Certificate of Thanks for key figure in Bidyadanga

Royal Life Saving WA recently had the opportunity to present a Certificate of Thanks to a very deserving member of the Bidyadanga community. Bidyadanga, also known as La Grange, is a remote Aboriginal community in WA’s Kimberley region located 180km south of Broome.

Royal Life Saving WA’s Bernie Egan, who manages the Bidyadanga Community Swimming Pool, recently presented a Certificate of Thanks to Brevet Senior Sergeant Martin Glynn of the Western Australian Police Force.

“Arriving in Bidyadanga in late 2019 in the role of Officer in Charge at Bidyadanga Police Station, Martin has been instrumental in getting interagency meetings happening to ensure we are all working towards the same outcomes and supporting each other,” says Bernie.

“Martin has also answered the call to assist at the pool on many occasions, with supervision of activities such as pool parties, the Aquarun, and even cooking up a feed on the BBQ. As a sole operator pool, it has been a big help to know that Martin and the WA Police make themselves available to prepare for extreme weather events and to also assist in getting the pool reopen in a timely manner. With the station across the road from the pool, it’s good to know Martin is there keeping an eye on the pool during the closed season in winter as well.”

Brevet Senior Sergeant Glynn has also been active in supporting other community initiatives, providing a variety of opportunities for the ‘Bidgy kids’ to have fun safely, according to Bernie. “During his time in Bidyadanga, Martin has also got the PCYC [Police and Community Youth Club] back up and running, hosting Blue Light events at the recreation centre, pool and police station. Discos, basketball and fishing have all been popular events.”

It’s not just the people of Bidyadanga who benefit from Glynn’s efforts, but the local four-legged residents too! “Beyond caring for people in the community, Martin also cares for animals,” says Bernie. “As the local representative for SAFE Broome [Saving Animals From Euthanasia], he helps distribute flea and tick treatments to local pets. Thank you Martin Glynn, you are a worthy recipient of this Certificate of Thanks.”