Dear Monument Australia visitors, we are a self-funded, non-profit organisation, dedicated to recording monuments throughout Australia. Over time the costs of maintaining this website have risen substantially (in fact they are probably larger than those of many companies who exist for profit). In the past we have borne all the costs associated with maintaining the website but we are now having difficulties in paying the monthly expenses.
30-November-2020 : We are aware that some organisations, individuals or companies may have received an email requesting donations to assist Monument Australia. These emails are not authorised by Monument Australia and we do not know the person who sent them. You should not make any payments to any bank account details in the email. We only use the Paypal “Donate” button on this webpage to accept donations.
If Monument Australia is useful to you, please make a donation to keep this historical and educational resource available. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Sergeant George DoddsPrint Page 
A park commemorates Sergeant George Dodds.
On 17 February 1858, Sergeant Dodds came to the assistance of a Constable at the Star of the West Hotel in Belfast. (Belfast was the original name of Port Fairy).
The Constable had arrested John Rutledge for being drunk and disorderly, but a struggle had occurred and Rutledge struck the Constable. Rutledge was overpowered by the two police members, who then began to lead him back to the local lock-up. On the way, he took a large knife from his pocket and stabbed Dodds in the abdomen.
He was subsequently charged with wounding Dodds and, on 12 May 1858 was found not guilty by means of insanity. He was committed to the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum. Dodds' injury resulted in a steady decline in his health and on 18 August 1859 he passed away. Ironically, almost 12 months before his death, Dodds' attacker had been released form the asylum having been pronounced "no longer insane".
Location
| Address: | Victoria Street & Ocean Drive, George Dodds Reserve, Port Fairy, 3284 |
|---|---|
| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.390178 Long: 142.241278 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Park |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Crime |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 17-February-1858 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 17-February-1858 |
Dedication
George Dodds Reserve
In recognition of Sgt. George Dodds of Belfast Police who died 18th August 1859 from injuries received in the line of duty.
