Carolyn Pethick

Dear Carolyn, Thank you so much for your talk to our club. The disappointing reality that you were faced with— disrespect, harassment and discrimination— makes the work you did in your career even more impressive. Nobody should have to face the obstacles you did, but your determination in the face of that adversity is one of the reasons why things are improving. I was most impressed with the way you managed to maintain a stubborn optimism in the face of your treatment. The positive approach you took did not seem to stem from being ignorant of or naïve to the attitudes of those you worked with, or a dismissal of the existence of barriers, but an expectation that there was a path forward, no matter how difficult things were. I appreciate the time you took to speak to us and, more than that, the work you did over your history of service in the police force to shift the narrative and change the perceptions of women working in a difficult and dangerous field. The club was very lucky to have had the benefit of your talk. Thank you again, Mike Finke

Jillian Smith Wed, July 18th Hi Carolyn I would like to thank you so much for coming and speaking to our Middle Brighton Probus group this month, our members are still talking about your amazing story & I've had to organize a couple more of your books for them. Thank you so much again & I along with our members wish you all the best for your future. You are a very brave woman. Kind regards, Jillian

Wednesday 2/8/17 Margaret Elliott Mielliott9@yahoo.com.au Hi Carolyn Thank you for your interesting and thought provoking talk this morning. I find it amazing that you remain loyal to the Police Force despite the many ups and downs. There are now so many women in the Police, so one can only hope that change will come. Your book is a step in the right direction as was your honesty and courage during your career. I hope your book becomes widely read especially by the new cadets. You can be very proud of the fact that you did not suffer in silence as so many have. All the very best in your new pursuit Regards Margaret

Absolutely fantasic presentations. Kept her audiences riveted to their seats. Both the school student talks and the public talks to business people, council staff and the public were so well recieved and left the audiences dumbfounded with many lasting questions.

Leonie Roberts wrote on your timeline. (Facebook) Nov 15, 2017 7:57pm Just watched your interview. Well done on speaking up against women being bullied in the police force and in other occupations. You are very brave to say what happened and I will be going out to buy your book.

Ben Stewart Dec 3 2017 G'day Carolyn I am a current serving member of VicPol of nearly 7 years and my partner is also in the job a year less than me. She has had to endure bullying sexual harassment etc. etc. Some of this has taken its toll some of it has just landed a female snr Sgt in some serious hot water. After reading your recent blurbs on news sites I thought maybe you are someone that my partner can chat to or correspond. I believe this may allay a lot of her fears and get her mindset on helping stamp this bullshit out. I hope to hear from you to explain further if you have the time. Thankyou

MAREE HARRIS 14TH DECEMBER 2017 Hi Carolyn, Just to remind you who I am. We sat at the same table at the Paul McCarthy seminar a few weeks back and you told us about your book and what you were planning to do in the future. Congratulations on the publicity you got for your book in the Herald Sun on December 3. That was a great article by Andrew Rule. I hope the momentum continues to grow and you are able to get your story out and be validated. I hope you have a very happy Christmas, Carolyn and that 2018 proves to be your best year yet. All the best, Maree Maree Harris, Ph.D., Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders. Director, People Empowered, P.O. Box 6346, Highton.3216 Tel: +61 3 5245 8773

Hi Carolyn Nice to hear from you. I read your book and some of your experiences are astounding. I believe you have been very brave, and it is impressive that you have gone on to become a public speaker to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out.

A policewoman's story of discrimination, bullying and harassment. Incredibly difficult subject matter, relating a very personal experience. Equally one can imagine that it would have been a difficult, although hopefully cathartic experience, relating the events Carolyn Pethick outlines in TO HELL AND BACK. I've had many goes at writing something about this book until it finally dawned on me - I can't review a story like this / I'm not comfortable rating something this personal. Whether or not it was an enjoyable, informative or difficult experience reading it, is nothing compared to the author's aim in writing it.

In May 2018, Carolyn Pethick enthralled our Sunbury and Macedon Ranges VIEW Club meeting with stories from her book, TO HELL AND BACK, A POLICEWOMAN'S STORY. The ladies loved her presentation and were eager to purchase her book afterwards to learn more. As the Program Officer for that VIEW Club, I am always searching for interesting Guest Speakers and previously, when I attended a function where Carolyn was speaking, I immediately approached her after and asked her to talk to our group. Listening to her twice was a huge bonus. I have since recommended Carolyn to nearby Probus Clubs. If you have the chance to attend a function when Carolyn is speaking, I would suggest that you don't miss it. Rae Waters

Carolyn Pethick agreed to be Guest Speaker at our General Meeting in August 2018. I received fabulous feedback after the meeting, which was attended by approximately 100 members. Carolyn, an ex-policewoman, gave us all something to think about after her presentation on helping men and women speak up against work place discrimination. Her book - To Hell and Back - was very popular and purchased by quite a few members. The day was a great success and I have no hesitation in recommending her to any group. Helen Russo, Probus Club of Cowes

We had the pleasure of having Carolyn as a guest speaker at the Donvale-Tunstall Probus Group early last year. Her speech was inspirational and dealt with problems she had as a policewoman in the 1980's and 1990's. She is a gutsy strong woman and a lesser person would not have coped. She has led the way for women to stand up for what they believe. Her book is hard-hitting and not afraid to deal with sexual harassment, sexual innuendo and predatory behaviour. Fascinating to hear her speak and read her book. We need more women like Carolyn Pethick. . Best regards,

Carolyn's book To Hell and. Back. Is an inspiring story about not only surviving but taking a stand in workplace where women were regarded as secondary at best but as unwelcome intruders in male dominated domain It was privilege to hear speak about her experience as outlined in her book Regards Garry

Carolyn, I would like to commend you on your book, "To Hell and Back" I had you speak to two groups at Phillip Island and would gladly have you back again as we get new members, I have recommended you as a speaker to other Probus groups in the southern suburbs and also other ladies groups, I have also passed your book onto friends and family who have also agreed on a good read and said it was a brave effort by a brave lady, you have inspired me to write a Journal on my complex life. I wish you good luck in whatever you do with your life, and congratulations on standing up for all women who dare to speak up. Warmest regards. Kaye Cannin and thank you for giving your time to us

We were fortunate at the Sunshine and Western Region Sports Club to have Carolyn Pethick speak of her life experience. She gives a down to earth and honest detail to what life was all about in her days at the police force. Her interesting talk had members keen to buy her book Barry Watson President

Carolyn Pethick was a guest speaker at one of our Monthly Lunch Meetings Her Speech was very interesting & moving She had us laughing, crying & gasping at her story The Members were very taken and said she was one of the best speakers we've had. She was very approachable to our members afterwards re asking more one on one questions. Maureen Rodway Program Officer Altona View Club

Carolyn's talk to our Club was well received by our members. Several members spoke afterwards of their appreciation of her talk and the issues raised by her situation. One member even sent me an email thanking me for booking such an excellent speaker. Her talk was well structured and gave an insight into the Police Force that would otherwise not be known to the general public. From a personal point of view the writing of the book was an extremely brave thing to do. I wish her every success in her search for recompense for the discrimination she suffered during her career with the Police Force.

Carolyn Pethick, Speaker and Author. February 2019. As one of our programmed speakers, Carolyn presented her experience as a Police officer in the Victoria police to Grimshaw Probus in 2018. Afterwards her book was on offer for sale. Carolyn's time in the Victoria Police started in very different social times when females were seen as tea makers and also as typists and not valued operational police. Whilst being a difficult atmosphere to work in, it also allowed Carolyn to be sent on assignment to various departments where she wasn't really supervised and given the jobs which were far too boring or difficult or had not hope of being solved. Using her initiative and drive Carolyn was able to become an effective officer solving large scale crime and also impressing her superiors. However the full realisation of a fulfilling career was dominated by the lack of change in the organisation approach to females and ultimately ended her career. Carolyn reached the rank of Sergeant. I found her talk extremely interesting and also harrowing in the way she was treated by the organisation. Especially as I had spent some time in a Police Force in the UK before immigrating to Australia in 1978. Carolyn's story is one of Social history, personal resilience and determination in the face of an entrenched and misogynistic culture. She tells her story simply and calmly and without any rancour as to the way she has been treated. Her book is well worth purchasing and is a good read. Vince O'Grady. Member of the Grimshaw Probus club.

Dear Carolyn, I would like to thank you so very, very much for your most wonderful talk last Thursday evening. I have had many residents approach me and say how much they enjoyed hearing your story. It was a privilege to have you here. Thank you! xxx Inez