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 commenced from Tuesday 3 June 2025 and will run through until Friday 20 June 2025.
- 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
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.
Open community consultation sessions will be held between 23 June 2025 and 27 June 2025. The OAWG is keen to hear from the community and relevant key stakeholders what they see as important elements to be incorporated into the new design 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.
Sessions are scheduled as follows:
| Date | Time (AWST) | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 June 2025 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Port Kennedy RSL | 27 Paxton Way, Port Kennedy WA 6172 |
| 23 June 2025 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Port Kennedy RSL | 27 Paxton Way, Port Kennedy WA 6172 |
| 24 June 2025 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | City of Belmont RSL Sub-Branch | RSL Hall, 22 Leake Street, Ascot WA 6104 |
| 25 June 2025 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch | 73 Frederick Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 |
| 25 June 2025 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | City of Cockburn RSL Sub-Branch | 73 Frederick Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 |
| 26 June 2025 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Joondalup City RSL Sub-Branch | Hosted at the West Coast Allied Health Centre, Joondalup House, 8 Davidson Terrace, Joondalup WA 6027 |
| 26 June 2025 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Joondalup City RSL Sub-Branch | Hosted at the West Coast Allied Health Centre, Joondalup House, 8 Davidson Terrace, Joondalup WA 6027 |
To register your interest in attending one of these sessions, please contact our 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 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 will shortly commence 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 July 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. Community consultation is planned for August 2025.
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).
Back to topCurrent Minor works
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).
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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