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 WALLABY

YEAR OF DEATH

20 September 1902

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

In July 1902, Wallaby and a Police Constable left Halls Creek to search for Aboriginal prisoners recently escaped from Wyndham Regional Prison. Some of the escapees were recaptured and whilst the Constable continued to search for the remaining escapees at Sturt Creek, East Kimberley, Wallaby was left behind to guard those already arrested. When the Constable returned, he found Wallaby dead and the prisoners escaped.

On this day

Senior Sergeant

Thomas WALLINGS

YEAR OF DEATH

20 September 1878

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 18 September 1878 Sergeant Wallings Senior Constable William Souter and Constable John Walsh were searching for a gang of bushrangers when they set up a bush camp near the Wonbobie Inn Marthaguy Creek (near Warren). The following day at 6am the three police rode to the inn where they suspected they might find the bushrangers. Constables Souter and Walsh remained on guard outside while Sergeant Wallings approached the inn. Meanwhile Constable Souter saw a man about 50 metres away carrying a rifle. He rode over to him and was told he would be shot if he came any closer. Souter called to the other police who rode down to him. Sergeant Wallings then fired a warning shot and told the man to surrender however the man replied that he himself would fire if the police came any closer. Senior Sergeant Wallings then advanced on the man and pointed his revolver at him. The man then turned suddenly and dropped to one knee. As he did so he fired at the Sergeant hitting him in the chest. In the confusion the offender ran a short distance away and took cover from the police. A short gun battle took place however the offender being far better armed with a rifle compared to the police revolvers managed to escape. The two Constables then directed their attention to assisting the wounded Sergeant. The wound suffered by Sergeant Wallings proved to be severe and he unfortunately passed away. The Sergeant was born in 1838 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 July 1855. At the time of his death he was stationed at Dubbo.

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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 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.

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