The Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin have officially dedicated the Cor Infinitus Memorial and Reflection Bench on the Darwin Esplanade.
The memorial honours veterans who lost their lives to suicide and provides a permanent place of reflection, dignity and respect for their families, friends and fellow veterans.
The Northern Territory Government funded the memorial's commemorative plinth and plaque, while the Department of People, Sport and Culture's Veterans Engagement and Support team worked with Cor Infinitus to plan and deliver the dedication ceremony.
Veterans, families, ex-service organisations, community members and project partners gathered on Sunday to officially dedicate the Cor Infinitus Memorial and Reflection Bench on the Esplanade.
The ceremony included a wreath laying, the Ode to the Fallen, the Last Post and a minute's silence to honour veterans whose battles continued after their service ended, and to acknowledge the lasting impact of veteran suicide on families, loved ones and the wider community.
The dedication ceremony was jointly organised by the Veteran's Engagement and Support team and Cor Infinitus, with support from City of Darwin, the Australian Defence Force and local ex-service organisations.
Cor Infinitus is a national charity that creates memorials across Australia, providing places of reflection, dignity and respect for families and loved ones bereaved by veteran suicide.
The memorial also supports suicide prevention and the destigmatisation of mental illness and suicide. Darwin is the 22nd community in Australia to establish a Cor Infinitus memorial.
City of Darwin delivered the surrounding reflection space through its Better Suburbs Program, championed by Lyons Ward elected members, and delivered in partnership with the Darwin Military and Civilian History Advisory Committee following consultation with local stakeholders and veterans' groups. The Northern Territory Government funded the commemorative stone plinth and plaque memorial.
Minister for Veterans Jinson Charls said the memorial was a lasting tribute to those who served and a place of support and connection for those left behind.
"It is my hope that this memorial be a fitting tribute to lives lost but also a symbol of hope. It reminds us that every veteran matters, that every life has value, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness," Mr Charls said.
"As we dedicate this memorial, we honour veterans whose service to Australia reflected courage, duty and sacrifice, and we remember those whose battles continued long after their military service had ended. May this place ensure that their lives are remembered, their families supported, and their legacy never forgotten."
City of Darwin Councillor Sam Weston said the memorial would provide a lasting place of remembrance and reflection for the Darwin community.
"As a veteran, I know the bonds of service don't end when you leave the Defence Force," Councillor Weston said.
"This memorial recognises those who served our country and supports the families and loved ones who continue to live with their loss.
"I'm proud City of Darwin was able to support this project through the Better Suburbs Program, with support from Cor Infinitus, the Darwin Military and Civilian History Advisory Committee and the Northern Territory Government.
"I hope this memorial reminds people that it's okay to reach out for support and that no one has to face difficult times alone," he said.
Located adjacent to the Wickham Point Information Centre near the Darwin Cenotaph and Federation Walk, the memorial features a shaded reflection bench, landscaped pathway and commemorative plinth displaying the Cor Infinitus Rosemary emblem and the inscription:
"Dedicated to all those who served our nation and were overwhelmed by the battle within. Lest We Forget."
Cor Infinitus Founding Director Kevin Humphreys CSC said the dedication marked an important milestone for the Northern Territory.
"We thank City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government for their commitment to creating this memorial for families and loved ones bereaved by veteran suicide," Mr Humphreys said.
"Each Cor Infinitus memorial provides a place of reflection, dignity and respect while supporting suicide prevention and the destigmatisation of mental illness and suicide," he said.
