| Biography:
Nothing
spectacular during 8 years and 169 days service in RAN. Like most,
travelled through South East Asia, south pacific and Hawaii for RIMPAC
Exercise. I enjoyed my time in the Navy until I got married, when being
away from home so much got too much.
In December
1972, whilst posted at Leeuwin for the second time, I married my wife, Ann
(Nee Roberts), who was the niece of my sponsors and therefore Gary Day’s
cousin. Chris Dunn and Steve Barden will probably remember her. We have
four sons- Paul (28), Michael (25), Kyle and Jon (20yr old twins).
Paul is a
Captain in the Army Engineers and Currently stationed at Enoggera in
Queensland. His becoming a ‘pongo’ has the subject of some friendly
banter over the years. He will leave the Army in 2.5 years and hopefully
settle back in Perth.
Michael is a
graphic designer working for a sign making and vehicle graphics company.
He is hoping to start his own business in 12 to 18 months time.
Kyle is a
Civil and Structural Drafter and Jon is in his third year at university
studying Sports Science and works part time as a sports trainer with the
West Coast Eagles and the WAFL Umpires. Both boys are nationally
accredited Baseball Umpires and in the top 10 in WA. As you can see I’m
a bit proud of all my kids achievements.
On discharge
in February 1975, I worked as a barman at the Royal Perth Yacht Club
whilst waiting to enter the Police Academy, which I did on November 3,
1975. I completed 28 years service last November and will have completed
35 years by the time I retire at 60 years of age. During my police service
I have served in Youth Clubs, Traffic, Human Resources and General Duties.
I am
currently a Senior Sergeant and Officer in Charge, Gosnells Police Station
in the southern suburbs of the Perth metropolitan area. I have a staff of
36 sworn (cops) and 4 unsworn (civvies) and police the ten suburbs of the
City of Gosnells, comprising approximately 87,000 residents. The area is
predominately a low socio-economic area and is one of the busiest and
violent police sub districts in the state. It is nicknamed “South
Beirut” for good reason. Fortunately, I have a very good crew, most of
who are around the same age as my kids and morale is very good, despite
injuries being a regular occurrence. I am hopeful of being promoted to
commissioned rank within the next twelve months.
Apart from
the medals for Viet Nam and the FESR, I have been awarded the National
Medal and clasp and the Western Australia Police Service Medal.
In 1986 I was
diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis and consequently lost the sight in my left
eye. This was eventually deemed to be service/war related and so I get a
50% DVA Disability pension. Three of my children have unexplained
disabilities, which I now believe is related to consuming dioxins (agent
orange) in the water on the Sydney. I intend to follow this up with
Federal Government.
I have
rattled on enough. Would love to hear or see any of my JR shipmates. Give
me a call, email or letter.
Steve
Byrne
(Brolga)
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