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

Constable

George Joseph DUNCAN

YEAR OF DEATH

26 September 1916

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Constable was shot at the Tottenham Police Station by offenders Kennedy and Franz. The offenders were members of the ”Industrial Workers of the World” organisation during World War 1 and were incensed at the Constable’s arrest of one of their number the previous day. While the Constable was sitting in the station typing the offenders crept up to a small window behind him aimed their rifles and shot him from close range. He died a few minutes later. Both offenders were arrested and hanged at Bathurst Gaol. The Constable was born in 1891 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 4 April 1913. At the time of his death he was stationed at Tottenham.

Complete Honour Roll

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 2026, services will be held on Tuesday 29 September.

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