The Victorian alpine region, which is the focus of a major manhunt for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman, is filled with Ned Kelly fans who may be aiding the fugitive.
Freeman, 56, disappeared into the wilderness around Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne, after he allegedly shot dead two police officers as they tried to serve him a warrant on August 26.
A third officer was wounded, while seven others were forced to hunker down after Freeman allegedly ambushed them with a homemade shotgun.
Freeman is an experienced bushman with knowledge of the many caves and disused mine shafts in the area.
Police suspect the self-proclaimed ‘sovereign citizen’ is being aided by a network of supporters in the region.
As a result, Victoria Police have not ruled out offering a cash reward for information to help capture Freeman as the manhunt drags on.
But money might not talk in this case, as the area is historically known for its anti-authority attitude, which dates back to the 1800s and the era of the outlaw bushrangers.
Australia’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly, had his ‘last stand’ shootout with police at Glenrowan, just under 80km west of Porepunkah.
A farming property between Wangaratta and Myrtleford proudly displays Ned Kelly’s image. It is not suggested that the owner of this property has any links to Dezi Freeman
Dezi Freeman, 56, is accused of killing two policemen
Freeman allegedly shot dead two officers in the same region Ned Kelly murdered police
Kelly and his gang were on the run after murdering a police officer during an incident at Stringybark Creek in bushland between Benalla and Mansfield in October 1878.
The creek is less than two hours from Porepunkah.
Kelly wore his famous metal helmet and vest during his last stand shootout at Glenrowan on June 28, 1880, but was apprehended after being wounded in a gunfight with police.
The famed bushranger and his gang remained on the run with the help of ‘sympathisers,’ prompting police to put up a bounty for his capture.
Today, effigies, images, and stickers of Ned Kelly are displayed on private properties and on several cars from Euroa to Porepunkah and beyond.
Eureka Stockade Rebellion flag stickers have also been spotted on several bumpers.
The emblem represents Australian democracy, defiance, and workers’ rights, but in modern times it has also been viewed by some as a symbol of anti-authority.
Since Porepunkah police shootings, officers have received hundreds of tips from the public, but Freeman remains at large.
It’s possible that the prevailing air of anti-authority is adding to the difficulties authorities are facing.
Ned Kelly (circa 1870s) is idolised in Victoria’s alpine region
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush did not rule out offering a cash reward for information which could lead to Freeman’s capture
Eureka flag bumper stickers are common in the region
Former AFP detective superintendent David Craig told Sunrise that a reward may not do much to sway Freeman’s most ardent supporters but could influence those on the fringe who might know something.
Mr Craig conceded there’s a possibility the fugitive may never be found.
‘This person is part of a very hard ideological group,’ he said.
‘I don’t think any close associates are going to roll over and decide to talk to the authorities for a couple of thousand dollars.’
Police have so far searched more than 100 properties around Porepunkah since the hunt for Freeman began.
The Australian Defence Force has joined the operation at the request of Victoria Police, deploying a planning specialist and air surveillance assets to support the more than 400 personnel on the ground.
Mr Craig also explained how military involvement could assist in tracking Freeman down.
‘The military have access to technologies that aren’t available to the civilian population and aren’t made public,’ he said.
An anti-immigration protester in Adelaide at the weekend displayed Freeman’s image on a placard
Heavily-armed police are on the manhunt for Freeman
‘I don’t feel comfortable in listing some of those, but it is another level.Â
‘The operation will still be led by the Victorian Police, who are doing a very good job with this.
‘They just need some additional technical support, and in other cases similar to this, where the military have not been involved, they’ve gone on unresolved in these manhunts.’