The ACT Memorial was designed by local Canberra artist Matthew Harding. Physically, the memorial itself consists of a central illuminated glass sphere which is encompassed by two large stylised wing or feather structures which consist of a number of stainless steel bands. Text on one side of the outer rim at the base of the memorial reads "ACT MEMORIAL" and on the opposite side is the URL for the associated web site. On the inner rim under the sphere there are a series of glass tiles with key words related to conflict and sacrifice, such as "peace", "dedication", "resolve", "service", "honour", etc.