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

Joseph DELANEY

YEAR OF DEATH

03 September 1923

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

In the early afternoon of Thursday 30 August 1923 Constable Delaney went to Tyntynder (near Swan Hill) to interview Frederick James Smith. Smith a 15 year old ward of the State was a suspect in relation to a burglary. On his entering Smith’s home the youth challenged Delaney and menaced him with a shot gun. Delaney advanced on the lad who shot and fatally wounded the Constable. Smith fled the premises on Delaney’s horse but surrendered himself to police at Nyah West later the same evening. Smith appeared before the Bendigo Supreme Court charged with murder. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He was further ordered to receive a private whipping of 10 lashes of the birch.

On this day

Constable

Michael QUINLIVAN

YEAR OF DEATH

03 September 1863

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the morning of 3 September 1863 the Constable was drowned while attempting to cross the Turon River at Sofala north of Bathurst. He had been assisting Sergeant Hardy in pursuit of offenders who had earlier committed an armed holdup on Smith’s Public House. The two police succeeded in capturing one of the offenders and recovering some of the stolen property. The Constable was born in 1837 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 August 1862. At the time of his death he was stationed at Mudgee.

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.