Several Australian outlets report that VC recipient Ben Roberts-Smith will not attend the Australian War Memorial’s gallery unveiling. The planned appearance, which had attracted attention because of his decorated status and ongoing legal proceedings, does not go ahead. Reports say Roberts-Smith was expected to be present at the event but ultimately could not attend. While one recurring theme across the coverage is the possibility that his presence could have drawn significant media focus at the unveiling, all accounts align that he does not show up. The articles frame the matter as a missed appearance rather than any disruption to the ceremony itself. With Roberts-Smith absent, the gallery unveiling proceeds without him, following his decision or inability to attend. The reporting refers to Roberts-Smith as a former Australian soldier and acknowledges allegations against him, while describing the event’s intended public profile and the outcome that he does not attend.