Established in 1946 by Police Commissioner William John MacKay, the band united serving police officers who were skilled pipers and drummers with Scottish heritage. In honor of their founder and patron, they adopted the ancient tartan and crest of Clan MacKay, whose motto "Manu Forti" translates to "with a strong hand."

 

As the ceremonial pipe band for New South Wales, they proudly carry the Pipe Major’s banner featuring the New South Wales Coat of Arms and the Police Force badge during state occasions.

 

The band’s inaugural official engagement was at Newcastle Centenary Celebrations in September 1947, marking the beginning of a successful journey across New South Wales and in Victoria and Queensland. Over their first 30 years, they achieved remarkable competition success as a Grade 1 band, winning 40 first-place titles in 66 contests, including the first two Australian Championships in 1961 and 1962.

 

In 1975, they were invited to tour the UK, performing at prestigious events such as the Royal Tournament the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which became significant milestones in their history.

 

Despite facing a setback in 1989 when the band was disbanded as a full-time police unit, a committed group of former players reformed the band and participated in the 1990 ANZAC Day March, continuing on a volunteer basis with strong community support.

 

Today, the band includes police and community volunteers and participates in various International Military Tattoos and performances with the New South Wales Mounted Police Unit. Notably, in 2019, they were featured in "All Points of the Compass," the largest production of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in front of over 100,000 spectators at Sydney’s Stadium.

 

The band plays at significant events such as the King’s Birthday Celebrations, Police Attestation Parades, ANZAC Day, and Highland Gatherings, and they also attend police retirement ceremonies and funerals. From major events like Andre Rieu concerts to local fairs, they share their passion for Highland bagpipe music everywhere they perform.

 

With a commitment to nurturing young talent through a partnership with The Scots School Albury, they provide student musicians with opportunities to shine at high-profile events which included their first to Switzerland for the International Basel Tattoo in 2024.

 

As they approach their 80th anniversary, they are set to embark on greater challenges with an eye on returning to Scotland.