National Police Memorial (Australia) facts for kids
Australia's National Police Memorial is in the national capital, Canberra. It's located in King's Park, right by Lake Burley Griffin and next to the National Carillon. This special place remembers Australian police officers who have sadly died while doing their duty.
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What the Memorial Looks Like
The National Police Memorial has two main parts that make it special:
- A bronze wall with special plaques called 'touchstones'. Each touchstone has the name, rank, date, and place of death for police officers who died while on duty.
- A large paved area, like a pathway, called the 'terrain'. Visitors walk across this area to reach the wall.
The wall is covered in bronze panels that have a slightly rough feel but a shiny finish. The 'touchstones' are also made of bronze, but they have a golden, polished look. Over time, they might change color as people touch them. There are 1200 touchstones on the wall. This number reminds us that police officers face dangers every day.
The paved 'terrain' area slopes gently towards the wall. It has small bumps and dips. This design is meant to make visitors feel a bit unsure as they walk. It shows how police officers often face unexpected and uncertain paths in their important work.
The memorial also includes parts that honor Saint Michael. He is known as the patron saint or protector of police officers.
How the Design Was Chosen
A competition was held to find the best design for the memorial. It was started on March 2, 2005, by Senator Christopher Ellison, who was a government minister at the time. Many people sent in their ideas, with 77 designs submitted by April 29, 2005.
The memorial cost about A$2.4 million to build.
The winning design was created by Fairweather Proberts Architects from Brisbane.
Who Managed the Project
The Australian Federal Police Recognition and Ceremonial Team were given the important job of managing the building of this special memorial.
Opening of the Memorial
The National Police Memorial was officially opened on September 29, 2006. This day is also National Police Remembrance Day. The Hon. John Howard, who was the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, officially dedicated the memorial.
The event was hosted by Ita Buttrose, a well-known Australian media personality.
More than 700 police officers from all states and the Australian Federal Police came together for the opening. It was the first time so many Australian police had gathered in Canberra since the opening of Old Parliament House way back in 1927.
Remembering Constable Joseph Luker
The first police officer known to have died on duty was Constable Joseph Luker. He was 38 years old. He died on August 26, 1803, after being attacked. At that time, the city of Sydney was only 15 years old.
Remembering Sergeant Colin McKenzie
The New South Wales Police Force has lost the most officers in Australia. Sergeant Colin McKenzie was the last Australian police officer to die on duty before the memorial was officially opened. He was 50 years old and had been a police officer for 30 years. He became ill and collapsed on September 28, 2006, the day before the official opening, during a rehearsal at the memorial.
To honor Sergeant McKenzie, his police cap was carried on a cushion by another NSW Police Force Sergeant. This sergeant led the NSW Police Force group in a march from Old Parliament House to the National Police Memorial. It was a very touching tribute.
