From the battlefields of France and Kokoda to Vietnam and Afghanistan, NSW’s international military history will be honoured as part of a new artwork for the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott announced the 100 significant sites where soil samples will be collected for the artwork, designed by artist Fiona Hall as part of the Centenary of Anzac commemorations.

As work progresses on the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project we have a rare opportunity to perform some important heritage conservation in the Memorial’s Hall of Memory and to the amber glass windows. Scaffolding is scheduled to be built around the Memorial’s upper podium level from 27 April and will be in place until late September 2018, resulting in an extended period of closure until the official opening of the Centenary Project later this year.

An important and rare collection of historic swords, pistols and medals belonging to Australia’s first general Maurice O’Connell has been acquired by the Memorial Trustees with support from the NSW Government. The collection will be on public display in the completed Anzac Memorial which will serve to enhance its status as a place of solemn reflection, learning and remembrance.

The Anzac Memorial Centenary Project has reached its one year milestone – and the half way mark in realising the original 1930s vision for the Memorial. The basement slab for the new spaces is in place and pre-cast concrete beams will be installed over the next month for the main structure of the new building. The project is on track for completion as the Centenary of Anzac commemorations conclude in 2018.

https://youtu.be/YJ3m2xkfNw0 features time-lapsed footage of the past 12 months of construction work.