Nixon bows out

By Kath Gannaway
CHRISTINE Nixon is a volunteer … as of today (Tuesday).
It’s a big step back for the woman who retired from the role of police commissioner to go straight into leading Victoria’s bushfire recovery as the head of VBRRA.
She plans to have a bit of a break and return mid-September to concentrate on her continuing role with the bushfire appeal fund and working with the bereaved bushfire community.
Last week it was morning tea with a group of women who meet weekly for coffee at Yarra Glen.
There are no speeches. It’s an opportunity to catch up and chat about all the things people need to get off their chests, as well as share the joys in life – two new babies among them.
While working within government served a purpose, she says there was always a need to have the closeness with communities she is recognised for, even among her detractors.
“I believe I have been able to give them strength on occasions, and many have given me strength as well.
“I’ve had more hugs than I ever got as police commissioner,” she says.
“That’s the wonderful thing … because of that support, people give you a fair run if you are prepared to give them your time and energy and treat them fairly and decently.”
She says the change of role, and pace, will allow her to be out in the community, talking to people, getting a sense of the issues and feeding that back to government, as well as to VBRRA.
“Those women are just a great group of women who have really supported each other,” she said of the Yarra Glen group.
“To just have a chat is showing support for them and recognising that their support for each other is important.
While the conversation’s theirs, she says the topics range from practical issues such as rebuilding to how they are managing. “Sometimes they are tired, sometimes emotional … we had two lovely babies there and that’s part of the new life.”
Who does Christine Nixon talk to when she needs someone to lean on?
“We have a really supportive environment (at VBRRA) and for me just seeing the results of what is happening, the positiveness and people able to just get through the next day is a great encouragement,” she says.
Her husband, John Becquet, signed on from the start. It was the only way he was going to get to see her.
“We had never worked together before but he has travelled 50,000 kilometres since we started and, yes, he’s fabulous,” she says.
And her parents. “My father is incredibly supportive,” she says with great affection in her voice.
“And, my mum, with early stages of alzheimers, she says, ‘if all else fails, you can come home Christine’.”
It’s not an invitation Christine Nixon is likely to take up any time soon, but it’s very sweet.