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 will be undertaken in consultation with key 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.

• 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.

Additional consultation will occur once design concepts have been developed. In person consultation in Perth is likely to take place in early August  2026 and will be advertised on this page.

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.

Additional consultation will occur once the archaeological findings are understood and the forward plan has been confirmed. In person consultation in Hobart is likely to take place in early July 2026 and will be advertised on this page.

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

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 has recently collaborated with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to reinstate the headstones of 14 official First World War graves at the Third Quarantine Station Cemetery, North Head Sanctuary in Manly. 

Research conducted by the Harbour Trust staff and volunteers, reviewed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has ensured that all service personnel including, for the first time, Sapper James Shaw, are commemorated at their resting place.

The 14 new headstones join the existing graves of Private Hector Hicks, Nurse Annie Eagan and Nurse Elizabeth McGregor, all whose death was accepted as related to war service and are to be maintained at the cemetery by the OAWG. 

Access to the cemetery has now been restored. 

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).