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

First Constable

George Michael WILLIS

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1949

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

Respiratory illness

On this day

Constable

Casey Blain

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 2013

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 29 March 2013 (Easter Friday) Constable Casey Blain of Mareeba Police Station was performing relief duties at Georgetown Station when he was involved in a single vehicle traffic crash. Georgetown is a small country town located about five hours drive west of Cairns on the Savannah Way and a tourist trail between Cairns and Broome. That morning, Constable Blain was conducting patrols along the Gulf Developmental Road. At approximately 10.45am, the vehicle he was driving collided with part of a bridge which crossed Routh Creek, causing it to leave the road and finally come to rest in the creek bed. Constable Blain passed away from injuries received in the crash. At the time of his death, Casey was assisting with making our roads safer in the western areas of the Mareeba Police District as a part of increased enforcement during the holiday period. Constable Blain had been appointed as the School Based Police Officer for Mareeba and was shortly to take on this role with a rank of Acting Senior Constable. Casey was also a Peer Support Officer in the Mareeba District. He was a well liked officer, always supportive to his workmates and missed by all.

On this day

Constable

Warren John MATHESON

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1982

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Matheson and Payne died after a vehicle they were pursuing in the south-western suburbs of Adelaide allegedly swerved into their police car. Police charged the driver of the pursued vehicle with a number of serious driving offences.

On this day

Constable

Mathew John PAYNE

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1982

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Matheson and Payne died after a vehicle they were pursuing in the south-western suburbs of Adelaide allegedly swerved into their police car. Police charged the driver of the pursued vehicle with a number of serious driving offences.

On this day

Constable

Edgar William DIPROSE

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1956

JURISDICTION

Tasmania

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Diprose died when his police motorcycle and sidecar unit collided head-on with a Transport Commission passenger bus bound for Queenstown. The accident occurred on the Lyell Highway between Plenty and Hayes. Constable Diprose was riding from Hamilton to New Norfolk. He was following another bus and pulled out to pass in the face of the on-coming bus which was carrying 22 passengers. This bus then veered off the road and came to rest on the riverbank the occupants having to climb out the windows.

On this day

Foot Constable

Albert Edward RING

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1908

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Albert Ring died after local fisherman Joseph Coleman shot him dead on Jetty Road Glenelg. The officer had arrested his attacker for drunkenness earlier in the day.

On this day

Acting Sergeant

David JOHNSTON

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1903

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

In 1888 a new lockup was built at Mackay to house the increasing number if prisoners, it’s 5 cells and other buildings were surrounded by a high fence. In 1893 it was declared a prison by Queensland Legislation. In 1898 Acting Sergeant Johnston, sometimes known as Johnson, was gazetted Superintendent of the goal and was responsible to the Controller of Prisons. On Sunday 26 October 1902, 12 year old Alice Gunning, disappeared on her way home from Mass. When her body was found her head had been crushed with a rock. Suspicion for the crime fell on Sow-Too-Low, a Malaitian labourer who worked and lived at Habana. On the 29th he was arrested as he arrived home. Sow-Too-Low was taken to the murder scene where he confessed to the crime and after the committal proceedings he was remanded in custody to stand trial and later placed in the Mackay Prison. He mixed with other prisoners and it wasn’t long before trouble began to brew. Sow-Too-Long’s aversion to soap and water led to loud complaints from his fellow prisoners. At 2.15pm on Sunday 29th 1903, Sow-Too-Low attacked John martin, a prisoner, with an axe, killing him with a savage blow to the head. Acting Sergeant Johnston was called for and came running into the yard, he was unarmed. When Johnston stooped over the body of the dead man with his back to the wood heap, Sow-Too-Low rushed him from behind and buried the axe into his head. Sow-Too-Low retreated to his cell after attempting unsuccessfully to attack another prisoner. Sergeant Ferguson and Constable Clulow managed to contain him there. On 12 May 1903 Sow-Too-Low was found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of Sergeant Johnston and John Martin. He was hanged on 22 June 1903 at Boggo Road Goal.

On this day

Sergeant

John WALSH

YEAR OF DEATH

29 March 1865

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Sergeant Walsh died as a result of injuries sustained when he was thrown from his horse at Araluen. Further details are unknown.

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Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.  Click here for more information.

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, 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