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National Police MemorialMedia ReleaseFriday 10 February 2006 NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL UNDERWAY
Construction of the National Police Memorial got underway today, with a ground breaking ceremony attended by the Governor General, Major-General Michael Jeffery and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty. The $2.4 million project in memory of Australia’s fallen police officers will be completed in time for this year’s Police Remembrance Day on 29 September. More than 730 police officers have died on duty or as a result of their duties, since the first recorded death of a police officer in 1803. AFP Commissioner, Mick Keelty said the memorial will be representative of all jurisdictions within Australia along with 43,000 currently serving police officers, retired members and their families. “The memorial will also recognise the unique nature of police service, and the special men and women who face danger in their daily lives for the protection of the Australian community,” Mr Keelty said. National Capital Authority Chief Executive Annabelle Pegrum said the memorial will be constructed in Kings Park, on the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin in our national capital and will recognise the importance of the police contribution to the Australian community. “The winning design was felt by the jury to incorporate the elements of individual contribution, loss and community service which policing is known for,” Ms Pegrum says. “Australian memorials traditionally become a place to reflect on Australia’s history and cultural values. This memorial has been designed in a way to encourage community understanding and appreciation of policing, while allowing for individual officer’s stories to be told and remembered.” A design competition was held in early 2005, with the winner coming from a competitive pool of 77 entries. The winning design, by Fairweather Proberts Architects with Urban Art Projects, features a main wall clad in cast bronze panels and granite floor with inlaid text. Construction of the memorial is managed by the NCA. The memorial is jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.
Media Contact: Anna Jackson Tel: 02 6271 2876 |