George Kemp's mile walk trophy
This trophy was awarded to Constable George Eric Kemp (1904-1987) for winning the Mile Walk Handicap at the NSW Amateur Athletics Association Police Carnival in February 1936.
He had come second in the same event in 1935. The NSW Police force has a long and continuing tradition of holding regular sporting carnivals to encourage officers to maintain their physical fitness. Kemp was also a member of the NSW Police Band and in 1938 he received a special commendation. This was for services rendered by the band at the many functions held in connection with the 1938 NSW sesqui-centenary Celebrations and for the conspicuous bravery displayed by the band during a boating tragedy on Sydney Harbour. One Sunday afternoon in February 1938 the launch ‘Rodney’ capsized off Bradley’s Head with 120 passengers on board. The band was playing on a nearby boat and band members tore off their jackets and dived into the water to rescue passengers. Nineteen people drowned.
George Kemp joined the police in 1926 and served across the Metropolitan area as well as in regional stations including Moss Vale and Goulburn. He retired in 1964, having risen to the rank of Inspector 1st Class.
Related
The trophy cabinet
Trophies are symbolic objects, intended for display as evidence of achievement, especially of victory in a contest of some kind
Published on
Collection items
Come in spinner!
Gambling in Australia is regulated by the state and some types of gambling are illegal. The game Two-up, with its catch cry of ‘Come in Spinner!’, is legal only on Anzac Day and only in some states
Convict Sydney
Convict Cap
A hat was known as a castor or a kelp in the convict 'flash' slang language
The trophy cabinet
Trophies are symbolic objects, intended for display as evidence of achievement, especially of victory in a contest of some kind
Bicornes, bonnets & boaters
There’s a variety of headwear across our collections ranging in date from early to late nineteenth century
Convict Sydney
Love token, Donovan
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Reading the score
Since the early 1800s, Australian households have purchased sheet music to enliven their drawing room repertoire
Close to the heart
Expressions of love and endearment have long been embodied in keepsakes or jewellery worn or held close to the body
Magic lantern at Rouse Hill Estate
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Projected across time
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