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
22 June 1999
Victoria
Senior Constable Hubbard suffered cardiac arrest in Police Academy whilst participating in pre-selection for Special Operations Group.
On this day
22 June 1983
Victoria
Senior Constable Lindsay Forsythe was lured to a late night ambush at a secluded location in country Victoria in response to a false burglary report. When he arrived at the unoccupied residence he was fatally shot, but returned fire striking his assailant four times before he died. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Constable Forsythe’s wife and a fellow police officer, Senior Constable Leigh Lawson, who were having an affair. Both were convicted and Lawson was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Gayle Forsythe received five years imprisonment on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
On this day
22 June 1911
South Australia
Chance died of pneumonia which he contracted while dragging a Caltowie dam in search of a missing man called Wilton.
On this day
22 June 1896
Western Australia
Killed by Aborigines at Argyle Station, south of Wyndham.
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