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Ian Hodges - September 2022
I was born and bred at Parkes in the Central West of NSW. I left school at an early age to work on the family farm, growing wheat, wool, lambs, cattle and pigs. Our property was very close to the Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish)
At age 19 I spent time in the North Island of New Zealand on a working holiday. I planted trees for NZ Forest Products, worked on dairy farms and also worked in hotels.
I returned to the family property, worked on the farm until drought, wheat quotas etc made farming very tough. Being the youngest of 3 boys I joined the NSW Police Force.
I did my training for the Police Force at the old Police Academy in Bourke Street Redfern, the training then was 6 weeks and then you went to a station as a Probationary Constable. I was stationed at a number of Stations in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
In 1973 I was transferred to Moulamein in South Western NSW. My patrol there was 5,500 square miles. I also covered approximately 500 miles of the Murray River.
I was transferred to Coffs Harbour in 1977 and then to Sawtell 1980 back to Coffs in 1985 where I remained until I was medically discharged with a hurt on duty injury in March 2000.
I have always been involved Community activities. At Moulamein I was a foundation member of the local Lions Club holding various positions. When transferred to Coffs we purchased a home in Toormina. I was a foundation member of Toormina Apex Club holding numerous positions within the club including President. I was the foundation President of the Coffs Harbour Blue Light Disco.
I was a member of the Board of Directors of the Sawtell RSL Club for 32 years, 17 years as Vice President and 10 years as President. I retired from the Club Board about 6 years ago. I was awarded Life Membership of the Sawtell RSL Club for services to the club. I was a volunteer at Sawtell Meals on Wheels for many years delivering meals. I also held the positions of committee member, President/Secretary of both Sawtell MOWS and Sawtell Food Services.
I was the Chairman of the Coffs Harbour Police Association of NSW and also the North Coast Delegate. I am still a local area rep for NSW Police Legacy looking after the welfare of our widows and children of deceased Police. I was the President/Secretary/Newsletter editor of the Coffs Harbour Branch of the Retired Police Association for approximately 10 years and still hold the position of Welfare Officer.
In 2000 I had the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch through the main street of Sawtell prior to the Sydney Olympics. In 2004 I was honoured to be named Sawtell Citizen of the year. In 2007 I was honoured to receive the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queens birthday Honours list for services to the Coffs Harbour Community. I was also honoured to be awarded the Australian National Police Medal, The National Medal and the NSW Police Service Medal. I am currently a member of the orange shirted General Volunteers at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
I became interested in becoming a presenter on 2AIRFM a few years ago, had a mag to Serco and the rest is history. I absolutely love doing my 9am Friday programs and the occasional interview on the Community Program on Thursday's when required.
Ian Hodges
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