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
05 August 1989
Victoria
About 11.18 p.m. Saturday 5 August 1989 Inspector Dickens was travelling east along the Maroondah Highway Bonnie Doon when his vehicle was involved in a head on collision with an oncoming car. The police car overturned and Inspector Dickens was killed instantly.
On this day
05 August 1932
New South Wales
On the evening of the 5 August 1932 Constables McCunn and Bush were performing special traffic duty on foot at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour bridge. During the operation they were stopping passing vehicles using a torch. A vehicle appeared travelling from the northern side of the harbour and was signalled to stop by one of the Constables. The vehicle did not stop however and struck both Constables with considerable force. Constable Bush died instantly and Constable McCunn died about an hour later at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Constable McCunn was born in 1909 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 30 October 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at No. 11 Division (Petersham). Constable Bush was born in 1906 and joined the Police Force on 26 October 1927. At the time of his death he was stationed at Central Police Station.
On this day
05 August 1932
New South Wales
On the evening of the 5 August 1932 Constables McCunn and Bush were performing special traffic duty on foot at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour bridge. During the operation they were stopping passing vehicles using a torch. A vehicle appeared travelling from the northern side of the harbour and was signalled to stop by one of the Constables. The vehicle did not stop however and struck both Constables with considerable force. Constable Bush died instantly and Constable McCunn died about an hour later at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Constable McCunn was born in 1909 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 30 October 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at No. 11 Division (Petersham). Constable Bush was born in 1906 and joined the Police Force on 26 October 1927. At the time of his death he was stationed at Central Police Station.
On this day
05 August 1863
Victoria
Shortly after 7.00 a.m. Tuesday 4 August 1863 O’Boyle was supervising whilst James Murphy a prisoner on remand for horse stealing cleaned the Warrnambool Court House. O’Boyle had knelt down to light the fire when Murphy struck him on the head with a 3 pound (1.5kg) masons hammer inflicting massive head injuries. O’Boyle was beyond medical help and died at 4.50 a.m. the following morning. After he struck the fatal blow Murphy calmly walked from the Court House and made good his escape. The Constable’s body was located some minutes later and the hunt began. Despite the large number of people used in the search Murphy evaded capture for two days being finally arrested at a farm 25 miles from Warrnambool at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 6 August 1863. Murphy was convicted of the Constable’s murder and he was hanged on 6 November 1863 at Geelong Gaol.
On this day
05 August 1853
Victoria
Constable Gray drowned whilst looking for lost property in the One Mile Creek at Wangaratta.
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