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

Dismantling of the walls at the Western Australian GRM is now complete.

• The Office of Australian War Graves is conducting a procurement process to engage a contractor who will undertake the redevelopment works in a respectful manner, minimising any disruption to visitors to the Perth War Cemetery, which remains open, and the residents and businesses surrounding Karrakatta Cemetery.
• The Perth War Cemetery remains open. Signage is in place to help guide visitors.

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 undertaken from 23 to 27 June 2025.

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 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.  It is anticipated that the garden will close to the public in early 2026 for the duration of the works.

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

The Hobart War Cemetery remains open at present, though some areas are restricted in the interest of safety. Signage is in place to help guide visitors.

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

Cowra Japanese War Cemetery

The OAWG has restricted access to the Cowra Japanese War Cemetery due to replacement of headstone beams and other associated upgrade works.

As a result, this site will not be accessible.

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).

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).

Number 3. Cemetery, Quarantine Station, North Head Sanctuary NSW

The OAWG will soon commence works to reinstate headstones that previously marked the graves of 14 Australian Service Personnel interred within the 3rd Quarantine Station Cemetery in North Head Sanctuary.

The OAWG and its providers understand the National heritage and cultural significance of the Quarantine Station Cemeteries and all works will be undertaken in accordance with the relevant Heritage Impact Statement to ensure the protection of native flora and fauna.

These reinstatements are the result of collaborative efforts by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and its volunteers, the OAWG and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Works are anticipated to be completed by the end of April 2026.

Access to the sections of the cemetery will be restricted while works are undertaken.

The OAWG recognises that this site is a special place for the local community of North Head and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these works.

If you have any questions or would like further information on the reinstatement works, please email OAWGEngagement@dva.gov.au or by phone to 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Current Standard works

Launceston War Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance

The Launceston Garden of Remembrance (GRM) and War Cemetery, located within the Carr Villa General Cemetery, are undergoing refurbishment work. The work will include drainage and associated horticultural works.

There will be periods when the parts of the GRM will be closed to the public.

The OAWG recognises the Launceston GRM is a special place for many families and regrets 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).