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
11 October 1956
South Australia
McInerney travelling west along West Beach Road struck a large pothole and veered off course into the path of another vehicle with which he collided. He died from injuries he sustained in the accident.
On this day
11 October 1922
Tasmania
Trooper Henderson lost his life in an attempt to capture triple murderer George William Carpenter. Trooper Henderson had travelled from Triabunna where he was stationed to Swansea. There he was to take over the task of guarding the scene of the first of two murders. Unfortunately for the unarmed policeman the offender returned and a violent struggle ensued. Trooper Henderson fell mortally wounded by a charge of shot from the gun pressed into his chest. Carpenter was later hanged in Hobart for his crimes. Trooper Henderson posthumously received the Kings Medal for courage and devotion to duty.
On this day
11 October 1908
New South Wales
Constable Adie was a mounted Constable attached to the Stuart Town Police Station. On 10 October 1908 he left town intending to make a patrol of the town and surrounds. By the following day he had not returned as expected and Senior Constable McConville set out to find him. After being informed that an unattended troop horse had been seen in the bush Senior Constable McConville investigated and found the unfortunate Constable Adie seriously injured. It appeared that the young Constable had been thrown from his horse the previous day and had lain seriously injured throughout the night. He died while being taken back to town for medical attention. The Constable was born in 1883 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 December 1907. At the time of his death he was stationed at Stuart Town.
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.
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