Current projects and announcements

Introduction

In addition to the inspection, care and maintenance activities undertaken by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), we also undertake specific minor and major works projects. Works can vary, but will most often involve refurbishment, repairs or, from time to time, construction.

The OAWG recognises that War Cemeteries and Garden of Remembrance sites are special places for many families and regrets any inconvenience caused as a result of works being undertaken.

Current Major works

Western Australian Garden of Remembrance and Dutch Annex, Perth

The Western Australian Garden of Remembrance (GRM) and Dutch Annex precinct is currently closed to the public. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) made the decision to close this site due to serious safety concerns discovered over the structural integrity of the walls that make up the existing structures.

In May 2025, the OAWG commenced a phased program of works to redevelop and upgrade the site. This program of works includes the respectful removal of the plaques and ashes contained with the GRM and Dutch Annex, demolition of existing structures, the re-design of the GRM inclusive of community and broader stakeholder consultation, and the construction of the new GRM.

Progress Update

JLL Australia has been engaged as the Managing Contractor (MC) to undertake design and construction of the new GRM and Dutch Annex. Work on initial design concepts has commenced, with a strong focus on preserving the site’s solemn and dignified setting while enhancing its accessibility, longevity, and visitor experience.
The emerging design concepts are being developed to:

• Improve accessibility and circulation throughout the site for visitors of all abilities
• Increase the commemoration capacity of the GRM, enabling commemorations of this type to be provided in Western Australia well into the future
• Improvements to the longevity of structural elements within the garden, including pathways and commemorative walls
• Enhanced landscape presentation through considered planting and material selection, acknowledging environmental impacts and restrictions
• Ensure the dignified presentation and long-term integrity of commemorations in Western Australia.

Concept development is progressing following consultation with stakeholders to ensure the design appropriately reflects the significance of the site and the expectations of the community.

Procurement activity to support the supply of new commemorative bronze plaques is underway and the project remains on track, with completion anticipated to be prior to Anzac Day 2027. Delivery remains dependant on the availability of suitably qualified trades and timely completion of the works.

For safety reasons, the Perth War Cemetery may also need to close intermittently during the redevelopment due to the scale and complexity of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

Images of the individual plaques in the Western Australian GRM are available online.

The OAWG recognises that this site is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary safety works.

Further information can be obtained by emailing OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the frequently asked questions about the redevelopment of the Western Australian GRM. If you have additional questions that have not been answered here, please contact OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au.

Community consultation

Community consultation was initially undertaken from 23 to 27 June 2025.

Additional community consultation occurred in Perth from 9 to 10 September 2026. 

Attendees were provided an update on the project as of September 2026. Information provided during community consultation may change as the project progresses. OAWG remains committed to sharing the most current information as it becomes available. 

• Public Consultation Session 9 and 10 September 2026 - Western Australian Garden of Remembrance (GRM) and Dutch Annex Redevelopment (PDF 163 KB)
• Thirty percent design concept presented during the consultation (PDF 4 MB)

The concept is being refined in response to feedback received and is expected to be finalised in October.

The sessions were well received and attendees provided valuable feedback on key elements of the thirty percent design concepts.

If you have any questions or feedback to provide as works progress, please contact the GRM Major Works Stakeholder Engagement Team at OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au. Alternatively, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Hobart Garden of Remembrance, Tasmania

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) made the decision to partially restrict access at the Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) due to serious safety concerns discovered over the structural integrity of the walls that make up the existing structures.

The OAWG has commenced a phased program of works to redevelop and upgrade the site. The program will include respectful archaeological investigation and subsequent activities, sensitive removal of the plaques in the GRM, demolition of existing structures, the re-design of the GRM inclusive of community and broader stakeholder consultation. The objective of the redevelopment is to deliver a GRM that is safe, simple, functional, inviting, respectful and reflective.

Community consultation

Community consultation was undertaken 26 February 2026 to hear from the community and relevant stakeholders on what they see as important elements to be incorporated in the new design, to ensure this is a GRM for the families and other visitors.

Following the development of a Statement of Historical Archaeological Potential Heritage Impact Assessment, additional community consultation sessions were held in Hobart on 28 and 29 July 2026.

Closure of the Hobart Garden of Remembrance – 1 September 2026

The Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) will close to the public on 1 September 2026 to allow demolition, archaeological investigations and redevelopment works to proceed safely. The site will remain closed for the duration of the project, expected to be completed by December 2027.

A temporary commemorative space will be established behind the Hobart War Cemetery for families and visitors to safely pay their respects to loved ones commemorated in the GRM while the site is closed.

It is anticipated that the temporary commemorative space will be open to the public on 25 September 2026.

For safety reasons, the Hobart War Cemetery may also need to close during the redevelopment due to the scale and complexity of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any feedback to provide as works progress, please contact the GRM Major Works Stakeholder Engagement Team at OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au.

Images of the individual plaques in the Hobart GRM are available online.

The OAWG recognises that this site is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary safety works.

Further information can be obtained by emailing OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the frequently asked questions about the redevelopment of the Hobart GRM. If you have additional questions that have not been answered here, please contact OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au.

Current Minor works

Sydney Memorial to the Missing

The OAWG has restricted access to the Memorial to the Missing, adjacent to the Sydney War Cemetery in Rookwood, New South Wales due to structural safety concerns.

As a result, some commemorative panels will not be accessible.

The OAWG recognises that this site is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary safety works.

Further information can be obtained by emailing wargraves@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

South Australian Garden of Remembrance

The OAWG has partially restricted access to a wall of the South Australian Garden of Remembrance due to structural safety concerns.

Images of all commemorative plaques within the Garden are available online.

The OAWG recognises that the site is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary safety works.

Further information can be obtained by emailing wargraves@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Victorian Garden of Remembrance

The OAWG has partially restricted access to a wall of the Victorian Garden of Remembrance (GRM) in Springvale, Victoria due to structural safety concerns.

As a result, some commemorative plaques will be moved to alternative walls within the GRM. Images of all commemorative plaques within the Garden are available online.

The OAWG recognises that the site is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary safety works.

Further information can be obtained by emailing wargraves@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).