National Police Memorial Australia

The National Police Memorial Australia is a memorial in Kings Park featuring bronze touchstone panels inscribed with names, ranks, and service dates of officers who died while serving. The panels are arranged along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, positioned near Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carillion.

The project was initiated in the late 1980s by Police Associations and received final approval from the Prime Minister's Office on September 28, 2001. This authorization marked a significant milestone in official recognition of police sacrifice in Australia.

The memorial hosts annual remembrance ceremonies on September 29, bringing together officers and families to honor those lost in service. These gatherings emphasize the lasting bonds between the police community and the public they protect.

The memorial sits on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin and is easily accessible on foot from nearby attractions. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the lakeside area is walkable and open without special access restrictions.

The bronze touchstone panels develop a golden patina from repeated touching, symbolizing the ongoing risks of police work. Thousands of visitors have touched these stones, leaving visible marks that make the memorial an actively interactive place shaped by human contact.