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

Francis Laurel BURKE

YEAR OF DEATH

20 January 1961

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 20 January 1961 Constable Burke was holidaying on the South Coast with his family. In the afternoon of that day the family were at Kiama Beach when the Constable was informed by his son that two boys were in difficulties in an undertow. Constable Burke entered the water and swam out through the heavy surf to assist. Unfortunately the Constable collapsed during his efforts and after being seen floating face downwards in the water was carried onto the beach. He failed to respond to resuscitation and was conveyed to the Kiama District Hospital where life was pronounced extinct. The Constable was born in 1927 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 June 1955. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern.

On this day

Sub-Inspector

George DYAS

YEAR OF DEATH

20 January 1881

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Sub-Inspector Dyas was murdered by Aboriginals whilst on transfer from Georgetown to Normantown. Overnight Sub-Inspector George Dyas and his Constable had camped at the waterhole known as Forty Mile (40 miles from Normantown). The next morning Sub-Inspector Dyas went looking for the horses that had wandered from their camp. When Dyas failed to return twenty-four hours later the Constable who had located the horses in the mean time left the campsite and road to Normantown to get assistance. Dyas’ body was found some days later in a shallow grave his clothes boots his hat watch and other belongings were located in an Aboriginal Camp nearby. A spear hole and blood was in the middle of the back of the shirt indicating he was speared from behind. The perpetrator was never located. The actual whereabouts of Dyas’ grave is unknown.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates. Saturday 18 September 2021*

* Subject to planning through Covid 19 times

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local service information – Services to be held on Wednesday, 29 September 2021.