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

David Colin MURRAY

YEAR OF DEATH

05 June 1963

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 2.40pm on 31 May 1963 Constable Murray was riding a Police Departmental motor cycle outfit in Campbelltown Road Campbelltown. A station sedan travelling in the opposite direction crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway and collided head-on with the cycle injuring both Constable Murray and a Police Prosecutor who was a passenger in the sidecar. Both were conveyed to the Liverpool District Hospital where the Prosecutor was treated and allowed to leave. Unfortunately Constable Murray’s injuries were more severe and he died on 5 June 1963. The Constable was born in 1931 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 April 1955. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bankstown.

On this day

Acting Sergeant

William O'ROURKE

YEAR OF DEATH

05 June 1924

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Acting Sergeant O’Rourke died in a Port Douglas Hospital after injuring himself while on duty in Mossman.

On this day

Constable

Rhody MONAGHAN

YEAR OF DEATH

05 June 1842

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

On Sunday 5 June 1842 Constable Monaghan (238) was performing night shift at the Punt connecting Melbourne with the South bank of the Yarra River. He was last seen about 4.40am when checked by District Constable John Guest. At 7.30am on Sunday morning Constable Nathan Rogers went to take over from Monaghan but couldn’t find him. Constable Rogers had reported that a number of drunken and quarrelsome groups of men had used the punt the previous evening and one man had threatened to throw him into the river. Constable Monaghan’s body was discovered on the morning of 23 June when Constable William Blair saw a body rise to the surface of the river near the Punt. The remains were Constable Monaghan’s. Constable Monaghan’s body was found to have bruising to the chest and temple consistent with violence inflicted prior to death. As far as is known no person was ever charged with the offence.

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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 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.

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