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..
Aboriginal Assistant
Unknown
WILLY
22 June 1896
Jurisdiction: Western Australia
Details of Death:
Killed by Aborigines at Argyle Station, south of Wyndham.
Mounted Constable
Harry
CHANCE
22 June 1911
Jurisdiction: South Australia
Details of Death:
Chance died of pneumonia which he contracted while dragging a Caltowie dam in search of a missing man called Wilton.
Senior Constable
Lindsay James
FORSYTHE
22 June 1983
Jurisdiction: Victoria
Details of Death:
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.
Senior Constable
Edward Leslie
HUBBARD
22 June 1999
Jurisdiction: Victoria
Details of Death:
Senior Constable Hubbard suffered cardiac arrest in Police Academy whilst participating in pre-selection for Special Operations Group.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Aspen Island and the National Carrillion. You can access the Memorial either from the city-bound lanes of Kings Avenue Bridge or by passing under Parkes Way on Wendouree Drive, off Constitution Avenue. Click on the map for a more detailed view.