Military Nurses Recognised at New Woronora Memorial

Cronulla RSL and the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch were honoured to stand alongside Metropolitan Memorial Parks and the Shire Military History Club for the special unveiling of the new Military Nurses Memorial at Woronora Memorial Park and Crematorium on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

The memorial has been created to recognise and honour military nurses who have served across all of Australia’s conflicts, alongside civilian nurses, ancillary medical staff and volunteers, many of whom now rest at Woronora Memorial Park. The installation stands as a permanent tribute to the courage, compassion and resilience shown by those who cared for others in times of war, crisis and unimaginable hardship.

Military nurses have long played a vital role throughout Australia’s service history, often working in dangerous and confronting conditions while providing comfort, care and dignity to wounded servicemen and women. Despite their extraordinary contribution, their stories have not always received the recognition they deserve. This memorial helps ensure their service and sacrifice will continue to be remembered for generations to come.

The ceremony also paid tribute to several notable individuals, including Beryl Bonfield, the Cronulla Sub-Branch’s most decorated female member & the first Matron of Sutherland Hospital, whose contribution to healthcare in the local community remains deeply respected. Following the formal proceedings, guests had the opportunity to meet local author Colin Burgess during the launch of his new book, Sisters Under Fire, which shares the remarkable stories of two courageous World War II nurses.

Cronulla RSL is proud to have supported this important project of the Shire Military History Club, whose dedication to preserving military history and ensuring local service stories are remembered continues to make a meaningful impact across the Sutherland Shire community.

As a place of remembrance and reflection for many Australian war nurses, Woronora Memorial Park provides a fitting home for this significant memorial. The unveiling served as a powerful reminder of the compassion, bravery and selflessness shown by nurses throughout history, both on the frontlines and at home.

Images: Metropolitan Memorial Parks, Shire Military History Club