The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, today opened a Garden of Remembrance in Townsville that will ensure future generations remember and commemorate those who have bravely served our nation in wars and conflicts.

Mrs Kelly joined members of the defence and ex-service communities at the opening of the North Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Anzac Park, Townsville.

"Gardens of Remembrance provide official commemoration and recognition of those eligible veterans who fought for our country," Mrs Kelly said.

"I am very pleased that Townsville now has its own Garden of Remembrance, enabling North Queenslanders to honour their loved ones closer to home.

"The Australian Government committed a total of $780,000 towards the design and construction of the Garden. Already, the families of more than 800 eligible veterans have elected to have official commemorative plaques here.

"Twenty-four commemorative walls have been installed, on which official bronze commemorative plaques will be placed. A shelter and water feature, together with seating and garden beds, come together to create an area where people can remember and reflect.

"I am sure this Garden will become a focal point of reflection for many as they remember those who served in the defence of Australia and I would like to thank the Townsville City Council for their support in bringing this Garden to life."

While in Townsville, Mrs Kelly also opened the new Townsville office of the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service in Ross River Road Cranbrook.

"For 20 years, the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service has played an important role in the region, providing specialised, free and confidential counselling for veterans, and more recently, defence personnel," Mrs Kelly said.

"The new and improved Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service surroundings in Townsville reflect the Government's ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality mental health care for veterans and ADF personnel.