Colonel Lawrence James Newell CStJ QPM ED
Thirteenth Commissioner of St John Victoria District, 1987-1990
Lawrie Newell was a former senior Police officer recruited directly to St John District staff by Commissioner Frank Poke. He became Deputy to Edward Brentnall upon General Poke’s promotion to national headquarters. He had joined Victoria Police before WW II and was refused permission to enlist, but after the war joined Citizens Military Forces. He was gradually promoted both within the Police Force and the CMF, becoming Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commanding Officer of 2nd Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery. He left the Police to become Board Chairman of the Country Fire Authority.
Within St John, Lawrie was particularly involved with officer training and strategic planning. This was recognized by his investiture as a Commander in the Order of St John in 1985. During his tenure as Commissioner, however, financial difficulties of the organisation prevented full implementation of his plans. His nomination of some members for award of the National Medal also brought him into conflict with national headquarters. He retired at the end of his triennium.
