Honouring the legacy of service: on National Police Remembrance Day 2024

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 PoliceExternal site and their Blue Ribbon FoundationExternal site, 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.

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.”

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.

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 BlueExternal site or GrieflineExternal site 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 programExternal site, 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 linkExternal site. You can contact events@smct.org.au if you have any questions.