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

Peter George MAHON

YEAR OF DEATH

05 October 1966

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 5 October 1966 Constable Mahon was riding his departmental motor cycle on the Princes Highway near Narooma. The Constable lost control of the cycle which slid along the roadway and collided with a guidepost. Constable Mahon sustained severe head injuries and died the same day. The Constable was born in 1942 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 February 1964. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bega.

On this day

Constable

John McELVEEN

YEAR OF DEATH

05 October 1864

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 9 p.m. 5 October 1864 Constable McElveen attempted to cross a flooded bridge over a creek in the Eltham area when his troop horse and a man named Alfred Hooper accidentally fell into the flood waters. Both men were drowned. McElveen had been conveying voting papers from Whittlesea to Eltham Police Station. As he was unsure of the route and because the night was dark and stormy he had enlisted Hooper as a guide.

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.