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.

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

If you have additional questions that have not been answered here, please contact OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au.

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 following serious safety concerns over the structural integrity of the walls that made up the existing structures.

The OAWG has commenced a phased program of works to redevelop and upgrade the site including respectful plaque and ashes removal, demolition, re-design and construction of a new GRM inclusive of community and stakeholder consultation.

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.

Progress Updates

Current

• Development Application (DA): has been lodged with council.
• The Managing Contractor has established a presence on-site.

WA GRM Redevelopment – Past Updates

Temporary Commemorative Space

Families and visitors are invited to visit the Perth War Cemetery to safely pay their respects to loved ones commemorated in the GRM while the site is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the frequently asked questions about the redevelopment of the Western Australian GRM and Dutch Annex.

Community consultation

Community consultation has been undertaken in Perth in June 2025 and again in September 2026. In September, redevelopment updates and concept designs were shared. The sessions were well received and attendees provided valuable feedback on key elements of the thirty percent design concepts.

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)

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.

Feedback from families, visitors and stakeholders will help shape the new GRM and OAWG will continue to share information as the project progresses.

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

Hobart Garden of Remembrance, Tasmania

The Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) is currently closed to the public following serious safety concerns over the structural integrity of the walls that made up the existing structures.

The OAWG has commenced a phased redevelopment program, including respectful archaeological investigation, sensitive plaque removal  demolition,  re-design and construction of a new GRM and office facilities, inclusive of community and stakeholder consultation.

The objective of the redevelopment is to deliver a GRM that is safe, simple, functional, inviting, respectful and reflective. The site will remain closed for the duration of the project, expected to be completed by December 2027.

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.

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.

Progress Updates

Current

• The Hobart GRM closed to the public on 1 September 2026.
• A temporary commemorative space has been established.
• Crown consent has been granted.
• The removal of commemorative plaques and demolition of the walls and depot compounds were completed in early October 2026.

Hobart GRM Redevelopment – Past Updates

Temporary Commemorative Space

A temporary commemorative space has been 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.

View the temporary commemorative space and its location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the frequently asked questions about the redevelopment of the Hobart GRM.

Community consultation

Community consultation sessions were held in Hobart in February and July 2026 to   inform the Hobart GRM design and provide attendees with updates on the redevelopment. Findings from the Statement of Historical Archaeological Potential and Heritage Impact Assessment were shared with attendees during the July consultation sessions.

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 28 and 29 July 2026 — Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) Redevelopment (PDF 199 KB)

Feedback from families, visitors and stakeholders will help shape the new GRM and OAWG will continue to share information as the project progresses.

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

Current Minor works

Hay War Cemetery, New South Wales

The OAWG will restrict access to part of the Hay War Cemetery in the interest of public safety as part of planned structural maintenance.

Work is scheduled to occur between 5 and 20 November 2026. Additional beautification works will be undertaken as part of a phased project and completed prior to Anzac Day 2027.

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

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

Adelaide River War Cemetery, Northern Territory

The OAWG has restricted access to part of the Adelaide River War Cemetery, 105 Memorial Terrace, Adelaide River NT 0846, in the interest of public safety due to a tree hazard and the risk of falling branches.

Work to remove the tree hazard is scheduled for the week commencing Monday 19 October 2026.

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).

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).