Construction is underway on the NSW Veterans and Families Memorial, a dedicated place to honour the service and sacrifice of contemporary veterans and their families.
Located at the Domain - the site of Sydney's first Anzac Day service in 1916 - the memorial will provide a permanent place for reflection, remembrance and recognition for veterans, their families and the broader community.
The memorial recognises the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force who have served from 1990 onwards and fulfils a commitment by the Minns Labor Government to ensure contemporary veterans and their families are honoured for generations to come.
The NSW Government is also announcing today that Robert Plumb Build has been appointed to construct the memorial, bringing award-winning architect Billy Maynard's vision to life.
The memorial's design features a circular form embraced by two crescents, symbolising gathering, protection and the unbreakable bonds forged through service.
Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris will today visit the site alongside Afghanistan and East Timor veteran Ross Edwards and Iraq war widow Michelle Carr to mark the start of construction.
The memorial is expected to be completed in the coming months.
For more information visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/new-memorial-domain/
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Our contemporary veterans have carried the weight of service on behalf of our nation, and this memorial is about making sure their sacrifice is recognised and remembered.
"No memorial can ever fully repay what we owe our veterans, but this is our commitment to honouring their service and ensuring future generations understand the contribution they made to our nation."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"I am delighted construction is now underway on a memorial that will be an important space to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans who served from 1990 onwards and their families,
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring the needs of the 130,000 veterans in NSW and their families remain at the forefront of everything we do. Their insights and lived experiences have been invaluable in shaping this memorial.
"The memorial will offer a quiet space for gathering, healing and reflection for veterans, their families and the community."
Army veteran of Afghanistan and Timor Leste conflicts Ross Edwards said:
"Having served on operations in Afghanistan and Timor Leste, my military service continues to shape my commitment to public service, leadership and supporting the veteran community, alongside my role as Senior Vice President of Cronulla RSL sub-Branch.
"As a member of the Steering Committee, I am proud to contribute to the development of the Veterans and Families Memorial as a place of recognition, reflection and remembrance for veterans, families and all those affected by service. I am passionate about ensuring the stories, sacrifices and contributions of Australia's veterans are acknowledged and preserved for future generations."
Iraq War Widow & Families of Veterans Guild Board Director Michelle Carr said:
"It is important to have a place that honours not only our veterans, but also the families who have supported them and carry the costs of their service every day.
"This Memorial is a beautiful tribute to service, sacrifice and the enduring bonds of all of us in the veteran community.
"Today marks more than the start of construction, it is the beginning for a lasting place of remembrance, reflection and connection. For veterans and families, memorials like this ensure that the sacrifices made in service to our nation are never forgotten, and that the stories of those who served continue to be shared for generations to come."
