Decision details

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

I am very sorry to inform Council that Superintendent Luke Freudenstein is retiring as Commander of the Redfern Police Area Command after 38 years service to the NSW Police and the people of NSW.

Superintendent Freudenstein commenced at Redfern Police Area Command around a decade ago having not previously worked with the Aboriginal community. He was only meant to be at Redfern for six months. Instead it was where he has served out his police career.

Over the past decade he has worked to reduce crime in the Redfern Command by engaging with the local Aboriginal community and by committing himself to rehabilitation as well as enforcement. This has included giving up his own time to work with prisoners involving them in practical rehabilition programs.

His outstanding leadership has demonstrated the benefits of community policing, through his accessible, sensitive and effective approach and his committed service to our local area. His collaborative approach to working with, and willingness to learn from, the local community has made a tremendous difference in the lives of residents in Redfern and the surrounding village areas.

He is particularly appreciated for his work with people leaving prison and young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members through boxing, mentoring and improving the community’s relationship with the police.

He has made a vital contribution to programs such as Clean Slate Without Prejudice, IPROWD (the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander police recruitment program), Redlink, Redfern Neighbourhood Day, his involvement with the Redfern All Blacks and his continued support for our social housing community forums.

Superintendent Freudenstein's exemplary service was appropriately acknowledged when he was awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal in the 2013 Australia Day Honours.

The City of Sydney is proud to partner with the Redfern Police Area Command and is honoured to have worked with him in his role as Superintendent.

His years of hard work and passion for the community will not be forgotten. I am sure all Councillors will join me in wishing him well in his retirement from NSW Police, confident that his influence will continue to be felt and that he will retain a strong interest in the communities he has served.

Recommendation

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council commend Superintendent Luke Freudenstein on his exemplary service to NSW Police and the City of Sydney community; and

(B)      wish him an enjoyable and fulfilling retirement.

COUNCILLOR CLOVER MOORE

Lord Mayor

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Scott –

That the Minute by the Lord Mayor be endorsed and adopted.

Carried unanimously.

Note – The Chair welcomed and acknowledged the presence in the Council Chamber of Superintendent Luke Freudenstein APM, and Detective Superintendent Anthony Cook, representing the Commissioner.

Note – following discussion and voting on this item, the Chair (the Lord Mayor), all Councillors, staff, press and members of the public present acknowledged Superintendent Freudenstein’s achievements with a standing ovation.