Current projects and announcements

Introduction

In addition to the inspection, care and maintenance activities undertaken by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), is work on specific 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.

Community Consultation

The OAWG will shortly commence consultation in relation to key elements of the redevelopment and upgrade program with the community and relevant key stakeholders. Community consultation details will be provided here as they become available.  Further information can be obtained by emailing wargraves@dva.gov.au.

Current Major works

Western Australia Garden of Remembrance (GRM) and Dutch Annex, Perth

The Western Australia 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.

The OAWG has commenced a phased program of works to redevelop and upgrade the site. The program of works will include 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.

OAWG will seek consultation around the plans for the site, with works intended to commence after Anzac Day 2025. A key element of the redevelopment and upgrade program is consultation with the community and relevant key stakeholders in relation to the design elements of the GRM.

This will include open community consultation sessions where input will be requested from the community and relevant key stakeholders to ensure this is a GRM for the families and other visitors, with the intent that the broader network of GRMs across Australia should be simple, functional, inviting, respectful, reflective and timeless.

Images of the individual plaques in the West 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 Hobart Garden of Remembrance (GRM) is currently partially closed to the public.  The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) took the decision to partially close the site due to serious safety concerns identified 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, meaning the site will shortly close to the public for the duration of the works. The program of works will include the respectful removal of the plaques and ashes contained with the GRM, demolition of existing structures, the re-design of the GRM inclusive of community and broader stakeholder consultation, and the construction of the new GRM.

The OAWG will shortly commence consultation around the plans for the site, with works intended to commence from May 2025. A key element of the redevelopment and upgrade program is consultation with the community and relevant key stakeholders in relation to the design elements of the GRM.

This will include open community consultation sessions where input will be requested from the community and relevant key stakeholders to ensure this is a GRM for the families and other visitors, based around the intent that the broader network of GRMs across Australia should be simple, functional, inviting, respectful, reflective and timeless.

The Hobart War Cemetery will remain open and signage is in place to help guide visitors.

Images of the individual plaques in the Hobart Garden of Remembrance are being collated and will be 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).

Last updated 31 March 2025

Current Minor works

South Australian Garden or 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).

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, 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)

Last updated 31 March 2025