Sculpture memorial for Far East Strategic Reserve

Together with veterans and their families, the Australian War Memorial is commissioning a sculpture to recognise and commemorate the military service of Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve and Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation.

The intent for the memorial is to provide a place in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial for veterans and their families to be recognised and remembered for their sacrifice, service and endurance.

From 1950, tens of thousands of members of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy were deployed to Southeast Asia in operations and activities to deter the spread of communism and strengthen Australia’s security. United with international counterparts, they conducted counter-insurgency operations against communist forces in Malaya and Borneo, and deterred communist expansion in the region.

Australians braved hostile conditions on the ground, in the air and on the seas. Seventy-seven lost their lives and others were wounded and injured, physically and psychologically. Families suffered the absence of loved ones, grieved the men who died, and cared for those who returned.

This chapter of Australia’s military history is little known, and veterans have felt forgotten. They wish for younger Australians to learn of their service and the sacrifice of the fallen, emphasising that their desire is for peace in our region. 

The sculpture will be a significant work of contemporary art and a major addition to the National Collection.