They Never Returned; Though their Name Liveth for Evermore

Discover the work of the Anzac Memorial's 2024 Veteran Artist in Residence, Domenic Bartolo, in They Never Returned; Though Their Name Liveth For Evermore.

The exhibition shares the stories behind local war memorials in Sydney including the Anzac Memorial. Domenic’s work begs us to refocus on the lessons of courage, endurance and sacrifice our memorials represent.

 "In areas of Sydney, such as the Inner West, many young people would be unaware or oblivious of what the Anzac Memorial and other Great War monuments are and the gravity of what they represent.

Few would understand today, that in 1917 the devastated communities of Sydney and wider Australia suffered as a result of the appalling loss of life during the First World War.

With nearly all Australians who died in the First World War buried in overseas countries, the Anzac Memorial and the suburban monuments along with the names engraved on them are the only locations that families who had lost a loved one could mourn their loss."

View some of Domenic's artwork in the gallery below.

The exhibition is located in the Memorial’s Auditorium on Lower Ground level. The Memorial is open every day, 9am to 5pm. Please note that access to the exhibition is dependent on the Auditorium’s availability, so we encourage you to call the Memorial in advance on (02) 8262 2900.

Entry is free.

About the artist and program

The Veteran Artist in Residence program is an opportunity to support veteran artists by providing the time and space for artists to creatively explore the Anzac Memorial and to reflect on their service and sacrifice, to help ensure that contemporary military experiences are interpreted for today’s audiences.

Learn more about the Veteran Artist in Residence program >

Domenic is the Anzac Memorial’s 2024 Veteran Artist in Residence and his work is the subject of the exhibition. Domenic served in the Army Reserve (infantry) from 1994-97. Currently Domenic is a graphic designer and has worked in the advertising industry for the past 20 years. He also has a Diploma in Fine Arts. In recent years, in his spare time, Domenic has managed to merge his passion for history and the military with art – creating a number of works for the Royal Australian Navy, The Royal Australian Airforce, The Naval Association of Australia and the AMDA Foundation.