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
21 October 1980
South Australia
Webb died from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident after the pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist at Seacombe Gardens. He had been a passenger in the police car.
On this day
21 October 1962
New South Wales
About 3.50pm on 21 October 1960 Constable Hardacre was riding a Police motor cycle along the Princes Highway just south of Kiama. Whilst negotiating a bend the cycle drifted onto the incorrect side of the roadway and collided head-on with another vehicle. The Constable was killed instantly. The Constable was born in 1936 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 2 March 1959. At the time of his death he was stationed at Kiama.
On this day
21 October 1954
New South Wales
On the afternoon of 21 October 1954 Constable Dilks and District Licensing Inspector Sergeant Whelan were returning to Corowa from an inspection at Brocklesby. Just north of the Hopefield Silos the rear offside tyre on their vehicle blew out causing the vehicle to swerve leave the roadway and overturn. Both occupants were thrown from the vehicle. Constable Dilks was killed instantly. Sergeant Whelan was admitted to hospital with severe injuries. The Constable was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 October 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Corowa.
On this day
21 October 1946
Western Australia
Detective Constable Roe and Sydney Hammond were taking inventory of stolen goods at Hammond’s garage in Claremont, when Mrs Hammond arrived and managed to pass a .22 calibre palm pistol to her husband. Hammond jammed the pistol into Roe’s back and fired three times, before running off. Despite his wounds, Roe gave chase whereupon Hammond fired twice more, striking Roe in the chest and head, mortally wounding him. Hammond jumped into his wife’s car and drove away. They were later captured. Mrs Hammond was imprisoned for seven years and her husband’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Det. Const. Roe joined the Police Force on the 23rd of April 1936.
On this day
21 October 1856
Victoria
In the early hours of Tuesday 21st October 1856 Constable Fallon was on patrol duty in the Mildura area. He was drowned whilst crossing a creek near the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers.
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