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

James Thomas CLIFTON

YEAR OF DEATH

31 July 1959

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 31 July 1959 Constable Clifton rode his Police motor cycle outfit from his home to the Parramatta Police Station where he had a meeting with local Detectives. Following the meeting he set out to ride to the Balmain Police Station to commence his rostered shift at 7pm. As he was travelling along Victoria Road Parramatta a pedestrian ran out onto the roadway near the intersection of Gagin Street. Although he took evasive action and braked the sidecar on Constable Clifton’s cycle hit the pedestrian. The cycle then veered across the road throwing the Constable beneath a car travelling toward him. He was killed instantly. The Constable was born in 1928 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 June 1950. He resigned in August 1954 and rejoined the Service on 26 August 1957. At the time of his death he was stationed at Balmain.

On this day

Constable

George William MATTHEWS

YEAR OF DEATH

31 July 1943

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Shortly after 6pm on 16 May 1943 Constables Matthews and Emslie were on duty in Campbell Street Sydney. They intervened in a brawl outside the Capitol Theatre where they had seen two men kicking a man on the ground. When they arrested the assailants the crowd turned on them and both Constables were assaulted. Constable Matthews received injuries to his nose and left eye and as a result reported off duty on sick report. Unfortunately his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to the Sydney Hospital where he passed away on 31 July 1943. The Constable was born in 1917 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 July 1939. At the time of his death he was stationed at Central Police Station.

On this day

Constable

James HERLIHY

YEAR OF DEATH

31 July 1876

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Herlihy died at Buninyong Station on the afternoon of 31 July 1876. He had been riding his horse on patrol some three or four miles from Donald when the animal bolted. It ran into a wire and rail fence over which both horse and rider fell. Although Herlihy was fatally injured his steed was unhurt. However it was later destroyed as it was judged to be unsafe to ride.

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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