The unwavering dedication needed to provide vital support to families of fallen officers will be highlighted in a new national initiative this week.
NSW Police Legacy, in collaboration with the other seven Australian Police Legacies, has launched National Police Legacy Day to celebrate the important work done by the non-profit charities around the country to support police officers and their loved ones.
The newly-established National Police Legacy Day will be observed annually on 17 June.
The initiative aims to bring attention to the difficulties faced by police families left behind after a tragedy – the significant financial strain, emotional distress, and challenges related to family structure and daily life.
National Police Legacy Day will feature a variety of activities, community events, fundraising efforts, and a call to illuminate buildings around the state in a blue light in the evening.
Leading the way for the state, will be the illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails, announced by the NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The projection will be of the Police Legacy symbol, the Michaelmas Daisy, which is the flower of St Michael, the Patron Saint of Police, who protects those who have sworn to serve.
"NSW Police Legacy does a remarkable job ensuring no family is ever left behind," NSW Premier Chris
Minns said today.
"The NSW Government is proud to support and raise awareness of Police Legacy Day – and I'm pleased NSW can lead the national day by illuminating the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday night with the St Michael Daisy, symbolising the Patron Saint of Police.
"It's important that we commemorate this significant occasion."
The NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police Legacies provide a range of assistance to police families, often after an officer is killed in the line of duty.
Chairperson of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM said National Police Legacy Day would serve as a reminder to families of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our community that they would always have support.
"Families all around Australia are being honoured because they are the ones left behind to pick up the pieces when their police officer has made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities," Superintendent McCarthy said.
"Police Legacy also provides practical, emotional and financial assistance to families of officers who pass away off duty from illness or officers who lose a spouse.
"I want all police families to know that should the worst occur, all of us will be with you every day – helping you get through."
The Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the Police Legacy daisy on Tuesday, 17
June 2025 from 6pm to midnight.
Since the start of policing in Australia, police families have dealt with the inherent dangers of the profession.
Police Legacy organisations have supported more than 4000 people nationally, providing services including bereavement grants, educational opportunities, and connection and peer support.
In the early days, the police family and the greater community rallied together where possible to aid newly grieving families. But in 1971, the story took a different turn.
Queensland established the first Police Legacy on 17 June 1971, formalising support for police officer's family in the event of their death. Police officers committed a portion of their pay to help these families when they needed it most.
Since this humble beginning, police officers throughout Australia committed to doing the same. And Police Legacies were born. This journey is far from over. Those who work in the charities won't stop until every police family member in Australia know and fully understand that Police Legacies are With You Every Day.
Seven ways you can support the first National Police Legacy Day
1. Hold a Blue Morning Tea
Host a morning tea in your home, at work, or at your local community centre; sharing blue-iced cakes, biscuits, or the much-loved police donut! Download the free NPLD poster from our website, take a selfie, and tag us on social media to help spread the love. #NPLD
2. Share your Michaelmas Daisies
The symbol of NPLD is the Michaelmas Daisy. St Michael is the Patron Saint of Police, and the daisy symbolises the care and protection that Police Legacies offer families every day. Share a selfie from your garden with this beautiful flower. #NPLD
3. Visit the Opera House
NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns will illuminate our national treasure, the Sydney Opera House, in blue with the Michaelmas Daisy. On 17 June 2025 between 6pm and midnight, take a selfie with the Opera House in the background and share it on social media. #NPLD
4. Take a selfie with virtual daisies
Images of Michaelmas daisies will be displayed on screens at Westfield shopping centres throughout the day Australia-wide – take a selfie with the daisies and share it on social media. #NPLD
5. Read the real-life stories of our police families
The lives of police families struck by tragedy will be featured in the Woman's Day magazine #NPLD
6. Light Up NSW in Blue
Light up our state in blue lights to show the families of police officers that we honour and pay tribute to the sacrifice they carry so that our homes and communities are protected. Share an image on social media of your building or home lit up in blue. #NPLD
7. Wear Something Blue
Take a selfie of you and/or your mates in blue showing your proud support of National Police Legacy Day, and tag us on social media. #NPLD
