30 Years of Police Remembrance Commemorated on New Royal Australian Mint Coin

The 30th anniversary of National Police Remembrance Day to honour Australia’s police forces is marked with the launch of new coloured $2 commemorative coins by the Royal Australian Mint, following the release of Australia’s newest circulating coin of the same design.

Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid; Police Federation of Australia CEO, Scott Weber; Royal Australian Mint coin designer, Adam Ball; and AFP Legatee and Policing Legatees, Emily O’Donohue and Jack O’Donohue, are launching the coins in a video speaking to the national significance of these coins.

“These coins not only commemorate the 30th anniversary of Police Remembrance, but serve as an everyday reminder of the sacrifices made by Australia’s police forces”, said Mr MacDiarmid.

“On this remembrance day, it’s a way that we pay tribute to the families, the colleagues and the members that have been gone before”, said Mr Weber.

“With this 30 year anniversary of police remembrance day and the special minting of the $2 coin, this is a real way for the community to reflect on all that police officers do. When you do use that coin and when you do look at that coin, remember the police officers that are out there on the street right now keeping you safe” he said.

National Police Remembrance Day is held every year on 29 September to remember police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The significance of the date 29 September being ‘the Feast of St Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police and peacemakers’. The observance of National Police Remembrance Day grants police the opportunity to commemorate their fallen colleagues and ensure their legacies are preserved; enable family members to grieve and honour their lost loved ones; and act as a reminder to the public of the ultimate price that police might be called upon to pay, as they protect and serve the Australian people.

Police Remembrance Day remembers the service of all police officers across Australia, those that have been killed in the line of duty and passed away whist they were in the service. It’s a very important day to reflect on the contribution made by policing in Australia” said Ms O’Donohue.

“It’s for every police officer around Australia past or present”, said Mr O’Donohue.

The new coin design resembles a police badge, incorporating St Edwards Crown (often referred to as the ‘Queen’s Crown’) in the centre, and the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star (also known as the Star of Federation), which represents the 1901 Federation of Australia. The star is surrounded by a wreath, which represents victory. The blue and white chequered pattern known as a Sillitoe Tartan (commonly known as ‘dicing’) is used by police forces throughout Australia and is displayed on uniforms and vehicles. This coin design unifies all of Australia’s police forces in a spirit of solemn remembrance and gratitude.

The Police Remembrance – 2019 $2 C Mintmark Coloured Uncirculated Coin is available in a limited mintage of 40,000 – retailing for $15.00 https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/30th-Anniversary-of-the-National-Police-Remembrance-Day/10140.aspx.   The coins are Australian legal tender and can be purchased from the Mint’s website or Contact Centre (1300 652 020).

To be one of the first to get your hands on Australia’s newest circulating coin, which also commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Police Remembrance, join the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on Thursday 12 September at the locations listed below.

CANBERRA
Date: Thursday 12 September
Time: 8.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra
Details: http://bit.ly/2P7VYII

SYDNEY
Date:  Thursday 12 September
Time: 8.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Centenary Square, Parramatta
Details: http://bit.ly/30n9CsF

BRISBANE
Date: Thursday 12 September
Time: 8.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Main Stage, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
Details: http://bit.ly/2KPnjey

MELBOURNE
Date: Thursday 12 September
Time: 8.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Federation Square – Cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets
Details: http://bit.ly/2Nrm9Yg