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 1st Class

Paul BURMISTRIW

YEAR OF DEATH

22 February 1978

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Burmistriw was fatally injured in a bomb explosion outside the Sydney Hilton Hotel on 13 February 1978. At the time the Regional Conference of Commonwealth Heads of Government was taking place at the hotel. It was later ascertained that the bomb had been placed in a garbage bin outside the hotel. Also seriously injured were Sergeant Edward Hawtin Senior Constable Rodney Wither and Senior Constable Terry Griffiths. Two council employees William Favell and Alex Carter were also killed in the bombing. The Constable was born in 1946 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 September 1971. At the time of his death he was stationed at Central.

On this day

Constable

Harry THOMAS

YEAR OF DEATH

22 February 1956

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Accidentally killed at Meekatharra.

On this day

Constable

Joseph William GILHOLM

YEAR OF DEATH

22 February 1902

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the evening of Saturday, 15 February 1902, Constable Gilholm was returning on horseback to Taree Police Station from duties at the Taree Racecourse. It was raining at the time. He was in company with other police. After crossing a bridge, his horse left the roadway and passed under a telegraph pole. Constable Gilholm’s head struck the cross strut of the pole, knocking him from the horse. He was transported to Taree Hospital.Constable Gilholm passed away in Taree Hospital from the injuries sustained in the incident.

On this day

Foot Constable

Thomas CHARLESWORTH

YEAR OF DEATH

22 February 1884

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Foot Constable Charlesworth drowned.

Complete Honour Roll

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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