Honouring the legacy of service: 2024 National Police Remembrance Day

01 October 2024
Wide shot of the service taking place at the Police Memorial at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
AT SMCT, we are honoured to remember the brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, ensuring their stories live on—Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Neil Soullier OAM is featured leading the service.

Australians unite on National Police Remembrance Day every year to acknowledge the brave men and women who have served and protected our communities. At Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), we are honoured to care for the Police Memorial at Springvale Botanical Cemetery—a tribute to the brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, ensuring their stories live on.

In partnership with Victoria Police and their Blue Ribbon Foundation, we hosted officers, families, and community members on Friday 27 October for this year’s End of Day Reflection service at the Police Memorial in Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Neil Soullier OAM led the service, which included special guests such as the State Member for Mulgrave Eden Foster, and from the City of Greater Dandenong, Mayor Cr Lana Formoso and councillors Angela Long and Rhonda Garad. Special guests from Victoria Police’s Southern Metro Region, also included Acting Assistant Commissioner Therese Fitzgerald, Acting Commander Damian Jackson and Acting Superintendent Chris Goldrick.

A place of remembrance at Springvale

At Springvale Botanical Cemetery, the Police Memorial is a monument dedicated to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Since its construction in 1999, the memorial has stood as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.

As part of our annual tradition, our Trust Chair Dr Vanda Fortunato, Victoria Police representative and community leaders laid wreaths of flowers at the foot of the Memorial and lit candles in remembrance. They also lowered the Australian flag and Victoria Police flag to half-mast, and Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation representatives placed a blue ribbon on each grave within the Police Memorial area.

Community members gathered at a cemetery service.
The End of Day Reflection service took place at the Police Memorial at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

Reflections from our Interim CEO

SMCT Interim CEO Lucinda Nolan, who spent over four and a half years as Deputy Commissioner for Victoria Police, offered a deeply personal reflection on the significance of this day.

“Policing is more than just a job—it’s a calling that shapes you for life. In my time with Victoria Police, I quickly learned the importance of critical thinking and the ability to act swiftly in high-pressure situations,” she says.

Lucinda also reflected on the sense of fulfilment that comes from serving the public: “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, no matter how big or small.”

While no longer in active service, the drive to serve remains. “Leaving the Force doesn’t diminish the sense of duty. Today, we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their legacy continues through their families, their colleagues, and the communities they served.”

SMCT Interim CEO Lucinda Nolan speaking with a police officer in uniform.
“Policing is more than just a job—it’s a calling that shapes you for life”, says SMCT Interim CEO Lucinda Nolan (featured in the centre).

Continuing the legacy

The legacy of fallen officers extends beyond their years of active service. Their memory lives on through their families, colleagues, and the communities they bravely served.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation continues to honour their legacy by funding special tribute projects throughout Victoria that save lives. To date, they have funded 69 new and improved medical facilities in public hospitals, each named in memory of police officers who have fallen in the line of duty. These facilities provide lifesaving care by treating the injured and offering comfort to their families and colleagues.

As we observe National Police Remembrance Day this year, we take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of those no longer with us. Their service will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires those who remain committed to protecting our communities.

We express our deepest gratitude to all police officers—past and present—for their unwavering service. We encourage everyone to honour their memory and take pride in their lasting impact on society.

SMCT Trust Chair Vanda Fortunato is featured with a wreath at the Police Memorial.
Ribbons and wreaths are placed on the memorial plaque to honour and remember our fallen police officers—SMCT Trust Chair Vanda Fortunato is featured with a wreath.

Additional support and resources

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, support is available. Having someone to confide in can make all the difference.

You can speak to a family member or friend who may understand what you are going through. Confiding in others with shared memories can provide a comforting reminder of your loved one while delivering emotional support.

Alternatively, organisations like Beyond Blue or Griefline offer professional support via online forums and over-the-phone care. These services are anonymous and available from anywhere in Australia, anytime.

You can also learn more about our Community Care and Wellbeing program, which holds several free community activities throughout the year.

For those looking to participate in future commemorative events, please join our mailing list using this link. You can contact events@smct.org.au if you have any questions.

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