Popular, Mr Nice Guy, Mr Life of the Party who also had a carefree happy childhood & happy upbringing. A happy life, right??!! Tammy & her husband had 2 adorable children and everything just seemed perfect. But behind closed doors Tammy didn't “have it all”. She was frightened. Her husband's behaviour was becoming more unpredictable – his bursts of anger, his yelling, his insults & his threats, not only towards her, but their children.Mr Handsome had become Mr Narcissist, Mr Abusive, Mr Vindictive, Mr Controlling, Mr Demeaning. Like so many other survivors of D&FV, Tammy made excuses for his behaviour, not recognising or understanding the seriousness of his increasingly violent behaviour. It wasn't until an ill-fated attempt at taking his own life and ending up in hospital, Tammy found the courage to leave. That's when she realised his abuse had included financial abuse & discovered their finances were in shatters, non-existent. He'd kept it secret from her that they had nothing – and Tammy and her children were homeless. But homelessness was a safer option than staying. How does a successful, educated professional woman with a background in counselling, psychology, & teaching become homeless?Tammy was dragged through the court system where all the games her husband could have played, he did – along with his legal representatives whom she felt belittled and intimidated by.Tammy's husband eventually did end his life but left a lot of heartache & “what ifs”. ‘What if' they could have tried some type of amicable reconciliation, ‘what if' their children & their father could have mended some of the damaged relationship, ‘what if' he'd sought some help – his death became a senseless void unable to be filled. All because he refused to seek help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn't believe that we're recording this the day after the Victims of Crime Commissioner here in Victoria released her report titled ‘Silenced & Sidelined” which was a disturbing report/insight into how victims of crime are treated by the justice system – from their initial report to Police through to their experience in the court system & how we can improve that experience. It was disturbing reading. My guest today Tammy Casselson's story just highlights & confirms what the Victim of Crime Commission found in her report. What REALLY frustrates me is the fact that since 2016 there have been 7 reports into how victims are treated in the justice system & what can be done to improve their experience. With all due respect to Fiona McCormack, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, nothing seems to have changed. We just seem to be going round & round in circles. And Tammy's story is proof of that……………Tammy Casseslon had it all – or so it appeared. A carefree, happy childhood, happy upbringing, meets Mr Handsome, Mr Popular, Mr Nice Guy, Mr Life of the Party who also had a carefree happy childhood & happy upbringing. A happy life, right??!! Tammy & her husband had 2 adorable children & everything just seemed perfect. But behind closed doors Tammy didn't “have it all”. She was frightened. Her husband's behaviour was becoming more unpredictable – his bursts of anger, his yelling, his insults & his threats, not only towards her, but their children.Mr Handsome had become Mr Narcissist, Mr Abusive, Mr Vindictive, Mr Controlling, Mr Demeaning. Like so many other survivors of D&FV, Tammy made excuses for his behaviour, not recognising or understanding the seriousness of his increasingly violent behaviour. It wasn't until an ill-fated attempt at taking his own life & ending up in hospital, Tammy found the courage to leave. That's when she realised his abuse had included financial abuse & discovered their finances were in shatters, non-existent. He'd kept it secret from her that they had nothing – & Tammy & her children were homeless. But homelessness was a safer option than staying. How does a successful, educated professional woman with a background in counselling, psychology, & teaching become homeless?Tammy was dragged through the court system where all the games her husband could have played, he did – along with his legal representatives whom she felt belittled & intimidated by.Tammy's husband eventually did end his life but left a lot of heartache & “what ifs”. ‘What if' they could have tried some type of amicable reconciliation, ‘what if' their children & their father could have mended some of the damaged relationship, ‘what if' he'd sought some help – his death became a senseless void unable to be filled. All because he refused to seek help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year I interviewed Peter ‘Lucky' Lukaitis a Policeman from Castlemaine, who was involved in a siege at Kangaroo Flat, here in Victoria, where 4 Police were shot (thankfully all survived). There were many heroic efforts on this day which have resulted in a number of bravery awards, not only for Police, but also members of the public who put their own lives at risk to assist Police who had been shot and lay injured, unable to move. After a 19hr stand off, the SOG were deployed and located the gunman, John Wason, deceased in his home after turning his gun on himself. One of the Policeman shot (not once but twice) was Senior Constable Peter Eames, my guest today. Peter was one of the first to arrive at the scene & was attempting to converse with the gunman when he was shot, first in the chest & then in his leg. Miraculously Peter survived, as did the other 4 Police who were subsequently shot. This siege remains the single largest number of Police shot in the one incident in Victoria's history. But on talking to Peter, the siege pales into insignificance (would you believe) compared with the trauma and grief he endured in Egypt on 12th January 2006. Peter was part of a 90 strong contingent of Australians, made up of police and emergency workers and their friends and relatives, who were on a professional and cultural exchange with Egyptian police, organised through the Egyptian Federation of Victoria and organised twice a year since 1990. Peter was on a bus which overturned on a desert road around 45k from Cairo where 6 people died, 2 of those being Peter's B-I-L Mark and nephew Drew. Many more were injured. Peter miraculously survived (again!!) and was taken to Cairo hospital for treatment for broken bones/ribs, cuts and bruises.Welcome Peter and thanks so much for your time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year I interviewed Peter ‘Lucky' Lukaitis a Policeman from Castlemaine, who was involved in a siege at Kangaroo Flat, here in Victoria, where 4 Police were shot (thankfully all survived). There were many heroic efforts on this day which have resulted in a number of bravery awards, not only for Police, but also members of the public who put their own lives at risk to assist Police who had been shot and lay injured, unable to move. After a 19hr stand off, the SOG were deployed and located the gunman, John Wason, deceased in his home after turning his gun on himself. One of the Policeman shot (not once but twice) was Senior Constable Peter Eames, my guest today. Peter was one of the first to arrive at the scene & was attempting to converse with the gunman when he was shot, first in the chest & then in his leg. Miraculously Peter survived, as did the other 4 Police who were subsequently shot. This siege remains the single largest number of Police shot in the one incident in Victoria's history. But on talking to Peter, the siege pales into insignificance (would you believe) compared with the trauma and grief he endured in Egypt on 12th January 2006. Peter was part of a 90 strong contingent of Australians, made up of police and emergency workers and their friends and relatives, who were on a professional and cultural exchange with Egyptian police, organised through the Egyptian Federation of Victoria and organised twice a year since 1990. Peter was on a bus which overturned on a desert road around 45k from Cairo where 6 people died, 2 of those being Peter's B-I-L Mark and nephew Drew. Many more were injured. Peter miraculously survived (again!!) and was taken to Cairo hospital for treatment for broken bones/ribs, cuts and bruises.Welcome Peter and thanks so much for your time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions.We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions.We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions. We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kane Nuttall's story isn't, unfortunately, all that unusual. As a teenager he struggled to fit in on many levels. He was overweight and hence got bullied. He suffered severe acne which resulted in embarrassment and humiliation. Being a teenager is difficult enough, but with these added pressures, he couldn't escape his feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. With his self confidence and self worth shattered, he began to slide into a deep depression and as his stress and anxiety increased, so did his depression. With everything falling down around him, he fell in with the wrong crowd, trying to fit in anywhere he could and was introduced to drugs. Soon he started to rely on those drugs to feel better & before he knew it, he was dependent on them, being unable to function without them. He lost his will to be anything but a drug addict. And for 12 years he abused his body & his mind, in an almost full-time haze, not caring about anyone or anything, other than where his next hit was coming from. He also tried to end his life, such was that hopelessless and helplessness. The only reason he didn't end up in jail was but for a stroke of luck – and he's never forgotten how ‘lucky' he was the day the house he was living in (which he describes as ‘the drug house') was raided by Police. Had he been home, he probably would have ended up like the others – being charged and facing court and jail time. But what IS unusual about Kane is that he beat his addiction to meth, ice and any other drug he could get his hands on, but it wasn't easy. With his family's support he somehow found a reason to live and he realised he'd been given a second chance and decided to help and support others who'd been in his position and founded an amazing organization – The Power in You. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best things about doing my podcast is discovering people who've never thought of sharing their story because 1) they didn't think anyone would be interested 2) they thought there were others who were doing it tougher than them 3) they had never had the opportunity to tell their story or didn't think they had the courage. Today's guest Michael (not his real name) is that person. Michael sent me a brief message after having read an article about me somewhere. Part of his message read “I want to express my thanks for your work. I can only guess about how hard it was. I write this as an older survivor of childhood abuse confidentially”. Funny how that last word has just been thrown out the window and cast aside by me!! Confidential!!!!– trust me Michael!!! Your secret is safe with me!! I responded and said if he ever felt like talking about it, I've found many of my guests who've never told their story before, find it cathartic and their stories often helps others in the comfort of knowing they are not alone. I can be pretty persuasive and he finally relented!!! Michael has such a great attitude considering his father was jailed for offences committed upon him and his siblings, one of which ended their life as a teenager with Michael never knowing (and never wanting to know) if they too had been abused by their father. It is no surprise that this abuse had a devastating effect on Michael and his family, with relationships fractured and ruined forever. Michael said to me in one phone conversation he was thankful he put his father in jail because “it gave him another 10 yrs of life” which he wouldn't have had, had he not been incarcerated. If you don't mind me saying, that's very forgiving and I don't think there'd be too many others out there as forgiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles was Prison Officer with Corrections Victoria for 12 years.for 6 of these years he worked in the Operations Team for Corrections Victoria Intelligence Unit. His role was to investigate prison offences, drug trafficking into prisons, disrupt prison gang activity, investigate staff misconduct and to provide intelligence information to law enforcement agencies. Giles discovered a love of investigating and has recently landed a great role as an investigator for another government organisation.But it is his role within Corrections Victoria we are going to talk about today. His inside knowledge of many prisoners we have all heard about through the media is fascinating, with his role as case manager requiring him to talk and interact with them and support them in a way. He gives us an insight into their personalities and what it was like dealing with some of Australia's most dangerous criminals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles was Prison Officer with Corrections Victoria for 12 years.for 6 of these years he worked in the Operations Team for Corrections Victoria Intelligence Unit. His role was to investigate prison offences, drug trafficking into prisons, disrupt prison gang activity, investigate staff misconduct and to provide intelligence information to law enforcement agencies. Giles discovered a love of investigating and has recently landed a great role as an investigator for another government organisation.But it is his role within Corrections Victoria we are going to talk about today. His inside knowledge of many prisoners we have all heard about through the media is fascinating, with his role as case manager requiring him to talk and interact with them and support them in a way. He gives us an insight into their personalities and what it was like dealing with some of Australia's most dangerous criminals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Duncan was part of a hand-picked team of Victorian Detectives assigned to assist the Special Operations Group in arresting criminals, Archie Butterly & Peter Gibb, who, with the aid of Gibb's secret lover, prison guard Heather Parker, escaped from the Melbourne Remand Centre in March 1993. Butterly despised Cameron & only days before their escape, had made a credible death threat to Cameron & his family, so upon his escape Cameron's family were immediately evacuated to a safe house. Cameron's decorated career came at a cost in many respects. Cameron's story is compelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tania Maxwell was sexually abused as a child, which led to difficulties as a teenager, battling a gamut of emotions including depression, suicidal ideations and anxiety. But as you'll hear today, her philosophy has been since then, to learn something from every experience, both the good and bad. Tania found a purpose in her life – to become a victim advocate, but to also understand offending more, with a view to reducing it or even better, to ultimately prevent it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tania Maxwell was sexually abused as a child, which led to difficulties as a teenager, battling a gamut of emotions including depression, suicidal ideations and anxiety. But as you'll hear today, her philosophy has been since then, to learn something from every experience, both the good and bad. Tania found a purpose in her life – to become a victim advocate, but to also understand offending more, with a view to reducing it or even better, to ultimately prevent it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To recap, on October 14th 2022, my husband Lloyd and I experienced surviving a flood of mammoth, unheard of levels and the impact it had not only our life but so many others was huge. It's like anything – unless you've experienced a similar situation to what others are going through you just can't truly understand the impact something so major has on your life. Last year I told you how lost I felt, feeling like we'd lost everything when in fact we'd lost a lot but certainly not EVERYTHING. As at today's date, 23rd November 2023 we are still not back in our house. There's been progress, but its been painstakingly slow however I know there are people in Rochester where work hasn't EVEN STARTED. How can that be possible? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob was a specialist Forensic Fraud Investigator and did an aggregate of 11 years with the VicPol Fraud Squad at 3 ranks. Today he takes us into a complicated, what he describes as a “basically uninvestigable” messy file he was handed and asked to have a look at, which contained a plethora of fraudulent insurance claims, false personal injury claims, kickbacks and many more twists and turns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob was a specialist Forensic Fraud Investigator and did an aggregate of 11 years with the VicPol Fraud Squad at 3 ranks. Today he takes us into a complicated, what he describes as a “basically uninvestigable” messy file he was handed and asked to have a look at, which contained a plethora of fraudulent insurance claims, false personal injury claims, kickbacks and many more twists and turns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah was a single mum doing everything to make ends meet when she re-connected with a childhood friend who she'd never really liked, but years later, as an adult, sparks flew. But it wasn't long before she realised those traits she hadn't liked in their childhood hadn't disappeared She couldn't escape his psychological, physical and sexual abuse of her. She lived in fear every single day. This is Sarah's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah was a single mum doing everything to make ends meet when she re-connected with a childhood friend who she'd never really liked, but years later, as an adult, sparks flew. But it wasn't long before she realised those traits she hadn't liked in their childhood hadn't disappeared She couldn't escape his psychological, physical and sexual abuse of her. She lived in fear every single day. This is Sarah's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his own words, Stu Holmes had a ‘blessed childhood'. He wanted to party and party he did. Hard. His life centered around drinking, partying and drug taking. It was never going to end well. Stu eventually found himself in a very dark and lonely place where he believed ending his life was the only answer. He'd lost his wife, his children, his friends, his reputation, his career a everything else he had. In his mind his life was worthless. His behaviour became so erratic he held up a post office with a knife, which led to a term of imprisonment for armed robbery. And that's where everything changed. Prison gave Stu an opportunity to dry out, to think about what a mess he'd made of his life and this was his chance at redemption. After his release, he founded a recruitment agency called ‘The Green Collar Brigade' which, in conjunction with WISE Employment Group, helps those coming out of prison, find meaningful employment & believes everyone deserves a second chance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his own words, Stu Holmes had a ‘blessed childhood'. He wanted to party and party he did. Hard. His life centered around drinking, partying and drug taking. It was never going to end well. Stu eventually found himself in a very dark and lonely place where he believed ending his life was the only answer. He'd lost his wife, his children, his friends, his reputation, his career a everything else he had. In his mind his life was worthless. His behaviour became so erratic he held up a post office with a knife, which led to a term of imprisonment for armed robbery. And that's where everything changed.Prison gave Stu an opportunity to dry out, to think about what a mess he'd made of his life and this was his chance at redemption. After his release, he founded a recruitment agency called ‘The Green Collar Brigade' which, in conjunction with WISE Employment Group, helps those coming out of prison, find meaningful employment & believes everyone deserves a second chance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Anderson has to be the most forgiving person on this earth. Her faith in god is incredibly strong and I believe is the reason she possesses such forgiveness. Not only is she forgiving, but courageous and brave as well. Amazingly so. Gloria has got EVERY REASON IN THE WORLD to think the world was/is a very dark, cruel, place to belong, but it just isn't in her nature to think like that. Gloria saw the goodness in many, including Darin, a regular client who'd lost his job, his home and his self-worth But things began to change when Darin wanted to be more than a border to Gloria – he wanted a relationship which Gloria didn't, and she made that plainly clear. Darin didn't take the news well and feeling rejected and angry, he bound and raped her, tortured her, then abducted her, putting her bound and gagged into the boot of her own car and drove it to a NSW motel where he again raped and tortured he and locked her in a cupboard. Gloria managed to escape and alert the owners of the motel, and it is there that Gloria's nightmare REALLY began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Anderson has to be the most forgiving person on this earth. Her faith in god is incredibly strong and I believe is the reason she possesses such forgiveness. Not only is she forgiving, but courageous and brave as well. Amazingly so. Gloria has got EVERY REASON IN THE WORLD to think the world was/is a very dark, cruel, place to belong, but it just isn't in her nature to think like that. Gloria saw the goodness in many, including Darin, a regular client who'd lost his job, his home and his self-worth But things began to change when Darin wanted to be more than a border to Gloria – he wanted a relationship which Gloria didn't, and she made that plainly clear. Darin didn't take the news well and feeling rejected and angry, he bound and raped her, tortured her, then abducted her, putting her bound and gagged into the boot of her own car and drove it to a NSW motel where he again raped and tortured he and locked her in a cupboard. Gloria managed to escape and alert the owners of the motel, and it is there that Gloria's nightmare REALLY began Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are talking about road trauma and examination of those scenes – it may not be suitable for some affected by road trauma. There's been a spate of BUS and TRUCK crashes of recent times here in Victoria and NSW which made me think it was time we had a chat to an amazing man who was and still is most likely, one of Australia's most knowledgeable experts in the field of major collision investigations, Peter Bellion. Peter hasn't stopped loving what he did for 30 years and is still closely involved in many aspects of road trauma and has continued to be a fierce advocate in trying to keep us & our roads safer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of the areas of reform Liv worked on included family violence, stalking, sexual offending including childhood sexual abuse, liquor control, policing and voluntary assisted dying, just for starters.Since leaving politics before the 2022 election, she has returned to university and is now studying law.She also volunteers with the Power in You Project in Geelong, she's a Board Member of Barwon Community Legal Service in Geelong, she is a Dying With Dignity Young Ambassador and co-ordinates a schools debating competition in Geelong for the Debaters' Association of Victoria.In short – Liv is a remarkable young woman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olivia Nicholls is a former Parliamentary Adviser for Derryn Hinch's Justice Party in the Victorian Parliament.Some of the areas of reform Liv worked on included family violence, stalking, sexual offending including childhood sexual abuse, liquor control, policing and voluntary assisted dying, just for starters.Since leaving politics before the 2022 election, she has returned to university and is now studying law. She also volunteers with the Power in You Project in Geelong, she's a Board Member of Barwon Community Legal Service in Geelong, she is a Dying With Dignity Young Ambassador and co-ordinates a schools debating competition in Geelong for the Debaters' Association of Victoria. In short – Liv is a remarkable young woman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This exclusive Patreon episode, Narelle talks about a former Victoria Police member who shared images of people at their most vulnerable - namely Dani Laidley and deceased people at crime scenes. These saved and shared images created unimaginable grief and distress. But Narelle tells us some further information which may, in some small way, explain to some degree, his appalling behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going underground as a cop sounds like an exciting proposition for a young recruit still learning the ropes, and for Keith Banks that's exactly what it was. He would soon be immersed in the seedy side of criminal life, where he would assume the identity of a drug dealer with the aim of bringing down the cartels flooding the streets with narcotics. But the job would come at the cost of Keith's mental wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Bellion held an unenviable position at Victoria Police – he was an Accident Reconstruction Expert. Long after the ambulances had left the scene, it was Peter's job to painstakingly piece together the events that led to the accident. Over a 30 year long career, Peter would attend over 2000 fatal traffic accidents and eventually the horrific sights he faced on a near daily basis took a toll until he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. Peter still battles with these demons to this day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Thomas is a down to earth, honest and unusually frank Policeman of over 2 decades.In this episode Mark talks openly about his battle with PTSI but the difference with Mark is he is a still a serving/current Vicpol member. Mark was able to recover enough from his PTSI to be able to RTW but much of that was because of the unwavering support of his supervisors. His immediate supervisor understood more than many about how to deal with a member trying to manage psychological injuries, and the difference that has made in Mark's recovery is to be honest, incredible. This is Marks story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Gleeson was a man's man in 1987/88 when I first met him, both of us working at the Carlton Police Station. It was the days of Alfonz Gangitano and the Carlton Crew and they kept us very busy. The Pettingals lived around the corner as did many other old time crooks and career criminals. Dave went on to become a decorated and dedicated high-ranking Detective within Victoria Police and then joined the Australian Federal Police to work overseas. This all formed part of 37 years in a variety of policing jurisdictions & capacity development missions in Timor Leste, Afghanistan & Papua New Guinea. PNG exposed Dave to several traumatic incidents, as did his time in Timor Leste & Afghanistan. That extremely competent, confident, funny, Policeman became a shell of the man I worked with at Carlton. This is Dave's Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Gleeson was a man's man in 1987/88 when I first met him, both of us working at the Carlton Police Station. It was the days of Alfonz Gangitano and the Carlton Crew and they kept us very busy. The Pettingals lived around the corner as did many other old time crooks and career criminals. Dave went on to become a decorated and dedicated high-ranking Detective within Victoria Police and then joined the Australian Federal Police to work overseas. This all formed part of 37 years in a variety of policing jurisdictions & capacity development missions in Timor Leste, Afghanistan & Papua New Guinea. PNG exposed Dave to several traumatic incidents, as did his time in Timor Leste & Afghanistan. That extremely competent, confident, funny, Policeman became a shell of the man I worked with at Carlton. This is Dave's Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He has never told his story and is very nervous in doing so, but wants to encourage others to do what he is doing and free themselves, to a degree, of a darkness which has been within him since childhood. Today Ben is showing bravery and courage beyond words. My interview with Ben is very raw and you can hear the pain and anger in his voice. The effects of childhood abuse cause so many difficulties and issues which is why I am so passionate about doing what I can. My wish is to have as many pedophiles as possible placed somewhere where they can't abuse and damage any other children like Ben, ever again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having attended a range of emergency incidents, examining major crime scenes, bombings, profile serial killings and a myriad of suspicious deaths, organised crime gangs etc, Gordon Drage was forced to leave QPS purely b/c he'd turned 60. That's the rules.Gordon loved his work & excelled in his field of forensic examinations. He was at the top of his game, with so much knowledge & insight into forensic examinations. What a waste…. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having attended a range of emergency incidents, examining major crime scenes, bombings, profile serial killings and a myriad of suspicious deaths, organised crime gangs etc, Gordon Drage was forced to leave QPS purely b/c he'd turned 60. That's the rules.Gordon loved his work & excelled in his field of forensic examinations. He was at the top of his game, with so much knowledge & insight into forensic examinations. What a waste…. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Morgan is a proud Indigenous man, husband and father living on Gadigal land, Eora country, Sydney, Australia. He is an influential, motivating, inspiring mindset and lifestyle coach running coaching programs workshops and events, he's a public speaker and an advocate to name just a few of the many strings he has to his bow, all with a common theme - helping others to live their best lives - maybe even yours.But life hasn't always been rosy for Jeffrey. He was living on the streets of Redfern, Sydney at 12 which led to him spending 18 years in and out of the Australia's maximum-security prisons from 1992 until 2010.This is Jeffery's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Peter' was a prison officer for 12 years and in that 12 years he saw a lot. Part 1 of a fascinating interview with a Prison Officer who has worked at every major prison here in Victoria. He wants to improve many aspects including prison officer training and training programs for prisoners.An amazing insight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Peter' was a prison officer for 12 years and in that 12 years he saw a lot. Part 1 of a fascinating interview with a Prison Officer who has worked at every major prison here in Victoria. He wants to improve many aspects including prison officer training and training programs for prisoners. An amazing insight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Evans was a member of Victoria Police for 23 years until you guessed it, he was ill-health retired due to what Dave would prefer to call ‘a psychological injury' Dave left Policing because he realised VicPol's values and morals didn't align with his own. The impact of requiring a victim to explain the most intimate, often humiliating and embarrassing details of lets say a sexual offence in a statement took its toll on Dave as he was the one who had to pick up the victim's broken pieces.This is Dave's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Evans was a member of Victoria Police for 23 years until you guessed it, he was ill-health retired due to what Dave would prefer to call ‘a psychological injury' Dave left Policing because he realised VicPol's values and morals didn't align with his own. The impact of requiring a victim to explain the most intimate, often humiliating & embarrassing details of lets say a sexual offence in a statement took its toll on Dave as he was the one who had to pick up the victim's broken pieces.This is Dave's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.