Why we're doing it
Because of its age and condition, the cenotaph requires repairs to continue supporting commemorative services run by the Hawthorn RSL. Their members members have also asked us to update the memorial to represent veterans who served in more recent conflicts. They’re working closely with us on the restoration.
The war memorial currently honours those who have served in the First World War, Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, and Vietnam Wars. The restoration will be updated to include more recent conflicts where Australian forces served, including:
- Cambodia
- Somalia
- Rwanda
- East Timor
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
This work is also part of the St James Park Master Plan and funded through the 2024–25 Council Budget, with support from the Victorian and Australian Governments.
Status
Restoration works are expected to start in early September 2025 and be completed by early 2026.
It includes:
- resurfacing and replacing weathered stone
- reapplying gold paint to the lettering
- fixing damaged elements
- replacing a temporary plaque
- adding the new theatres of war to the main structure
- installing power to support Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative events.
We’re also installing 3 flagpoles near the war memorial to support commemorative services. They’ll fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on significant dates.
How you may be impacted
- St James Park will stay open during this time.
- The cenotaph and the surrounding work area will be blocked off to the public.
- You may hear construction noise on weekdays between 7 am and 3 pm, and some Saturdays (excluding public holidays).
- 3 parking spaces on Denham Street will be used by the builder’s vehicles.
Timeline
This project will be delivered in stages:
| Stage | Time | Information | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 - Investigation, planning and design | July 2024 | Specialist consultants inspected the cenotaph and developed a condition report. This report guided what work needs to be carried out to renew and repair the cenotaph. | Complete |
| Stage 2 - Cenotaph works start | Early September 2025 to early 2026 | Works will include:
| Pending |
| Stage 3 - Flagpole installation | Early 2026 | We're installing 3 flagpoles near the cenotaph to support commemorative services. These will fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on significant dates. | Pending |
More information
To stay up to date about this project and others being delivered from the master plan, visit our St James Park master plan consultation page.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact our Civil Projects team on (03) 9278 4444 or at [email protected]