Hundreds of people gathered in Brisbane to honour Queensland Police Inspector Jay Notaro, a respected officer who served the Ipswich area and was last seen near Byron Bay.
The memorial service was held weeks after Inspector Notaro, who had just turned 45, disappeared in March, with his surfboard later found at Broken Head, just south of Byron.
An extensive air, sea, and land search was carried out by both New South Wales and Queensland police, alongside surf lifesavers, SES personnel, and volunteers, but he was not found. His disappearance was noted after he did not report for duty at the Ipswich police station.
A Family’s Heartbreak
Inspector Notaro’s younger sister, Hayley Tunny, shared with those at the memorial that saying goodbye to her brother felt unreal and heartbreaking. She spoke about the strong bond she shared with Jay and their brother Troy, noting they were not just siblings but best friends who supported each other through life’s challenges and celebrated successes. Ms Tunny described their upbringing in a low-income household, mainly with their mother in housing commission.
She recalled Jay’s early love for rugby league, which often led to injuries, including a broken leg he unknowingly played on for weeks. This toughness stayed with him as he continued to play footy for many years, including police footy, and closely followed the NRL.
Ms Tunny expressed sadness that Jay, who was wonderful with children, never became a father. She also shared that her newborn son, Mars Jay Phoenix, was named after his uncle and that she would ensure her son learns about his “incredible uncle.”
Cherished Memories from Friends
Claire Campbell, a friend of Inspector Notaro, said he was “truly one in a trillion” and that her favourite memories involved laughter within her family. She mentioned that they knew him before he joined the police and that he never changed.
Ms Campbell shared a poignant story about their last conversation with Jay on his 45th birthday, which included laughing about a stolen car trailer and Jay’s positive response to videos of her sons playing touch football.
Wade Osborne, a friend since grade five, noted that Jay preferred not to have a fuss made but would have been proud of the many lives he touched. Mr Osborne described his friend as steady, loyal, and humble, someone you could always count on.
He fondly remembered their numerous surf trips to places like Fiji, WA, Moreton, DI, Yamba, and even a Sydney wave pool, and spoke of the banter and stories that made these trips special. Mr. Osborne stated that Jay leaves a void but also many years of laughter, stories, lessons, and love.
A Dedicated Police Career
Detective Sergeant Jason Orman, who met Inspector Notaro in the police academy, described him as the hardest worker among junior investigators. He noted that Jay would tease you directly but fiercely defend you when you weren’t present.
Sergeant Orman said Jay, who joined the service at 21, grew into his role, with his policing style and leadership skills evolving over 23 years of service to Queensland. He humorously recalled Jay’s promotion to detective sergeant in Moranbah in 2012, saying he was the only applicant. Sergeant Orman emphasised that Jay earned his stripes, including helping to solve a complex domestic violence homicide, and lived by the values of honesty, loyalty, and respect.
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy stated that Inspector Notaro served with integrity, professionalism, and pride. He detailed Jay’s career path, which saw him promoted to senior sergeant of the Gold Coast Water Police in 2018, then officer-in-charge of Coomera Police Station in 2022, and finally to inspector in 2024, working in the southern patrol group in the Ipswich District, which includes Springfield Lakes.
Inspector Notaro received numerous citations and medals throughout his career. Acting Commissioner Chelepy presented Jay’s parents, Deborah and Blair, with the Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal, which recognises significant contributions over an extended period. He said Jay strived to be the ultimate professional, a man of humility and integrity.
Published Date 20-May-2025
