The NSW Government is today investing $2 million to build a new war memorial dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Middle East campaigns of Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families.
Delivering on a key election commitment, the new war memorial has been funded in the 2024-25 NSW Budget with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
Along with other work, this represents a vital step in recognising the contributions and sacrifices of contemporary veterans, and ensuring their legacy is honoured for generations to come.
The current proposal is for a memorial to be constructed at The Domain, the site of Sydney’s first Anzac Day service in 1916.
The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs will work with Botanic Gardens of Sydney to confirm an appropriate location for the memorial within the Crescent Precinct of The Domain.
The Government has undertaken extensive consultation to ensure a new memorial meets the expectations of the veteran community.
Consultation efforts have included current serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families.
The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs will lead the ongoing consultation process and will work closely with RSL NSW, Legacy, the Families of Veterans Guild and the broader veterans community to ensure all voices are heard and the memorial appropriately honours the sacrifices of contemporary veterans and their families.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“It is time that NSW has a significant memorial for the recent Middle East conflicts.”
“Establishing a new memorial is not just about honouring the past, but also about acknowledging the ongoing contributions and sacrifices of our contemporary veterans.
“Our Government will work hard in consultation with the Federal Government to understand the challenges that Australian veterans from recent conflicts face.
“We want to make sure their views are heard, their service and sacrifice are recognised, and their needs are supported.
NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs David Harris said:
“This is an important step to consider how to mark the service and sacrifices veterans made in conflicts since 1990.
“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of veterans and their families are at the forefront of this process. Their input is invaluable in shaping a memorial that truly reflects their experiences.
“The strong support shown in consultations so far highlights the community’s recognition of the need for this memorial. It’s a powerful reminder of the respect and gratitude we owe to our contemporary veterans.”
