07/04/2026
Details provided by Mick Thompson
National BLACKHATS Memorial Tongala Victoria
Project Progress Update
We would like to provide members with an update on the progress of the proposed expansion of the National BLACKHATS Memorial in Tongala to recognise Australian RAAC/RAEME personnel who served in Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over the past several months, we have continued working with Defence, Government representatives, and key stakeholders to obtain the names required for the memorial. Unfortunately, the release of names remains the primary issue preventing progress.
Key updates so far:
• Correspondence has been received from Army Headquarters advising that privacy legislation currently prevents the release of names for these operations.
• Further correspondence from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel referred the matter to the Australian Army History Unit for further consideration.
• A meeting was held on 17 March 2026 with the Head of the Australian Army History Unit at the Australian Army Tank Museum, Puckapunyal. During this meeting, we were advised that operational records for East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan remain closed under Archives legislation, and that the History Unit is also unable to obtain the names.
• Council approval for the memorial expansion cannot proceed until the final design is completed, which depends on the total number of names to determine wall size, land allocation and placement within the existing memorial precinct.
• Draft design work for the expanded memorial has now commenced, however final design and approval cannot be completed until the names are obtained.
We are continuing discussions with Federal Members and Senators to seek support for the release of names. Depending on the outcome of these discussions with the Australian Government, a community petition may also be considered to demonstrate broader public and veteran support for this important initiative.
Photos Requested — RAAC & RAEME 1972 to Present
We are now seeking photographs of RAAC and RAEME personnel from 1972 to present. These photos may include service in Australia or overseas and may be used as part of the memorial display, including touchscreen displays and imagery on the glass panels.
If you would like to assist, please email photos to:
[email protected]
Stay Updated / Join the Discussion
If you would like to be part of the chat group and keep up to date on the progress of the memorial, please join via Messenger:
National BLACKHATS Memorial Tongala Victoria
Alternatively, message Mick Thompson via Facebook and he will add you to the group.
The support from the RAAC and RAEME community has been outstanding, and we remain committed to ensuring all those who served are appropriately recognised.
Further updates will be provided as progress continues.
