In Loving Memory of Rowan “Rooster” Andrews

Our hearts mourn the loss of Rowan Andrews, who left an incredible mark on his family and friends, the police force, the football field, the BJJ community, and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Tragically, Rowan has left us, leaving behind his beloved wife, Alice, and their two sons, Max and Isaac. As they try to come to terms with his loss, we come together to support them both emotionally and financially.

Rowan was raised in Hobart in a supportive family by parents Stu and Karen, along with his two younger brothers, Mitch and Brett. He showcased his inherent athletic talent by rising to the elite ranks of AFL when drafted to the Adelaide Crows at age 18. This was just the start of Rowan’s football journey as he moved to various States of Australia perfecting his craft. Highlights included playing for Tasmania in the VFL, consecutive premierships with Ainslie Football Club in the NEAFL and claiming the best and fairest title at Avoca in Victoria after only playing 10 games that season. Rowan’s football resume extends to his contributions to St Mary’s in Darwin and various clubs in Victoria.

Simultaneously with his football career, Rowan demonstrated his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), earning a brown belt last year. His exceptional sporting abilities extended beyond football and BJJ, encompassing a passion for cycling and running.

Adding to Rowan's diverse skill set, he excelled as a proficient carpenter. He fully renovated two family homes over the past 5 years and generously assisted friends with various projects. This commitment persisted despite the demanding responsibilities of his full-time role as a Police Officer, the demands of a bustling family life, and his dedication to an active fitness lifestyle. Rowan's craftsmanship has left an indelible mark on numerous residences over many years, and his willingness to lend tools exemplified his supportive nature.

An avid animal lover, Rowan frequently engaged in runs and bike rides with his dog Tassie. His love for dogs also extended to recently applying for the Canine Unit within the Victoria Police force.

In 2016, Rowan began his journey with Victoria Police. Once graduating, he first started at Endeavour Hills and then onto Moonee Ponds Police Stations. His ability at policing earned him a well-deserved place at the Critical Incident Response Team. Here, he showcased exceptional skills and leadership, securing him a position at Close Personal Protection Unit. Within his time with CPP, Rowan provided protection for many notable dignitaries. He was chosen to be the personal protection officer for Barack Obama’s visit, highlighting Rowan’s trustworthiness and capabilities. Rowan was involved in many projects and was selected to attend the CPP Skills Enhancements course, a weeklong national course where the best officers were chosen to represent their States, highlighting his leadership qualities.

This GoFundMe campaign aims to ease the financial burden on the Andrews family during this difficult time. Your generous contributions will help secure Max and Isaac's futures, support Alice, and honour the memory of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.

Let us honour his legacy, remembering his service, dedication, and the impact he made on those around him. Together, we can provide comfort and stability for Max, Isaac, and Alice as they face the challenges ahead.