AFP SERGEANTS MESS
DUCTUS EXEMPLO
THE AFP SERGEANTS MESS
Down in a private room of one of Canberra’s most exclusive establishments, a tableful of sergeants and team leaders are talking loudly and guffawing. Between them, there’s probably a couple of centuries’ worth of operational and supervisory policing experience. They have been extant since the AFP’s formation, and their influence has stretched across Australia and the world.
But rather than some stuffy, out-of-touch organisation or secret society, the AFP Sergeants Mess (AFPSM) is simply a down-to-earth bunch of colleagues and friends.
Their core focus is the fostering and preserving the ideals of leadership and camaraderie in the AFP, and this is reflected in the Mess motto Ductus Exemplo (“Lead by example”).
The AFPSM started with heavy involvement from ex-servicemen. Military messes traditionally are very regimented and fairly dull, where any outsiders could easily find themselves nodding off after the umpteenth address by a red-faced old codger. In contrast, I was struck by how happy everyone was to see each other at the Mess. Not once did people refer to rank; all members are on a first-name basis and have been for years.
The Mess regularly holds dinner events where members wear ceremonial dress and take part in games to raise money for police charity. These events are famous (or perhaps infamous) for being boisterous and showy events. But it would be inaccurate and unfair to only focus on this one facet of Mess life.
“We’ve adopted the AFP values, with some of our own too – leadership and mateship. While we don’t sit under the AFP, we would like to think that we sit to the side of them, performing a very important role in terms of providing ongoing support – particularly for members who have left the organisation and who want to still feel connected as opposed to being isolated. Just because someone’s left the AFP, it doesn’t mean we forget about them.”
- Vince Pannell and Karen Drake
Former and current Mess Presidents
VISION AND PURPOSE
To promote leadership and camaraderie through a culture of customs, traditions, recognition and respect.
Safeguard the values of the Mess, protect its heritage, and put in place enduring strategies ensuring its future; and,
Provide and facilitate events, activities and support, including philanthropic objectives, for Mess Members, past, present and future.
VALUES
In addition to the AFP Values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Accountability, Fairness, Trust and Respect; the AFPSM promotes the following values of:
Leadership
Traditions
Camaraderie
Recognition
STRATEGIC INTENT
Lead by example promoting the values of the AFP and the AFPSM through its various activities;
Provide appropriate and affordable services to our members;
Champion our heritage and legacy whilst remaining contemporary and relevant;
Encourage and facilitate social activities and events, promoting goodwill and camaraderie between members of the Mess and their guests; and,
Support individuals and groups who provide appropriate wellbeing services to those past, present and future Sergeants and Team Leaders.
WHAT WE DO
The AFPSM will provide a minimum of two Mess Dinners per year;
Support to the Patron in any programs or activities they request of the Mess; and,
Other programs, activities and pursuits considered appropriate by the AFPSM Committee on behalf of the members.
