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
11 August 1980
Victoria
About 3.15 p.m. Monday 11 August 1980 Senior Constable O’Donoghue was on motor cycle patrol in the Maidstone area when he was fatally injured in a collision with a motor car at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Short Street.
On this day
11 August 1953
New South Wales
On the evening of 9 August 1953 Constable Williams was riding a Police motor cycle outfit along Riverstone Road Riverstone when the cycle collided with another vehicle which had been travelling in the opposite direction. The Constable was treated at the scene before being conveyed to the Hawkesbury District Hospital suffering from severe injuries including a fractured skull. He was transferred to the Prince Henry Hospital that night where he was operated upon however he died on 11 August 1953 without regaining consciousness. The Constable was born in 1923 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 28 March 1949. At the time of his death he was stationed at Riverstone.
On this day
11 August 1946
New South Wales
On 11 August 1946 Detective Constable Ahearn and Detective Constable Bowie waited at Long Bay Gaol to arrest two suspects wanted for break and enter and motor vehicle theft offences. When the two men arrived to visit two female prisoners at the gaol as expected the Detectives arrested them. They then set out to convey the prisoners to Daceyville Police Station with Constable Bowie driving and Constable Ahearn seated in the rear of the vehicle between the prisoners. Shortly after leaving the gaol one of the prisoners produced a firearm and shot Constable Ahearn twice in the side. Constable Bowie quickly stopped the vehicle and when trying to assist his colleague now struggling with the offenders he was also attacked. After assaulting Constable Bowie the offenders escaped though were later arrested. Unfortunately Detective Constable Ahearn died of his wounds before medical assistance arrived at the scene. The Constable was born in 1906 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 8 January 1930.
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.
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