The memorial honours past and present nurses of the Australian Defence Force, serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force and associated services. The memorial is dedicated "In memory of Australian Service Nurses whose supreme sacrifice, courage and devotion were inspiring to those for whom they so willingly risked their lives. Their memory will also be our sacred trust." Unveiled on 2 October 1999 by His excellency the Honourable Sir William Deane AC K.B.E..