With Honour They Served

Mackay Reflects On National Police Remembrance Day

By Hannah McNamara

Mackay paused in quiet respect as police officers, past and present, marched through the city in a heartfelt tribute to colleagues who lost their lives in service. On Monday, 29 September, the streets from Brisbane Street to St Patrick’s Catholic Church were filled with the steady presence of the blue family, joined by friends, families, and community members from across the region, marking National Police Remembrance Day.

Earlier in the week, a candlelit vigil at Old Town Hall Park offered a moment of reflection, allowing the city to honour the fallen and consider the sacrifices made by officers and their loved ones.

Superintendent Dean Cavanagh described the day as a solemn reminder of both loss and solidarity, highlighting the enduring strength of the police community and the support of the wider public. Retired officer and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton reflected on the courage and dedication of those who continue to serve.

Mackay came together in solemn tribute on National Police Remembrance Day, with officers, families, and community members honouring fallen colleagues through a candlelit vigil and city march. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Candlelight And Comradeship
Mackay Pays Respect To QPS Officers Lost

By Hannah McNamara

Throughout Mackay’s CBD, the sound of polished boots echoed down Brisbane Street, accompanied by the solemn notes of bagpipes, as serving and retired officers, families, and friends marched in tribute to the men and women in blue who gave their lives protecting the community.

On Monday, 29 September, Mackay’s city heart turned blue as members of the Queensland Police Service, alongside retired officers and community supporters, made their way from Brisbane Street to St Patrick’s Catholic Church. The march brought together officers and community members from near and far, to honour National Police Remembrance Day.

A few days earlier, on Thursday evening, Mackay Police hosted a vigil at Old Town Hall Park on Sydney Street, where the soft glow of candlelight offered quiet moments of reflection ahead of Monday’s march.

Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said, “The blue family of the Queensland Police Service extends well beyond our current serving members.

“It includes retired officers, both sworn and unsworn, as well as the friends and families of every police officer who has served before.”

He said while the day carried a sense of sadness, it was also an opportunity to acknowledge the unity that binds officers and the communities they serve.

“It can be a very sad and solemn day, but it’s also an important moment to stop and reflect… to look around and see the community, family, friends, and colleagues who come together to remember our lost officers and acknowledge that we’re part of a strong and supportive community.”

Superintendent Cavanagh said policing could be both dangerous and rewarding, and days like this highlighted the importance of solidarity.

“We gather not only as the blue family but alongside the community, supporting each other through the good times and the bad,” he said.

While the Mackay Whitsunday District has lost officers in the past, Superintendent Cavanagh said no new names were added to the roll of honour this year, and it’s a hope he wishes will continue.

“We stop, reflect, and remember their legacy and service. Our wish is that no more names are added to that honour roll.”

“It’s wonderful to see such strong support from both the service and the public,” Superintendent Cavanagh said.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, a retired police officer, also reflected on the day’s meaning.

“As a retired police officer, this day holds deep significance. I reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and quiet strength of those we've lost — and the heavy toll it leaves on their families and fellow officers.”

“To those still wearing the badge — thank you for your unwavering dedication, your resilience, and the tireless work you do to protect our communities every single day.”

With Honour They Served

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Superintendent Dean Cavanagh

Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP laying a reef for the fallen police officers.

Officers, families, and community members marched through Mackay’s CBD to St Patrick’s Church, honouring fallen police. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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