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
04 December 1956
Victoria
About 2.10 a.m. Tuesday 4 December 1956 Constable Rees was riding a police motor cycle east in High Street Glen Iris. He collided with the rear of an east bound motor car and was killed instantly.
On this day
04 December 1907
South Australia
Mounted Constable Johnston died from exposure.
On this day
04 December 1856
Victoria
On 14 September 1853 the bushrangers Henry Bradley and Patrick O’Connor commandeered a vessel in Van Dieman’s Land and forced the Captain to take them to Victoria. On landing they went on a rampage of robbery and murder. The police were soon in hot pursuit and at dusk on the evening of Monday 26 September 1853 they finally cornered the men at Mr. Kane’s Station near Kilmore. After a short gun battle during which Cadet Thompson was shot through the lung the offenders escaped on horse back. The troopers were unable to follow as their horses had broken away and it was some time before the pursuit could be re-commenced. The alarm was then raised at the Kilmore Police Station and a search of the area was undertaken. Shortly after midnight the bushrangers were located. After a desperate struggle during which a number of shots were fired they were arrested. Tried at Melbourne on a charge of attempting to murder Cadet Thompson they were soon convicted and sentenced to death. They were publicly executed at Melbourne at 8am 24 October 1853. Cadet Thompson never recovered from his wound and his condition steadily deteriorated. He died 4 December 1856 after a long and painful illness.
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