Since 2008 Hannah’s Foundation has been supported by our wonderful Patron, Commissioner of Police Qld, Bob Atkinson APM. Commissioner Atkinson has been supporting the Plint family not only as a police family but as members of the community after tragedy. He has contacted many of the families and Officers that have been touched by Drowning tragedies and supported us in the media.
Hannah’s Foundation Founders Andrew and Katherine along with young son Harry also participate every year in the Qld Police Memorial Day and pay tribute to those Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The first Police Officer to lose their life on duty in Qld was Matthew Connolly, on the 29th August 1861 delivering medications to a sick woman. Constable Connolly drowned in Sandy Creek in Laidley which is not far from where the Plint family live.
This photo of Commissioner Atkinson and Harry Plint (then aged 3) was taken at Police Memorial Day 2009. It is not very often that anyone gets to wear the Commissioner Police Peak Hat. Harry and Commissioner Atkinson also, together attend a Christmas Lunch together. We are truly indebted to the committment that Commissioner Atkinson provides to the Foundation and to also our family on the difficult days. Commissioner Atkinson also launches the Fundraising Event “Breakfast Creek Keg Race” every year.
In 2010, Commissoner Atkinson was also inducted into the Hannah’s Foundation Member Roll as an Honourary Life Member for his continued support and dedication. Commissioner Atkinson was presented his Executive Shirt and name badge by Harry Plint in December 2010.
Commissioner Atkinson said “Hannah’s Foundation advocates Pool and Water Safety in Queensland and assists families not only in Queensland but nationwide through peer support, counselling and financial assistance for children’s funerals. As their Patron, the Qld Police Service supports Hannah’s Foundation and I would like to encourage all members of the community to be actively involved in Water Safety and Education in Qld.”
