The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Deborah ClelandNew Southern Entrance
I write as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, and the granddaughter of four medical professionals; two of whom served in England treating service people during World War II.
Memorialising the impacts of war on our communities, our environment and our psychology is extremely important to me and my family. I am a lifelong Canberran and have been visiting the Australian War Memorial for learning and quiet contemplation for my whole life.
The question before the NCA is whether the developments proposed (all of them) are consistent with Canberra’s role “as the symbol of Australian national life and values"; conserves and enhances "the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments"; and creates, conserves and enhances "fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies".
As others have noted, the Australian War Memorial was established, according to its own publications as "not a general museum portraying war, much less one glorifying it, but a memorial". The display of large objects designed to kill and destroy is antithetical to this purpose.
As for NCA's responsibility to protect the "site, approach and backdrop" of key national institutions, and to ensure the "integration of natural and urban environments", the proposal to greatly extend the AWM footprint will disrupt and diminish the established flow of the surrounding natural environment.
It is clear that the purpose of the new galleries and entrance is to redirect visitors away from the solemn memorials, into spaces where the equipment of war is displayed like trophies, games and toys. It is questionable indeed whether this could possibly fitting for the approach of this national monument, and manifestly changes the character of the building.
Memorialising the impacts of war on our communities, our environment and our psychology is extremely important to me and my family. I am a lifelong Canberran and have been visiting the Australian War Memorial for learning and quiet contemplation for my whole life.
The question before the NCA is whether the developments proposed (all of them) are consistent with Canberra’s role “as the symbol of Australian national life and values"; conserves and enhances "the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments"; and creates, conserves and enhances "fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies".
As others have noted, the Australian War Memorial was established, according to its own publications as "not a general museum portraying war, much less one glorifying it, but a memorial". The display of large objects designed to kill and destroy is antithetical to this purpose.
As for NCA's responsibility to protect the "site, approach and backdrop" of key national institutions, and to ensure the "integration of natural and urban environments", the proposal to greatly extend the AWM footprint will disrupt and diminish the established flow of the surrounding natural environment.
It is clear that the purpose of the new galleries and entrance is to redirect visitors away from the solemn memorials, into spaces where the equipment of war is displayed like trophies, games and toys. It is questionable indeed whether this could possibly fitting for the approach of this national monument, and manifestly changes the character of the building.
Bean Building Extension and Central Energy Plant
As above, in regards to NCA's responsibility to protect the "site, approach and backdrop" of key national institutions, and to ensure the "integration of natural and urban environments", the proposal to extend the AWM footprint will disrupt and diminish the established flow of the surrounding natural environment.
Anzac Hall and Glazed Link
The oversized nature of the New Anzac Hall and Glazed Link make it clear that this development would mean the NCA would fail in its remit to protect the "site, approach and backdrop" of key national institutions, and to ensure the "integration of natural and urban environments".
Furthermore, its clear purpose is for the exhibition of large war equipment. If the AWM were to remain truly a memorial, there is no justification for this expansion.
The proposed focus on new conflicts, and the continued sidelining of any thorough consideration or inclusion of the Frontier Wars that occurred through colonisation is another demonstration of how this development is inconsistent with Canberra’s role as the symbol of Australian national life and values. Our nation must look to our past with public truth-telling, before painting over the realities of war with a thinly disguised theme park.
Furthermore, its clear purpose is for the exhibition of large war equipment. If the AWM were to remain truly a memorial, there is no justification for this expansion.
The proposed focus on new conflicts, and the continued sidelining of any thorough consideration or inclusion of the Frontier Wars that occurred through colonisation is another demonstration of how this development is inconsistent with Canberra’s role as the symbol of Australian national life and values. Our nation must look to our past with public truth-telling, before painting over the realities of war with a thinly disguised theme park.