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.
Back to topCurrent Major works
Western Australian Garden of Remembrance (GRM) 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 Garden of Remembrance is now complete and subsurface works are underway.
- The Office of Australian War Graves has engaged a specialist contractor who will undertake the 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.
- Further updates will be provided as works progress.
- Photographs of Official Commemorations within the Garden of Remembrance are available online. If you would like a photograph of an Official Commemoration, please email wargraves@dva.gov.au
Community consultation
Community consultation was undertaken from 23 to 27 June to hear from the community and relevant stakeholder 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.
Images of the individual plaques in the Western Australian Garden of Remembrance are available online.
The Perth War Cemetery remains open.
Further information can be obtained by emailing wargraves@dva.gov.au or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Hobart Garden of Remembrance, Tasmania
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) took the decision to partially close the Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) due to serious safety concerns identified through a structural assessment.
The OAWG has commence 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.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback by attending the open consultation sessions scheduled in February 2026 to ensure that the redeveloped GRM is considerate of the expectations and needs of veterans, families and the community.
Community consultation sessions will be held in Hobart on 26 February 2026.
The OAWG is keen to hear from the community and stakeholders on what they see as important elements to be incorporated into the new design.
Sessions are scheduled as follows:
| Date | Time (AWST) | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 February 2026 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Victorian Cross Room | 254–286 Liverpool St Hobart, TAS 7000 |
| 26 February 2026 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Victorian Cross Room | 254–286 Liverpool St Hobart, TAS 7000 |
To register your interest in attending a session, please contact our 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 Garden of Remembrance 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).
Back to topCurrent 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 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).
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 in Springvale, Victoria due to structural safety concerns.
As a result, some commemorative plaques will be moved to alternative walls within the Garden of Remembrance. 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).
Back to topCurrent 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, kerbing, horticultural and associated landscaping, and building refurbishments.
There will be periods when the GRM, War Cemetery and associated buildings 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)
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