Australia Honours Fallen Officers On National Police Remembrance Day
Police, families and communities across Australia will pause on Tuesday, 29 September, for National Police Remembrance Day, honouring officers killed in the line of duty or as a result of their service.
This year’s commemoration carries added significance as it marks 20 years since the National Police Memorial in Canberra was dedicated on 29 September 2006. A national march and service at the memorial will bring together policing agencies and members of the public to reflect on the courage, commitment and sacrifice of fallen officers.
The commemorations were preceded by the 17th annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance on 12 September, when more than 1,800 motorcyclists travelled from every state and territory to the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
Established in 2009, the ride unites serving and retired officers, families, friends and supporters in honour of fallen police, while raising funds for Police Legacy organisations that assist police families in times of need.
Terrequip are the Regenerative Mining Experts
The day will also recall the Wieambilla shootings of 12 December 2022, when Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were fatally shot while attending an isolated property as part of a missing-person inquiry. Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough survived the attack, while neighbour Alan Dare was also killed.
Touchstones bearing the names of Constables McCrow and Arnold were added to the National Police Memorial in 2023. Their deaths remain a powerful reminder of the risks officers can face in routine duties and of the lasting impact on families, colleagues and communities.
The commemorations will be preceded by the 17th annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance on 12 September, when more than 1,800 motorcyclists are expected to travel from every state and territory to the National Police Memorial in Canberra. Established in 2009, the ride unites serving and retired officers, families, friends and supporters in honour of fallen police, while raising funds for Police Legacy organisations that assist police families in times of need.
National Police Remembrance Day has been observed since 1989. Services, vigils and marches held around the country on 29 September invite Australians to remember those who did not return home and to recognise the service of police nationwide.
