The blue family stood shoulder to shoulder today to farewell Queensland Police Service's 21st Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski AO APM.
More than 750 people, including family, friends, serving and retired police officers, colleagues, senior public leaders and other dignitaries, as well as over 1000 viewers on the QPS online livestream, gathered to celebrate Steve's life and legacy, reflecting on the profound impact he had on those who knew him, worked alongside him and served under his leadership.
In a powerful tribute, serving and retired officers formed a guard of honour stretching more than 300 metres from Brisbane City Hall, honouring a leader whose contribution to Queensland will never be forgotten.
A leader Queenslanders looked to in some of their darkest hours, former Commissioner Steve Gollschewski was a guiding force through the 2011 Lockyer Valley and Brisbane floods and the COVID-19 pandemic as State Disaster Coordinator. He oversaw the security operation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and led complex whole-of-government responses during some of the state's most challenging periods. But his proudest moments came as a young detective, helping victims seek justice and holding offenders to account.
He spent a lifetime making Queensland communities safer. Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing said through every chapter of his career, Steve remained true to his values and never lost sight of those he served.
"Across every role, Steve was a visionary and contemporary leader, bringing an exceptional command of detail and a rare ability to make sense of complexity.
"The blue family will always be part of his story, not simply because of the uniform, but because of the people who stood beside him, had his back and called him a friend.
"He was driven by a desire to leave the organisation stronger and to ensure frontline police had the support, capability and leadership they needed to serve and protect the community.
"He absorbed information quickly, recalled it with remarkable clarity and used that understanding to anticipate challenges and shape a clear path forward."
Behind the uniform, titles and accolades, Steve has been remembered for his incredible love and devotion to his family, friends and loved ones. In a heartfelt statement, his family reflected on the overwhelming outpouring of support following his passing and the profound loss they continue to feel.
"Today's service was about honouring the many facets of Steve's life that made him the person who we love so deeply," a family spokesperson said.
"His loss has been felt not only by his family, friends and colleagues but by the wider community and it has touched our hearts to read all the kind tributes to him over the past week. So brave and so loved."
Those gathered reflected on a legacy defined by service, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the people of Queensland. In every role, Steve was remembered for the courage, conviction and vision that shaped a career dedicated to strengthening the Service and supporting frontline officers.
The Queensland Police Service extends its deepest condolences to Steve's family and loved ones and honours his extraordinary contribution to Queensland and the Queensland Police Service.
With honour he served.
