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

James George KINNANE

YEAR OF DEATH

14 October 1961

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 2.05am on 14 October 1961 Constable Kinnane was riding a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle during a high speed pursuit in Parramatta Road Auburn. As he approached Silverwater Road a car drove onto the intersection in front of the cycle. Though he braked to avoid a collision Constable Kinnane was unable to stop his cycle from hitting the car. He was thrown from the cycle sustaining severe head injuries. He was admitted to St Joseph’s Hospital where he died at 3.30am on 14 October 1961. The Constable was born in 1939 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 2 November 1959. At the time of his death he was attached to the Traffic Branch.

On this day

Constable 1st Class

Graham PONTER

YEAR OF DEATH

14 October 1961

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the afternoon of 11 October 1961 Constable Ponter was riding a Police solo motor cycle from Bankstown to Police Headquarters. On the Hume Highway at Chullora he made a U-turn apparently to follow a truck however a bus drove onto the Highway from Waterloo Road in front of Constable Ponter’s cycle. The cycle collided with the side of the bus and Constable Ponter was critically injured. He was taken to the Bankstown District Hospital where he died on 14 October 1961 without regaining consciousness. The Constable was born in 1933 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 June 1955. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bankstown.

On this day

Mounted Constable

John Barwick PORTER

YEAR OF DEATH

14 October 1880

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

As he returned to Yongala police station from his duties at the Yatina Show Porter was thrown from his horse. He later died of injuries he sustained in the fall.

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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 2024, services will be held on Friday 27th September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 27 September, 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