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

Senior Constable

Bria Kathleen JOYCE

YEAR OF DEATH

08 April 2022

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

At approximately 21:56 hours, Senior Constable Bria JOYCE and Leading Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane were travelling south on Kulkyne Way, Iraak in a 100 km/h zone. The road is a rural road location. A blue 2009 Nissan Navara dual cab utility, travelling north on Kulkyne Road, travelled across onto the wrong side of the road and collided head on with the police vehicle. A third vehicle was travelling south behind the police vehicle and was unable to avoid the collision and struck the rear of the police vehicle. Senior Constable JOYCE was deceased at the scene.

On this day

Constable 1st Class

John Maxwell PHILP

YEAR OF DEATH

08 April 1960

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Philp died after the vehicle he was driving overturned near Mannahill. He was returning from Yunta where he had performed relief duties during the absence of that station’s officer-in-charge.

On this day

Constable

Robert KYLE

YEAR OF DEATH

08 April 1933

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Died from head injuries sustained during an arrest at Bowen.

On this day

Constable

Michael KINSELLA

YEAR OF DEATH

08 April 1864

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Whilst attempting to cross the Boothingbee Creek (near Perry) in a canoe the Constable was drowned. Further details of the incident are unknown. The Constable was born in 1835 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 26 October 1863. At the time of his death he was stationed in the South-Western District.

Complete Honour Roll

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.