What is the Question – April

For April’s What is the Question Victoria Police Inspector Jason Templar talked with Roland Rocchiccioli.

 

What is your name?

Jason Templar

 

What is your occupation?

Inspector, local area commander, Ballarat/Pyrenees. Victoria Police

 

What brought you to Ballarat?

The previous local area commander was retiring. Despite an additional two hours travel a day, it was well worth it. Serving amazing communities like Ballarat and the Pyrenees is tremendously rewarding. I also get to work with the most dedicated and inspirational group of people.

 

What is your favourite spot in the city, and why?

Beechworth Bakery! Friendly staff, amazing food, and a short walk from the police station. Not so great on public holidays when every visitor to Ballarat decides to eat there!

 

What is your earliest memory?

As a twin, I remember looking across the crib and wondering who the other kid was making all that noise!

 

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Over 29-years, I have been confronted with many dangerous situations. I consider my response to those situations a community expectation. Others can decide if those acts would be considered courageous.

Earlier in my career, I received several commendations for courage and bravery; mostly for apprehending armed offenders.

 

What is happiness?

Buddha says, “There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path”. So many people focus on looking for the next thing to make them happy. They lose sight and seldom do they find happiness. If you reflect daily with gratitude, you will find happiness

 

What would you do to make a difference in the world?

Recently, I developed an early intervention, wellbeing support system for Victoria Police, fundamentally to reduce the exposure impact of traumatic events. It has benefits for first responders and workers exposed to stressful situations. I would love to share the methodology internationally.

 

What are you reading, currently?

I’m a Dan Brown fan, The Lost Symbol. You would be hard-pressed to find a better thriller read than any of his novels.

 

What do you hope the future might hold for you?

To be around long enough to enjoy retirement. One rarely has much say in what the future holds and often it isn’t what we planned.

 

What or who inspires you?

Volunteers; people who altruistically give their time to help others. They are the glue which binds communities.

 

What is your favourite quote?

“If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” It’s simplistic and unambiguous.

 

What person – living or dead would invite to dinner party?

Someone living – the dead aren’t great conversationalists! For laughs, I would invite Zach Galifiankis. Apart from his roles in The Hangover trilogy, he has a number of hysterical shows Between Two Ferns.

 

What technological/scientific development boggles your mind?

Stem cell research. Once considered science fiction it’s now being used to grow organs. It will save millions of lives in the future and may end the need for organ donation.

 

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Integrity and humour. Life shouldn’t be so serious all the time.

 

What was your first job?

Collecting and washing glass at Flemington Racecourse, members’ section. I was 15. It was the first time I wore black bow tie and white business shirt!

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I liked the idea of being an actor but couldn’t act! Or a singer, but I couldn’t sing. Mostly, I wanted to help people. I was born into a police family. My father joined Victoria Police, 1963. I was accustomed to being around police; observing what they did. I was amazed by the diverse roles and responsibilities. It’s definitely met the excitement component. Every day is an opportunity to help people.

 

What scares you?

Poor drivers! It’s incredibly concerning and downright scary. The only thing worse is poor drivers who think they are good drivers!

 

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

Property investment. The earlier the better.

 

What was the name of your favourite teacher – and why?

There was not one favourite teacher. Some made an impression – for good and bad reasons.

 

What was your favourite toy?

A large bright yellow tonka truck. I was small enough to kneel in the back while my brother pushed me down the street.

 

What is your all-time favourite book, and why?

Poems of Banjo Paterson which my mother read to us. Classics – The Man from Ironbark, A Bush Christening, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, Clancy of the Overflow and of course, The Man from Snowy River. Uniquely, Paterson captured the Australian vernacular from a much simpler time.

 

What is something about you which is still the same as when you were a child?

The ocean. I grew up next to the sea enjoying water sports. I live 10 minutes from the ocean and try to get out in my boat whenever the opportunity arises.

 

What would your childhood-self think of you today?

He’d probably wonder how I got so old!

I think he’d be proud of my achievements.

 

What is your favourite smell, and why?

Freshly mowed grass! Reminds me of my childhood and the warmer seasons. Interesting fact: the smell of freshly cut grass is a distress signal and part of their self-defence mechanism. The release of green leaf volatiles stimulates the formation of new cells to protect the damaged blades of grass. I never considered cutting grass was causing stress on the plant. I guess I believed it was just like getting a haircut!