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
22 January 1957
South Australia
Taylor lost control of his police motorcycle as he attempted to make a turn from Main South Road Tapleys Hill. He collided with another vehicle and died of injuries he sustained in the accident.
On this day
22 January 1864
New South Wales
The Sergeant was among a party of police who intervened in a dispute between two parties of Chinese people at Muckerawa on the Macquarie River (near Stuart Town). He disarmed one of the people involved taking a rifle from him and then took hold of the weapon by the muzzle and smashed it over a log. As he did so the rifle discharged killing him instantly. The Sergeant was born in 1815 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 April 1852.
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.
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