DEDICATED Millicent Police officer Des Noll OAM has handed in his badge and is moving into retirement, but his inspiring contribution to the community will
continue.
His final day in uniform is Wednesday and the very next day he will attend a workshop of the new suicide prevention network at Glencoe.
After 43 years of upholding the law, Senior Constable Noll will continue with his voluntary work in the Millicent community, which he has called home since 1986.
Whether it be the Apex and Lions service clubs, the State Emergency Service or school committees, the man known widely as “Des” has given much to Millicent.
His dedication was recognised at the highest level a few years ago when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
For his first nine years in Millicent, Const Noll was employed on general patrols from the station in George Street.
A major career change came in 1995 when he was appointed as the police program manager of the Noorla Yo- Long youth camp at Rendelsham.
Under his leadership, the facilities provided at the camp have greatly expanded and now host thousands of all ages each year.
Const Noll’s enthusiasm for youth development won backing from police, the wider community and business benefactors such as the late Allan Scott AO.
It was appropriate that Const Noll’s farewell was recently held at the Rendelsham camp with a lunch attended by 40 guests.
Several speakers acknowledged his service as a police officer, which began at the Fort Largs Academy in 1975.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle described him as an officer who gave loyal and exceptional service.
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi said he wanted to express the gratitude of the wider community to Const Noll.
“He has made a fantastic contribution over many years,” Mr Gandolfi said.
“Des has infectious enthusiasm and has been very active in the community.”
Millicent accountant Michael Schultz served on the Noorla Yo-Long management committee for many years and described Const Noll as a “wonderful leader who achieved wonderful things”.
“Des was prepared to make decisions,” Mr Schultz said.
In acknowledging these and other speakers, Const Noll described his career as a police officer.
He said he was a “young and naïve kid” when he went to the police academy.
After graduating and various postings in the Adelaide metropolitan area, he brought his family to Millicent 32 years ago.
“It was a sea change for us,” he said.
“I had never been there, but I knew there were only day and afternoon shifts.
“I wanted to get involved in the community by joining a service club.
“In today’s world, people do not want to get involved.”
Const Noll explained the unusual circumstances which led to him being appointed as the program manager at Noorla Yo-Long.
“There was a public meeting in 1995 to discuss the future of the Rendelsham camp,” he said.
“I was there and the South East Police Superintendent Wayne Bristow said a police officer had been appointed to be program manager and would start work the following day.
“I wondered what the boss was on about.
“I was then told the police officer was me.”
Const Noll said he had been thinking about retirement for the past 12 to 18 months.
“Noorla Yo-Long needs fresh ideas and a fresh direction,” he said.
“From May 23, it will become the responsibility of others.
“I love living in Millicent – it is such a connected community.”
