A Quiet Place for Reflection: The 42 for 42 Memorial Garden

From what started as a few mates wanting to honour those affected by the war in Afghanistan, 42 for 42 has grown into a veteran-initiated community that provides guidance, support and commemoration to honour the 41 Australian veterans who were killed in Afghanistan, those who died in training or took their own lives after serving in Afghanistan (collectively represented by the ‘42nd’), and their families. 

42 for 42 President Sean Mulqueen says the organisation came about after the success of his first fundraiser at Suncorp Stadium in November 2016, the 42-Hour Challenge. 

“The 42-Hour Challenge created an opportunity for everyone affected by the Afghanistan conflict to get together and meet. There was a real sense of community on the day,” Sean says. 

“We created something unique and special that day and from there, decided to continue building a community around us to support the families of the fallen and educate those who wanted to learn more about their service.” 

Shortly after the organisation was officially established, work towards building a memorial garden began.  
 
“After the challenge, we wanted to create an official, lasting space that honoured and shared the stories of those who lost their life in Afghanistan and those who lost their life to suicide or pre-deployment training – a space where people and families could come together to reflect and learn about their sacrifice,” Sean explains. 

He says that it was important to him that the commemorative space also captured more personal details of the fallen. 

“We asked the families of the fallen to write their loved one’s bio for their plaques. We wanted them to include stories about who they were as a person – mate and soldier – not just their service history. 

“We wanted to educate the people who visit that these were ordinary Australians who put on a uniform to serve their country.” 

Veterans and families had a hand in every aspect of the garden’s creation, including the architectural design, landscaping, mural and construction. 

“I thought it was a great opportunity to get veterans and their families involved so they could grieve but also pay their respects to those who had fallen. I wanted to ensure they felt a part of this project,” Sean says. 

“One of the uncles of the 41 fallen was our project manager, the landscape architect had done three tours of Afghanistan with the Special Forces, and even the mural artist had done artwork for veterans and Defence bases.” 

The construction process of the memorial garden took more than 14 working bees with volunteers from a variety of schools, organisations and community groups including Redlands RSL Sub Branch coming together. 

“Every part of the build – the shovelling, planting, etc. – was done by veterans, families or anyone who wanted to get involved in these weekend working bees. We would normally set up a barbecue and make a morning out of it, which is where Redlands RSL Sub Branch helped us out a lot,” Sean says. 

“They’ve always been supportive of our organisation from the beginning, whether it be helping out at the working bees, attending our Annual Luncheons or events, or just being there to lend a hand or assistance if we needed some help. 

“There’s a trust between our organisations; we know they’re always there to support us without forcing anything.” 

Redlands RSL Sub Branch Deputy President Ian Gray says it was important to him that the Sub Branch supported the development of this garden. 

“We take pride in how we support our fellow veteran community, and truly believe in the great cause 42 for 42 aspires to fulfil,” Ian says. 

“From their first Annual Luncheon in 2018, to the official opening of the memorial garden and beyond, we’ve made sure to always continue showing our support in whatever way we could.” 

While Redlands RSL Sub Branch continues to organise tours of the memorial garden for Sub Branch members, the space is also open for the public to visit, reflect and learn more about the Afghanistan conflict and those who lost their lives. 42 for 42 also offers tours of the space for groups of 10 or more. 

“The garden was designed for all those who served; it’s a place for people to reflect, and particularly, educate themselves on the sacrifices made during the Afghanistan conflict,” Sean says. 

For more information on the 42 for 42 Memorial Garden, visit 42for42.org.au/the-memorial 

If you need support or are feeling distressed by this story, please reach out to Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14.