Recognised: Baddaginnie's William Morris Frears was given this certificate in 1985 for good driving.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
William Morris Frears was many things, a devoted husband, fearless World War II veteran, and as of November 25, 1985, he was recognised as one of the area’s best drivers.
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That last one might seem a little odd, however on that day Mr Frears was presented with a certificate by Assistant Commissioner R.G. Baker after he was pulled over and “accused” of driving well.
An “accusation” and accolade he happily accepted.
At the time Victoria Police was running Operation ‘Count Down’ whereby people observed being courteous and safe behind the wheel were rewarded for their skills.
This all re-emerged after 36 years when the Ensign relocated from Carrier St to Bridge St.
Happy: William and Daphne Frears on Anzac Day 2000.
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Contributed
In cleaning out a back room his certificate was discovered and published on social media to see if it could be returned.
It was April 10, 2023, 18 months after that post, when the Ensign received a reply.
Sadly it turned out Mr Frears had passed away on January 5, 2011.
However his great niece Kirsty Trimper had stumbled across the Facebook post while looking for family history to pass on to her mother who was researching the family tree.
She contacted the Ensign to ask if it could be sent to her.
While it’s with the good people at Australia Post on its way to Ms Trimper we thought it would be a good opportunity to share the story with the community.
Back in 1985 the Ensign published a short article on Mr Frears and his certificate, a clipping of which has also been sent to Ms Trimper.
Published: The Ensign featured a short article on Mr Frears being honoured as a good driver in 1985.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
It explained that Operation ‘Count Down’ was part of a campaign running until December 22 that year.
Officer in charge of Benalla’s Traffic Operations Group (in 1985) Charlie Side said police had been awarding safe driver certificates statewide, and all nominees received a certificate.
Mr Frears was born in Port Adelaide on November 15, 1915, enlisting in the army at the outbreak of World War II. He served in many campaigns.
Veteran: William Morris Frears pictured in his military uniform, date unknown.
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Contributed
He married Daphne Ryder and the couple relocated to Baddaginnie, where they lived for many years as active members of the community.
Bill, as he was known to friends, was involved in his local RSL and was a fixture at Anzac Day events.
His links to Baddaginnie continue to this day with Frears St in the township named in his honour.
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