21 May 2025
Plans are under way to extend the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) National Memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of contemporary gunners, with the release of detailed designs on May 15.
For five decades, the memorial has included the wars and campaigns from 1885 to the 1970s, concluding with the Vietnam War.
Contemporary campaigns and operations such as Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan are not represented on the memorial.
Project manager Lieutenant Colonel Matthew White said the extension aimed to provide a place of connection, reflection and commemoration, “for all gunners, past, present and future, as well as their families, friends and members of the public”.
The plan is to complete the extension by 2027, the 50th anniversary year of the memorial’s dedication and opening by Queen Elizabeth II.
“The extension will not alter the existing footprint, format, or infrastructure of the memorial, respecting its historical significance,” Lieutenant Colonel White said.
The project was initially conceived by the RAA’s regimental committee several years ago, but only really got under way in 2024.
Fundraising is a critical aspect of the project, relying on business and private donations, as well as grant applications.
The project team has benefited from support provided by the Royal Australian Engineers, who are assisting with architectural and engineering design tasks.
“The RAA National Memorial belongs to all gunners, and the extension will ensure the service of RAA personnel over the last 50 years is properly recognised and commemorated,” Lieutenant Colonel White said.
Donations for the project can be provided at: www.artilleryhistory.org/royal_australian_artillery_national_memorial/raanm/donations.htm
