September 29, 2026
Communities across Australia paused on Tuesday for brief ceremonies to mark National Police Remembrance Day, an opportunity to reflect on the service of police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities.
In the South Burnett, the solemn event is held in a different town every year.
This year, St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Kingaroy hosted the non-denominational service, led by Police Chaplain Jeff Baills, from Toowoomba.
He said National Police Remembrance Day was the most significant day on the annual police calendar, remembering the 151 police officers in Queensland who had died in the line of service since 1861.
Chaplain Baills said they had paid a great cost to protect the freedoms we share today.
However, National Police Remembrance Day was also an opportunity to remember the loss carried by their families, friends and colleagues.
Acting Inspector Scott Prendergast thanked the students from St John’s Lutheran School for attending the service as well as the members of the State Emergency Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire Department; retired and serving police officers, and their families.
Reading the Commissioner’s Address, Acting Inspector Prendergast said National Police Remembrance Day was a chance to pause, reflect and remember the police officers who have lost their lives.
He acknowledged the death of NSW officer, Constable Mia Lay, who tragically lost her life on September 25 in Sydney.
“I ask that we keep their families, friends and colleagues in our thoughts today, knowing this commemoration will be another poignant reminder of their loss,” Acting Inspector Prendergast said.
The names of Queensland Police staff members, retired police officers and serving police officers who have died over the past 12 months were also read out and acknowledged with silence.
Names that were added to National Roll Of Honour this included Victoria police officers Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart who were murdered at Porepunkah on August 26 last year.
Police and community representatives then laid wreaths at the foot of flags display.
National Police Remembrance Day has been observed annually on September 29 since 1989.
With honour, they served.
