The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Michael V. O’BrienAnzac Hall and Glazed Link
I am a retired RAAF member, and have had many occasions to visit the Memorial and appreciate the contributions made by my predecessors and peers, and the younger generations, who have served in the many different forms of conflict and peacekeeping, thereby consolidating Australia’s proud heritage. I believe that the AWM Redevelopment Project is a much needed enhancement to an Australian icon that was first conceived by Charles Bean during the Battle of Pozieres in WWI. Since construction of the Memorial began in 1929, the Memorial has expanded galleries, made additions to the east and west wings in 1968, and completed the existing Anzac Hall in 2001. This continuous evolution has told the story of Australia’s experiences in world wars, conflicts, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. For these stories to continue to be told, and to accommodate growing numbers of visitors, the Memorial needs to continue to respectively evolve.
I commend the design which makes no changes to the Roll of Honour, the Pool of Reflection, the Hall of Memory, and the First and Second World War galleries. The replacement of Anzac Hall with a structure that takes up the same footprint while doubling the exhibit area maintains the heritage value of the AWM which can be found in the stories that are told in the whole memorial, not the original Anzac Hall. The new development will comprehensively tell the stories of the remarkable women and men who have served Australian with courage and compassion. Australia has created over 100,000 veterans over the last 25 years, and yet we devote about 4 percent of gallery space to them currently. The Development will give the space to tell their stories as well as those who have served in Afghanistan, and those who will serve in current and future operations.
I believe that the design is consistent with the national capital plan, the scope of works is sound, and I recommend that the National Capital Authority approve the design as it is presented by the Australian War Memorial.
I commend the design which makes no changes to the Roll of Honour, the Pool of Reflection, the Hall of Memory, and the First and Second World War galleries. The replacement of Anzac Hall with a structure that takes up the same footprint while doubling the exhibit area maintains the heritage value of the AWM which can be found in the stories that are told in the whole memorial, not the original Anzac Hall. The new development will comprehensively tell the stories of the remarkable women and men who have served Australian with courage and compassion. Australia has created over 100,000 veterans over the last 25 years, and yet we devote about 4 percent of gallery space to them currently. The Development will give the space to tell their stories as well as those who have served in Afghanistan, and those who will serve in current and future operations.
I believe that the design is consistent with the national capital plan, the scope of works is sound, and I recommend that the National Capital Authority approve the design as it is presented by the Australian War Memorial.