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
27 June 1929
Victoria
About 11.45 a.m. Thursday 27 June 1929 Constable Duncan was killed instantly when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a motor truck. The accident occurred at the intersection of Grimshaw Road and Greensborough Lane about four miles from Heidelberg. Duncan was on patrol duty at the time of his death.
On this day
27 June 1831
New South Wales
On 27 June 1831 the Constable was murdered at or near Parramatta by the offender Thomas Lucas whom he was apparently attempting to apprehend. The court records of the trial of Lucas and two accomplices Moylan and Knowles indicates that “Lucas attacked Robert Waterworth and with an axe held in both hands inflicted a wound to the left side of the face and head. A wound and fracture of breadth of 4 inches and a depth of 1 inch.” No other details are known of the event. Constable Waterworth had arrived in Sydney as a convict in 1820 aboard the ship Agamemnon and was granted his Ticket of Leave on 30 May 1828. At the time of his death the Constable was about 42 years old and was apparently serving in the Parramatta district.
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