September 2025
We had high hopes for the inaugural National Police Legacy Day. They were exceeded.
After years of the different state organisations talking about the day and the shape it might take, everything came together on 17 June 2025, focussed through the Michaelmas Daisy, the flower of Saint Michael, patron saint of policing.
The event was officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra on 4 June, with representatives from all state Police Legacies in attendance, as well as sponsors, politicians, and of course, Police Legatees.
On Sunday 15 June, the media floodgates opened. Thanks to a coordinated nationwide media strategy, stories of the heartbreak, tragedy, courage, and resilience of Police Legatee families all around Australia were picked up and run in magazines, newspapers, radio, TV, and social media. Westfield shopping centres all around the country displayed the Michaelmas Daisy and message of support.
And on 17 June, the day itself, we received photos from dozens of Commands around the state sharing their events – from the smallest morning tea gathering to large public outreach events. Every one raised money and awareness of Police Legacy, and warmed us through with the care taken and the empathy shown towards Police Families.
NSWPL held two events. The first, during the day at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills, was a celebration for Police Legatees and other VIPS. We were joined by Mr Edmund Atalla MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Acting Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM, Life Member Phil Holder, and special guest Police Legatee Phil Burton, who debuted the song "Never Forget You", written especially for the day by John Foreman.
The second, an evening cocktail event, was held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Circular Quay, overlooking the stunningly illuminated Opera House. We were honoured to welcome our patron, Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW; The Honourable Yasmin Catley MP, Minister for Police & Counter Terrorism; Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith APM, representing the NSWPF Commissioner; President of the Police Association of NSW Mr Kevin Morton; and Chief Executive Officer for the Police Federation of Australia, Mr Scott Webber.
After a heartfelt speech from Premier Minns, our Police Legatees took centre stage. The assembled crowd heard from Police Legatee Donna Anderson, who spoke beautifully and movingly about her journey with NSW Police Legacy, after which we were treated once again to the haunting lyrics of “Never Forget You”, sung by Phil Burton and accompanied by members of the NSW Police Band.
It's hard to imagine a better start to a new annual tradition.
