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Designs and a location for a new war memorial dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of recent post-1990s veterans and their families have been released by the NSW government.
The memorial will be constructed at the Domain, south of the Art Gallery of NSW and near the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance at the site of Sydney’s first Anzac Day service in 1916.
The memorial is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“This memorial is not just about the past – it’s about honouring the continuing journey of our veterans and their families,” Returned & Services League NSW president Mick Bainbridge said.
“It acknowledges the sacrifices made, and the impact that service in recent conflicts has had on so many lives.
“As time passes, it becomes even more important to ensure the stories of service and sacrifice in the Middle East are not forgotten.
“This memorial helps us do that – it ensures future generations understand the cost of our freedoms.”
The design will be informed by architect Billy Maynard with the memorial subtly integrated into the Domain’s landscape setting as a reflective space, comprising a circle formed with two crescents, symbolising gathering, protection and unbreakable bonds.
“The unifying thread through the individual stories of loss in conflict is one of remembrance. This memorial creates an accessible place of gathering and recollection by combining site, seating, artwork and new plantings in a considered ensemble,” Maynard said.
“It is a distillation of form to create a singular space, simple and appropriate, which above all honours the service of contemporary veterans and recognises the sacrifice of families. In this process we remember the enduring dialogue and connection that resonates between Australia and the places of service – between people and place.”
Sydney-based artist Khadim Ali, who belongs to the minority ethnic Hazara of central Afghanistan, contributed to the design, creating a symbolic connection between the memorial and distant landscapes of service.
“This will be an important war memorial, honouring the service and sacrifice of these veterans and their families,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“The design encourages people to pause and to reflect, for members of the defence community and the wider public.
“This will be a place for their service to be honoured by the NSW community for generations to come.
“The establishment of this memorial sends an important message to veterans about how much we value them and their service.”
The memorial is envisioned to offer a contemplative space for veterans and their families as well as the broader community to acknowledge and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the Australian Defence Force from 1990 to the present day.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that the voices of veterans and their families are at the forefront of the work that we do, and their input has been invaluable in shaping this memorial that truly reflects their service and sacrifice,” according to Minister for Veterans David Harris.
“This memorial will offer a contemplative space for the almost 130,000 veterans living in NSW and their families, as well as the broader community to acknowledge and remember those who served from 1990 to today.
“They have served our country with distinction but have also felt enormous loss as a result of these conflicts. Many continue to wear this burden long after they departed their various areas of operation.
“I would like to thank them for their service and also thank their families for supporting their loved ones.”
