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
09 September 2010
New South Wales
Detective Constable Crews was shot during the execution of a search warrant in Bankstown NSW. He was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s Valour Award.
On this day
09 September 1987
Victoria
About 12.30 a.m. Thursday 9 September 1987 Sergeant Thompson was on patrol duties. He was conducting a routine vehicle check on the Midland Highway North Geelong when he was struck and killed by a passing car. The driver of the offending vehicle failed to stop at the accident scene but was later located and charged with a number of traffic offences
On this day
09 September 1980
Victoria
About 11.55 a.m. Tuesday 9 September 1980 Senior Constable Townsend was performing patrol duty in the Wallan area. As he travelled along the exit ramp of the Northern Highway at the intersection with the Hume Highway he was caught by a strong gust of wind and lost control of his machine. Both he and the motor cycle crashed to the roadway and then skidded into the railing at the side of the exit ramp. Townsend was taken to Kilmore Hospital but was found to be dead on arrival.
On this day
09 September 1958
Queensland
Constable Muir was killed in a traffic incident near Innisfail.
On this day
09 September 1953
Queensland
Constable Howard was killed in a motor cycle incident at Kilcoy.
On this day
09 September 1945
Australian Federal Police
Peace Officer 1st Class Frederick Bannear was appointed to the Western Australia Police in 1910. He resigned in 1930, after which he became a Commonwealth Peace Officer. Peace Officer Bannear died on 9 September 1945 while patrolling North Quay, Fremantle. He was struck by a shunting train. There was a very strong wind blowing and it is believed that this may have prevented him from hearing the train.
On this day
09 September 1918
Queensland
Corporal John Herbert A.I.F. number 4766 41st Australian Infantry Battalion. Died on Monday 9 September 1918 of wounds received in action in France. He is buried in the Heath Military Cemetery Harbonnieres Somme France.
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.
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