POLITICS PAGE 4
LIFE & STYLE PAGE 20
INSIDE TE starts PAGE 25
ABBOTT’S hard TASK
tips for a healthy gut
always room for jello
may 1 2013 www.newcastlepost.com.au
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Vale Tony Tamplin Shock and sadness at the passing of a Newcastle icon
Senior Constable Tony Tamplin at the recent celebrations marking his 35-year service to the NSW Police Force
Tricia Morosin
N
ovocastrians were shocked and saddened on Monday by the news that much respected Newcastle figure and Post columnist, Senior Constable Tony Tamplin, had passed away suddenly at the age of 54. Commander of Newcastle LAC,
Superintendent John Gralton, confirmed that Senior Constable Tamplin had collapsed early on Monday morning from what appeared to be a heart attack and, despite “valiant efforts” by a number of his colleagues, the paramedics who attended the station and the staff at the Mater hospital, he died at 7.30am. As members of the community dropped flowers outside
Waratah Police Station, a somber Superintendent Gralton addressed the media, describing Tony as “larger than life”. “Certainly the Hunter has lost a piece of its heart today,” Superintendent Gralton said of the policeman who had given 35 years of service to the NSW Police Force. “He has [left] very big shoes to fill – I don’t just say that in terms of physicality – metaphorically he
was a big personality, a wonderful person, devoted father, husband, brother and son.” Tributes quickly poured in, with Newcastle’s Lord Mayor, Jeff McCloy, speaking highly of the local icon. “Tony Tamplin was a lovely man who gave so much to Newcastle, the police and young people,” Cr McCloy said. “He brought policing and the community together, always with humour and humility.” Newcastle MP, Tim Owen, acknowledged the “countless hours of work that Senior Constable Tamplin donated to assisting others, including charitable foundations”. Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery, said Newcastle had “lost one of its best”. Senior Constable Tamplin joined the force in 1978, serving in Chatswood and Frenchs Forest in Sydney, before coming to Newcastle in 1981. He is perhaps best known locally as the long-serving media spokesperson for the Newcastle Local Area Command. Our readers would be familiar with Senior Constable Tamplin’s weekly ‘Police Matters’ column – the last one of which will run in this week’s paper. Senior Constable Tamplin is survived by his wife, Sonia, and his six children. Superintendent Gralton said a full police funeral would be held, with details to come, and expressed the family’s wishes to remember Senior Constable Tamplin with happiness. “[Tony’s] wife Sonia said to me today that he would want people to celebrate his life and even 20 years ago he said, ‘When I do go, make sure people celebrate and have a happy time’.” @triciamorosin
sounding alarm Around 50 people – including some 20 local fire fighters – have rallied at Sporties in Belmont to stop closures at Belmont and Tingira Heights fire stations. Organised by the Federal Member for Shortland, Jill Hall, State Opposition Leader, John Robertson and local Labor Councillors Chad Griffith and Barney Langford also attended the rally in support of the issue.
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over the rainbow Controversy over chalk artwork continues Page 3
back on track Knights under 20s record solid win Page 52
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