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

Colin T CUSACK

YEAR OF DEATH

11 February 1968

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

A domestic in Cockburn Ave, Albany, led to an armed search for William Arthur Smith, who earlier had been found in a kitchen cupboard but had pointed his rifle at Detective Don Willoughby, who subsequently retreated. The search led to dense sheoak bush near the Albany hospital where Smith was flushed from cover by his dog Sooty. As he broke cover, Constable Cusack, who had been hiding in a ditch with his head showing, shouted to him to halt, but was shot in the left temple. Smith returned to his house after four days, where he shot himself after a brief siege. Cusack joined the Police Service on April 10 1961.

On this day

Constable 1st Class

John James WALLACE

YEAR OF DEATH

11 February 1906

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Constable was shot at a dwelling in King Street Newtown by offender Tanna who had been involved in a domestic dispute. Constable Wallace and Senior Constable Maunsell had attended the dispute and had climbed into the home through a window. Constable Wallace attempted to talk to the offender who was armed with a rifle and a revolver in the hallway. The offender suddenly raised the rifle and shot Constable Wallace twice. The offender who was later wounded by police committed suicide in the siege that followed. The Constable was born in 1860 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 July 1894. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown.

On this day

Constable

Patrick CAHILL

YEAR OF DEATH

11 February 1898

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Drowned in flood waters of the Thomson River at Longreach, while trying to cross on horseback.

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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 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, 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