Formed 1946, by appointment of Police Commissioner William John MacKay, the band brought together serving police as experienced pipers and drummers of Scottish heritage.

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Honouring their founder and patron, the ancient tartan and crest of Clan MacKay were adopted. 

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The clan motto, "Manu Forti," translated reads, "with a strong hand."

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With great pride, as ceremonial pipe band for the state of New South Wales, the Pipe Major’s banner carries the New South Wales Coat of Arms and the reverse side the New South Wales Police Force badge.  Highly esteemed, the Pipe Major carries the banner during ceremonial and State occasions.

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The Newcastle Centenary Celebrations in September 1947 was the band’s first official engagement, commencing the successful period travelling extensively throughout New South Wales, and performances in the states of Victoria and Queensland. 

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The first 30 years saw tremendous competition success as a Grade 1 band throughout 66 contests for 40 successful 1st place titles included the first two Australian Championships held in 1961 and 1962.

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Fast forward to 1975 saw the invitation to all Australian police pipe bands to tour the United Kingdom.  Performances at the Royal Tournament Earls Court; the Colchester Searchlight Tattoo and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo became milestone experiences in the band's proud history.

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There have been several long servicing Pipe Majors with the highest-ranking police Pipe Major being Deputy Commissioner Angus Graham.  

Suffering a serious setback 1989, at the whim  of the Minister for Police, the band was devolved as a full-time police unit.  

 

Fortunately, a dedicated group of former players reformed the band, unofficially, taking part in the 1990 ANZAC Day March. The band has continued on a volunteer basis in partnership with the NSW Police Force receiving outstanding support from the community.

 

The band now consists of several former police and community volunteers who attend rehearsals and performances outside of their regular work commitments.

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Following reformation, the band has taken part in many International Military Tattoos and performances with the New South Wales Mounted Police Unit  in NSW Mounted Police Musical Ride.

 

In 2019, the band featured in, "All Points of the Compass," the world’s largest production of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium to over 100,000 spectators.

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The band continues to contribute to important events including King’s Birthday Celebrations, Police Attestation Parades, ANZAC Day and Highland Gatherings.  Pipers also attend police retirement 'March-Outs' and services to families at police funerals.

 

Performing at major events such as Andre Rieu concerts to small country fairs, we enjoy sharing our love of Highland bagpipe music wherever we go.

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The band's commitment to encouraging young talent in partnership with The Scots School Albury gives student musicians opportunities to perform at high profile events.

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As our 80 Year Anniversary approaches, we are excited for our first visit at the Basel Tattoo 2024.