National Police Memorial

 

In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.

The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.

On this day

Senior Constable

John Wilham CREBER

YEAR OF DEATH

25 April 1972

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 8.15 p.m. Tuesday 25 April 1972 Senior Constable Creber was on foot pursuing a burglary suspect across a reserve adjacent to Barkly Place Heidelberg. At this time another policeman Sergeant John Raymond Matthews of Heidelberg West mistook Creber for the offender. Matthews called on Creber to stop. Creber failed to respond so Matthews fired a warning shot which he intended to go over Creber’s head. Instead the bullet struck Creber at the base of the skull and he died a short time later at the Austin Hospital.

On this day

Sergeant 3rd Class

Ronald Osborne McGOWAN

YEAR OF DEATH

25 April 1970

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

About midnight on 24 April 1970 Sergeant McGowan left the Pyrmont Police Station to travel home in his private motor vehicle. It appears that the Sergeant forgot some personal property at the Station and at some stage decided to return to collect it. As he was travelling along Banks Street Pyrmont a front wheel of his vehicle apparently buckled causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with a rock embankment. Sergeant McGowan was taken to Sydney Hospital however was found to be dead on arrival. The Sergeant was born in 1919 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 November 1949. At the time of his death he was stationed at Pyrmont.

On this day

Detective Constable 1st Class

John Edward DUNN

YEAR OF DEATH

25 April 1940

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 25 April 1940 Wollongong Police attended a dwelling in Ocean Drive Wollongong where an offender Hinsby had beaten his wife to death. After they were confronted and threatened by the offender more Police were called. Among those to attend was Detective Dunn. Whilst attempting to reach the house to arrest the offender the Detective Constable was shot in the forehead and killed. The offender had been watching his approach through an open bedroom window. In the siege that followed tear gas was used however it was soon found that the offender committed suicide. The Detective Constable was born in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 March 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at Wollongong.

On this day

Constable

Patrick James MOYNIHAN

YEAR OF DEATH

25 April 1915

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Private Patrick James Moynihan A.I.F. number 1130 9th Australian Infantry Battalion. Killed in action during the invasion of the Dardanelles Gallipoli on Sunday 25 April 1915 he has no known grave. A commemorative plaque is placed in his honour at the Lone Pine Memorial Gallipoli Peninsular.

Complete Honour Roll

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Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.

Click here for more information.

National Police Remembrance Day is an annually recognised on 29th September.

Please note for 2024, services will be held on Friday 27th September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 27 September, or click here for more information.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps