Military Memorials of National Significance in Australia facts for kids
Military Memorials of National Significance are special places that honor Australia's military history and the brave people who served. These memorials must follow ten important rules set out in a law called the Military Memorials of National Significance Act of 2008. This law was approved by the Australian Government on July 12, 2008.
These important memorials are always built on public land. They can be in any Australian state or the Northern Territory, but not in the Australian Capital Territory (where Canberra is). Before this law, only memorials in Canberra could be called "National Memorials." The new law allowed other memorials across Australia to get this special recognition.
The very first memorial to be recognized under this new law was the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat. A politician named Catherine King, who represents Ballarat, played a big part in making this law happen.
What Makes a Memorial Significant?
A memorial becomes a "Military Memorial of National Significance" when it meets a special set of ten rules. These rules make sure that only the most important and respected memorials receive this honor. This recognition helps to make sure these places are protected and remembered for a long time.
List of National Military Memorials
As of July 2017, there are eight memorials that have been officially recognized as Military Memorials of National Significance. Each one tells an important part of Australia's military story.
- Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, recognized in 2008. This memorial honors Australians who were prisoners of war.
- HMAS Sydney II Memorial, recognized on May 21, 2009. This memorial remembers the crew of the HMAS Sydney II, a ship lost during World War II.
- Shrine of Remembrance, recognized on November 4, 2009. Located in Melbourne, this is one of Australia's most important war memorials.
- ANZAC War Memorial, recognized on April 23, 2013. Found in Sydney, it honors all Australians who served in wars and conflicts.
- Korean War Memorial in Moore Park, Sydney, recognized on April 23, 2013. This memorial remembers Australians who served in the Korean War.
- Sydney Cenotaph, recognized on April 23, 2013. This monument in Sydney's Martin Place is a central place for remembrance.
- Queensland Korean War Memorial, recognized on August 25, 2015. This memorial in Queensland also honors those who served in the Korean War.
- Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, recognized in July 2015. This memorial honors the Australian Light Horse and other mounted troops.
