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About the Australians of Chinese Heritage War Memorial

The Australians of Chinese Heritage War Memorial project began in 2009, born from a collaborative partnership between the Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch, Mr. Graham Perrett (then-Federal Member for Moreton), and leaders from the Southside Chinese community.

On 19 May 2009, the Australians of Chinese Heritage War Memorial Committee was formally established under the chairmanship of Lewis Lee OAM. This marked the inception of a significant journey—one rooted in remembrance, respect, and long-overdue recognition. Mr. Lee has served as Chairman for nearly 17 years, guiding the project with steadfast dedication.

A unique chapter in the memorial’s creation occurred on 5 September 2009, when a Feng Shui Master utilized a Luo Pan compass to determine the site’s optimal orientation. This meticulous process harmonized traditional cultural wisdom with Australian commemorative practices, ensuring the monument exists in perfect balance with both its heritage and its environment.

The Physical Monument: Design and Symbolism

The memorial, the project’s inaugural phase, was completed in 2010 and officially unveiled in April 2011 by then-Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC.

The design was selected via a public competition that drew 45 entries. The winning submission came from Sarah Batchelor, then a first-year architecture student at Griffith University. Her concept was both profound and deeply symbolic. Crafted from stainless steel, the structure is engineered to interact with light and shadow, evoking the ethereal movement of rising incense smoke—a poignant symbol of remembrance in Chinese culture.

At its heart sits a bowl, representing a lifetime of memories: memories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and service. The design integrates Feng Shui principles, balancing geometric curves and squares to achieve a sense of serenity. It remains intentionally understated, reflecting the quiet strength, humility, and dedication of the Australian service personnel it honours.

The project was brought to fruition through the pro bono architectural and documentation expertise of Lewis Lee, with construction managed by Wing Hing Construction. It stands today as a testament to the power of community advocacy supported by federal funding.

The Living Memorial: The Bursary Program

While the physical monument serves as a place of quiet reflection, the project encompasses a second, equally vital dimension: the Living Memorial Bursary Program.

Also launched by Prime Minister Julia Gillard AC in 2011, this initiative ensures that the act of remembrance is not confined to stone and steel, but continues through the empowerment of future generations. The bursaries are named in honor of distinguished Chinese-Australian service members, including:

  • Billy Sing: The legendary First World War sniper
  • Private Caleb Shang
  • Jack Wong Sue OAM
  • Harry Moo 
  • Arthur Moo 
  • Mavis Moo
  • Alfred Scotford
  • Brian Ryan
  • John Joseph Shying

Each year, the Committee awards bursaries to students at our local educational institutions, including Sunnybank State High School, Runcorn State High School, MacGregor State High School, Stretton State College, Calamvale Community College, St Thomas More College, Wisdom College, and Robertson State School. Through these awards, the legacy of service endures, inspiring young Australians to pursue excellence, leadership, and community contribution.

Conclusion

This memorial is far more than a tribute to the past; it is a recognition of the profound, enduring contributions Australians of Chinese heritage have made—and continue to make—to our nation.

It serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of service transcends background, culture, and language. It stands as evidence that loyalty to Australia is a shared value, championed by people from all heritages. We invite you to visit the monument at the Veterans’ Memorial Garden to reflect, to learn, and to embrace the values it represents: remembrance, respect, unity, and continuity.

Thank you for honouring this significant chapter of our shared history.

Lewis Lee OAM 14th July 2026

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