Proposed Malcolm McKaskill Dog Park

Naming Proposal for Touch Park Dog Off-Leash Area: Malcolm McKaskill Dog Park. Council has received a request to name the fenced dog off-leash area at Touch Park as the "Malcolm McKaskill Dog Park" in honour of Sgt Malcolm McKaskill.

Information about Sgt McKaskill:

• Pioneering Leader: Sgt McKaskill was the first Officer in Charge of the Cairns Dog Squad, which he established in 1986 after being transferred from Brisbane for this purpose.
• Dedicated Service: Sgt McKaskill retired in 2010 after 38 years of policing service, nearly 30 of which were spent with the dog squad.
• Exemplary Performance: Under Sgt McKaskill's leadership, the Cairns Dog Squad became one of the highest-performing units in Queensland, apprehending an average of 200 offenders per year.
• Longevity in Service: Sgt McKaskill was one of the longest-serving dog handlers in Queensland.
• Recognised Excellence: Throughout his career, Sgt McKaskill received numerous honors, including the National Medal, QPS Diligent and Ethical Service Medal, and various certificates of appreciation for his outstanding work with police dogs.
• Continued Community Involvement: Sgt McKaskill remains active in the community as the president of the Retired Police Association, which supports the welfare of retired and elderly police officers in Far North Queensland. His wife, Brigette, also contributes as the secretary of the association.
• Local Resident: Sgt McKaskill has lived in Brinsmead, close to Touch Park, since his appointment in 1986.

We would love to hear from local residents and park users regarding this proposal by 26 July 2024. Please email your feedback to CommunityStrategyTeam@cairns.qld.gov.au.