The NSW Government has revealed the designs and location for a new war memorial dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of recent veterans and their families.
The memorial will be constructed at The Domain, which was the site of Sydney’s first Anzac Day service in 1916. It will be located south of the Art Gallery of NSW and near the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance.
Premier Chris Minns said the memorial will 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.
“This will be an important war memorial, honouring the service and sacrifice of these veterans and their families,” said the Premier.
“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.”
Award-winning architect, Billy Maynard’s design will see the memorial subtly integrated into the Domain’s landscape setting as a reflective space, the design comprises a circle formed with two crescents, symbolising gathering, protection and unbreakable bonds.
“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,” said Minister for Veterans, David Harris.
“I would like to thank them for their service, and also thank their families for supporting their loved ones.”
Internationally esteemed 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 memorial is not just about the past – it’s about honouring the continuing journey of our veterans and their families,” said RSL NSW President, Mick Bainbridge.
“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,” he said.
The memorial is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
