Denis Ryan receives Freeman of the City honours

Published on 13 July 2018

Mildura Rural City Council last night conferred its highest honour, formally announcing our region’s latest Freeman of the City.

Denis Ryan AM was conferred at a civic reception in front of fellow Freemen of the City, as well as his supporters, family and friends.

Mr Ryan needs no introduction to Sunraysia residents, receiving national praise and recognition for his selfless acts uncovering and seeking justice for victims of institutional abuse in the Sunraysia area.

In what is now a well-documented story, the former Mildura Police officer made immense professional and personal sacrifices over four decades in his pursuit to uncover and seek justice for victims of institutional abuse during the 1970s.

Mr Ryan's heroic efforts, which destroyed his policing career due to his refusal to 'turn the other way' despite high-level pressure to do so, have helped change the culture of our community. He has taught people that it is not only okay to speak out against injustice - it's the right thing to do.

Undaunted, Mr Ryan continued to fight for justice for more than four decades, a fight which impacted significantly on Mr Ryan and his family.

His efforts have since been vindicated at many different levels.

This includes acceptance of his testimony at the Child Abuse Royal Commission, a public apology from Victoria Police, and being made a Member of the Order of Australia and Mildura’s Citizen of the Year as part of this year’s Australia Day honours.

In bestowing the honour of Freeman of the City on Mr Ryan, Council considered the following criteria: contribution to the community, outstanding achievement, personal integrity and affiliation with the municipality.

Councillors unanimously voted to make Mr Ryan a Freeman of the City.

He joins Glenn Miller OAM (2005), Margaret Kelly (2005) and John Burfitt (2010) as Mildura’s current Freemen of the City.

Mildura Mayor Mark Eckel said Mr Ryan was a “more than worthy” recipient of the honour.

“We have a lot to be proud of in our region, not least of which are the achievements of our residents, and Mr Ryan’s courageous and selfless actions over many years are a prime example,” Cr Eckel said.

“I’m glad we’re able add to the already numerous and prestigious awards, titles and recognition Mr Ryan has received by bestowing on him our highest honour, and we’re certainly proud as a community of his efforts.”

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