A memorial service has been held for a Queensland Police officer who has not been seen again since he went missing while surfing near Byron Bay last month.
More than 1500 people packed into the Sleeman Sporting Complex in Brisbane today to pay their respects to Inspector Jay Notaro.
Friends, family and co-workers each took turns giving heartfelt tributes to Notaro, who served the Queensland community for 23 years in Townsville, Brisbane, Moranbah, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, leaving a profound impact on people’s lives.
“Jay was a son, a brother, a nephew, a godfather… a friend and a good mate to many,” Queensland Police Chaplain Jeff Baills said.
“We who are honoured to have known and to have served with him,” Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said.
Notaro went missing on March 25 after going for a surf at Broken Head, near Byron Bay on the day after his 45th birthday.
His surfboard later washed ashore, but Notaro’s body was never recovered.
His board was the centrepiece of the memorial today as close friends and family laid floral tributes to Notaro.
“You weren’t just my brother…you were my hero,” sister Hayley Tunny said.
“Until we meet again. I’ll see you in my dreams, I love you bro.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who was a personal friend of Notaro, was also in attendance and laid a wreath in his honour.
