A tight-knit community will gather to mark one year since a beloved veteran police officer was murdered in the line of duty.
Constable Keith Smith was serving a home repossession notice at a property in Tasmania's northwest on June 16, 2025 when he was fatally shot by the homeowner, Leigh Geoffrey Sushames.
The constable, who had served with the force for 25 years, was remembered as kind, caring and always a "good cop".
Tasmania Police will hold a service at Ulverstone on Tuesday to give Const Smith's family and friends, colleagues, first responders and the wider community a chance to come together.
After the event, people can stay for a "cuppa and a chat" in tribute to Const Smith's love of a catch-up.
"For many people across the central coast, the past 12 months have been marked by grief, kindness and solidarity," the local council said.
"The memorial will provide a supportive space to stand together, remember Keith and recognise the strength, resilience and unity shown by first responders and the wider community."
The 57-year-old was awarded a Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal in 2016.
He was farewelled at a funeral with full ceremonial honours 11 days after he died, while a community policing award now carries his name.
Sushames pleaded guilty to murder in January and will be sentenced on June 26.
In body-worn camera footage shown in court in May, Sushames was crouching behind a car at his property when Const Smith approached him and asked "how are you mate?"
Sushames replied "not good" before standing up and shooting the officer twice with a high-powered rifle.
A prosecutor told the Supreme Court of Tasmania the killing was "little more than an execution".
Sushames had fallen behind on mortgage repayments and was aware police were coming to his property on that day to follow through on a repossession order.
In 2024, Sushames, who also pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault of two other police officers, told a friend he would "kill anyone" who tried to take his home.
He had a history of mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder and had no explanation for his actions, his lawyer Greg Richardson said.
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