March 7, 2018
A charity dinner to help “Lift the Lid” on mental health issues – as well as the career of retiring Police Prosecutor Sgt Wayne Bushell – filled Kingaroy Town Hall on Saturday night.
Current and former police officers, solicitors and court officials were amongst the almost 260 people in attendance to send off “Bushy” in style.
The evening was not just a retirement party for Wayne, its main aim was to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health’s “Lift the Lid” mental health program.
This is the third joint charity fundraiser that Kingaroy Rotary past president Wayne has organised in conjunction with his service club.
Inspector Greg Daniels, in charge of the Police Prosecutions Branch; Deputy Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner; and Police Union president Ian Leavers were amongst the special guests.
But the most important people in attendance were six of Bushy’s seven adult children who now live all over Australia and travelled to Kingaroy especially for the occasion.
Wayne’s daughter Kate took to the stage to share reminiscences of her father … of him working as a police officer in South Australia and driving a taxi at weekends to help make ends meet for his family; cooking (Bushy’s curries are legendary in Kingaroy); mixing cocktails, teaching his children how to drive … and diving into the shallow end of the pool!
Fundraising on the night also consisted of multiple-draw raffles.
Wayne said he wanted to thank all the sponsors who had donated food and raffle prizes for the event, as well as chefs Judy Crawford and Eddie McGregor; and the hospitality students from Kingaroy State High School who worked hard all night serving the tables.
UPDATE March 15: The evening raised $8225 profit for Australian Rotary Health.
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Thank you Anne and Dafyd. I had a wonderful time it was nice to be in the hall rather than in the kitchen. I felt honoured to have such a cross reference of the community present.
It was truly a memorable event and for me it served to revealed a softer side of the big man. Such courage and determination in taking on raising orphans in a country that gave them a better future and a loving family environment.
The money raised will carry on the good work of tackling mental issues long after the party has ended.
You’ve got to love the man’s values.
Congratulations on a wonderful night to farewell Bushy. Well done to all involved with the organisation.
Your community spirit and charity work doesn’t go unnoticed, Wayne. Rotary will miss you when you go travelling.
Your caring nature shows through your commitment to the police force, the community, work colleagues, your family and your friends . The hall was filled with much admiration and love on Saturday night. Hats off to you, Bushy. Now it is time for you take It easy, and someone has very BIG shoes to fill.
Wishing you well for your future as you travel Australia with Deb. The next chapter of your life is about to unfold.