NSW Office for Veterans Affairs

02/09/2026

Minister for Veterans David Harris MP was today at the Battle of the Australia commemoration at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, honouring those who served on the land and sea and in the air during 1942-1945.

The Minister was met by the school captain from Mosman Church of England Preparatory School and the commemorative address was delivered by LTCOL Jim Sinclair (Retd), focusing on the many campaigns that are commemorated on this day.

On 19 June 2008, His Excellency Major-General The Honourable Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), Governor General of Australia, proclaimed the ‘Battle of Australia Day’ to be a National Day of Remembrance, to be held annually on the first Wednesday in September.

The Battle for Australia was not one single battle, but a term used to recognise the many critical engagements fought during this period, including the bombing of Darwin, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Kokoda Track campaign, the Battle of Milne Bay and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

Lest we forget.

01/09/2026

Today we commemorate the Battle for Australia, remembering a pivotal period during the Second World War when Australia faced a very real threat from advancing Japanese forces across the Pacific.

Following the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942, Australia’s security was placed under immense pressure. In the months that followed, Darwin and other Australian towns and cities came under Japanese air attacks, while Japanese midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour and attacked Allied vessels.

Japanese forces also advanced through the Pacific, occupying parts of the Solomon Islands and landing in Papua New Guinea. These events brought the war much closer to Australia leading to a series of significant military campaigns and battles.

The Battle for Australia was not one single battle, but a term used to recognise the many critical engagements fought during this period, including the bombing of Darwin, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Kokoda Track campaign, the Battle of Milne Bay and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

Today we honour and remember the courage, sacrifice and service of all the Australian men and women who served during the Second World War, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our nation.

Lest we forget.

📸Aerial view of two Japanese Aichi D3A Navy Type 99 Val carrier bombers from the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Shokaku. This type of aircraft were used at the bombing of Pearl Harbour and Darwin and although considered obsolete, as they were the last Japanese carrier-borne aircraft to use a fixed spatted undercarriage, they were very successful and sank more Allied fighting ships than any other single type of Japanese aircraft in the first ten months of the war. This image is an enlargement duplicated from AWM Film no. F03354, frame 18296.

31/08/2026

Minister for Veterans David Harris MP is joined Legatee Julie Bowden, President of Sydney , and members of the veteran community and their families to launch Legacy Week at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Rebecca Burey presented her family’s story and the support received from Legacy, her son Mason recited the Ode.

Since 1923, Legacy has provided support to the families of Australian veterans who have died or suffered serious injury as a result of their service. Through financial assistance, emotional wellbeing programs, social connection opportunities and educational support, Legacy continues to deliver the guidance and practical assistance that a partner would normally provide to their family.

Legacy badges will be available throughout the Sydney CBD and across NSW during the coming week. Every badge purchased and every donation made helps provide life-changing support to veterans' families, ensuring they receive the care, assistance and opportunities they need today and into the future.

For more information: https://www.legacy.com.au/legacy-week/

30/08/2026

Today we commemorate Malaya and Borneo Veterans Day, recognising the thousands of Australians who served in Southeast Asia during the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation.

More than 7,000 Australians served in challenging jungle conditions during the Malayan Emergency between 1950 and the conflict’s end in 1960. Sadly, 39 Australians paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Later, following attempts by Indonesia to destabilise the new Malaysian federation, Australia deployed troops to Borneo in March 1965. Two squadrons of the Special Air Service, ships of the Royal Australian Navy, several artillery batteries and parties of the Royal Australian Engineers later followed to assist in the conflict. A further 22 Australians lost their lives.

Today we pause and reflect on those who served in Malaya and Borneo.

Lest we forget.



📸BAU, Borneo. 1965-07. Members of the 3rd Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) prepare for transfer by helicopter to HMA Albion and return to Malaya. (Photographer and donor L. Connor)

28/08/2026

Veteran Community Grants Program is opening on Monday 7 September.

This year we have increased funding and introduced a new category to help fund projects that require infrastructure and equipment support.

To find out more:
https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/grants/veteran-community-grants-program/

25/08/2026

Construction of the Veterans and Families Memorial in the Domain is progressing well, with excavations and piling work complete and the first slab poured.
The Veterans and Families Memorial will offer a contemplative space for veterans, their families and the broader community to acknowledge the contemporary service of all who served from 1990 onwards.
To find out more about the memorial and to follow the construction process visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/veterans-and-families-memorial/

24/08/2026

Did you know that 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of Children's Book Week? This years' theme is "Symphony of Stories" when young minds across the country are encouraged to delight in the wonderful magic of reading. Children's Book Week runs from Saturday 22nd August until Friday 28th August. The Anzac Memorial shop stocks a range of children's books that promote curiosity, learning and growth with informative reading for children, adults and educators alike.

You can check out our range of children's books here https://anzacmemorialshop.bigcartel.com/category/children

20/08/2026

The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize shortlist and highly commended titles have been announced by The State Library of New South Wales as part of this year’s NSW History Awards.

The shortlisted works are:
Australia’s Coastal War: When World War Two reached our shores, Tom Lewis
New Feller Master: Beyond the trenches, Michael Piggott
The Anzac Table, Daniel Reynaud and Emanuela Reynaud

The judges also highly commended Gull Force: Australian POWs on Ambon and Hainan, 1941–45, Joan Beaumont.

Valued at $10,000, the prize recognises an outstanding non-fiction book or e-book examining the involvement of Australians in wars, campaigns, battles and peacekeeping operations since NSW gained limited self-government in 1855.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees and best of luck in the awards. The winner will be announced during History Week at an Awards ceremony at the State Library of NSW on Monday 7 September 2026.

The 2026 NSW History Awards shortlists are out!

The judges considered 208 entries across six prize categories, with a total of $85,000 in prize money on offer.

Senior Judge Professor Richard Scully said the shortlists show that “history is alive and well in Australia, and thriving.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Library on Monday 7 September 2026 as part of History Week.

The NSW History Awards are administered by the State Library in association with , with support from and .

See the shortlists and highly commended titles here: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/nsw-history-awards

19/08/2026

18/08/2026

The veteran community gathered at the Cenotaph in Martin Place this morning on Vietnam Veterans Day to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Minister for Veterans David Harris MP laid a wreath on behalf of NSW Government to pay tribute to the 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam.

The commemorative address was provided by Mr Glen Babington, Former commanding officer 6RAR, and the service concluded with a rendition of What a Wonderful World performed by Little Pattie.

Lest we forget.