Senior police will plunge into icy ocean water in Newcastle today to raise money for a good cause.
The Polar Plunge sees participants enter the water at 19 locations across Australia between Saturday 19 July 2025 to Saturday 30 August 2025, with eight of these taking place at various locations across NSW.
Law Enforcement Torch Run is a charity made of up of NSW Police Force and other law enforcement agencies, and it coordinates events – including the Polar Plunge – to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Australia.
One of the plunges will be held at Merewether Ocean Baths this morning (Sunday 24 August 2025). The event starts with a brief torch run and opening ceremony at 10am, following by the plunge at 10.15am.
Participants from the NSW Police Force, emergency services, community and justice agencies, Special Olympics Clubs, individuals, and corporate partners will take the plunge.
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM, will be jumping into the cold water at Merewether for the important cause.
"For over 20 years we've supported the Law Enforcement Torch Run NSW to raise awareness of the great work done by Special Olympics Australia," Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
"We are proud to be taking the plunge and to show our support for Special Olympics Australia who bring sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability and autism."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP, will also be taking the plunge.
"There's no better example of the Australian spirit than a day like today, with the community coming together for the Polar Plunge," Minister Catley said.
"The NSW Government is proud to support our police, whose selflessness is at the heart of everything they do – qualities that shine through in their support for Special Olympics Australia.
"A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and brought it to Newcastle – and best of luck to all the participants taking the plunge!"
Police will speak to the media ahead of the plunge:
WHEN: 9.30am TODAY (Sunday 24 August 2025)
WHERE: Merewether Ocean Baths, Merewether
WHO:
- Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP
- Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM
- Law Enforcement Torch Run President, Scott Whyte
- Special Olympics Australia CEO, Jamie O'Conner
