Tuesday, 3 May 2022

Members statements

Senior Constable Bria Joyce

Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) (13:54): Today I speak on behalf of Bria Joyce, who was a Victorian police officer with the number 42368 and who tragically lost her life recently in Mildura. She was the adored partner of Kyle and a loved daughter of Dianne. She was known up there as bright and bubbly and described as a real country girl. She was much loved and active in and passionate about her community. She was very involved in sports as well as other things up in her local community. She was just 25 years old, and she was a police officer for six years. But her policing life has left a memorable impact. She was off duty when she rescued a young girl struggling in the Murray River, and the girl’s father said it could have been a disastrous day if Joyce had not been there and she needed to be thanked for these things.

She joined the police force on 22 August 2016 in squad 6 of 2016–17, and she graduated eighth in her squad. She was sworn in on 11 November 2016. She had a distinguished career and ended up moving back up to Mildura, where she enjoyed working with her colleagues, who have all spoken very, very highly of her. As many know, she lost her life. She was in the car with Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane, who was injured. Thomas was a squad mate of mine back in 2001. I have messaged Thomas to send through our thoughts, and our thoughts from the entire Parliament, from every person, should be sent to every member in Mildura not just of the community but particularly of the police force to thank Bria for her duty to Victoria.