Wheels of Justice extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, a Bicycle Education Officer based at Wangaratta.

The Age: Dedicated policewoman killed in crash - 17 August, 2006

Thick fog is believed to have caused a single-vehicle crash that killed a country policewoman dedicated to teaching children about road safety. Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, 49, was on duty and travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta yesterday when her vehicle ran off the Omeo Highway about 2½ kilometres south of Eskdale and struck a tree. Senior Constable Brimblecombe, a bicycle education officer, was on her way to give a lecture at the time.

Police believe she left Wangaratta at 7.30am and at some stage her car left the road in foggy conditions. It was discovered by a farmer about 11am. She had been a police officer for 27 years and had worked at force reserve in Russell Street before being stationed at Kew. In 1981 she was stationed at the Russell Street policewomen’s division and also served in the community police squad in Melbourne’s east.

She was promoted to senior constable in 1985 and while she returned to force reserve in 1993, she transferred to Wangaratta in 1995 where she had worked ever since. Yackandandah Primary School, where Senior Constable Brimblecombe had spent the two days before her death teaching road safety, was in shock after learning of the tragedy. Principal Kathy Petzke said the pupils looked forward to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s annual visit.

“It was quite an interactive program she provided with a lot of home-made props … We’re all very shocked about what has happened yet grateful for the important role she played.” Wangaratta police acting Inspector David Ryan said her death was a great loss not only to Victoria Police, but also to the general school community. Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings said Senior Constable Brimblecombe regularly travelled long distances as part of her job.

“She was always a very cautious and safe driver … she was well prepared and knew the country and the terrain,” he said. “I went to visit Ann’s parents and spoke with her mum and dad and brother and sister there and they are handling it as well as can be expected.” Police Association secretary Paul Mullett said Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a well-respected member who would be sadly missed.

Police Minister Tim Holding yesterday expressed sympathy to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s family. “Our thoughts also go out to her friends and fellow officers,” he said. “We honour her service and are greatly saddened by the tragic circumstances of her passing.”

The Age: Policewoman killed on country road - 16 August, 2006
A much-loved Victorian country policewoman on her way to teach schoolchildren bike safety died today when her car crashed in heavy fog. Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, 49, was driving from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta Primary School in the state’s north-east when her car ran off the road into a tree.

Witnesses heard the crash 2.5km south of Eskdale, about 40km from Mitta Mitta, about 9am (AEST), but it was two hours before a local farmer found the wreckage after the fog lifted. Wangaratta police Acting Inspector David Ryan said Sen Const Brimblecombe moved to Wangaratta almost 11 years ago to become the Bicycle Education Officer.

He said she travelled the road same regularly and her tragic death was a great loss not only to Victoria Police, but the general school community. “(She was) much loved by all and was a very special member of our policing community,” he said. “She’s probably more loved by the children of north-east Victoria over many generations.

Children who have now grown up would stop her in the street.” Acting Insp Ryan said Sen Const Brimblecombe was single and had no children. A police spokeswoman said Sen Const Brimblecombe joined Victoria Police in 1979 and worked at Force Reserve in Russell Street before being stationed at Kew.

In 1981 she was stationed at the Russell Street Policewomen’s Division. She also served in the former Y District Community Police Squad in Melbourne’s east and was promoted to Senior Constable in 1985. She returned to Force Reserve in 1993 before transferring to Wangaratta in 1995.

A VicRoads spokesman said the Omeo Highway would remain closed between Mitta Mitta and Eskdale until tomorrow morning. Traffic was being detoured via the Mitta North Road, he said.