A state-of-the-art museum which tells the story of World War I through the voices of ANZAC soldiers will be officially opened in Albany today, on the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops from King George Sound.
Premier Colin Barnett will join Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to open the $10.6 million National Anzac Centre, which was jointly funded by the State and Australian governments.
"This world-class centre has been developed and built in a very tight timeframe and I would like to acknowledge the combined effort of State, Federal and local governments which all worked closely together to meet the challenging deadlines," Mr Barnett said.
With content developed by the Western Australian Museum, Australian War Memorial and New Zealand cultural institutions, visitors to the centre experience WWI through the personal accounts of 30 ANZACs - and two of their foes - on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine, Sinai and the Western Front.
"Albany holds a significant place in history as the place from which the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed on November 1, 1914," the Premier said.
"The centre will be a key legacy of the Anzac Commemorations and, along with the memorial infrastructure upgrade at Mount Clarence, will help Albany become a place of pilgrimage for people wishing to commemorate those who served and died in World War I."
The centre is part of a $9 million investment by the State Government towards Anzac Centenary infrastructure initiatives in Albany, including upgrades to the Padre White lookout and the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mount Clarence.
The port city is hosting a special program of events from October 30 to November 2, including a ceremonial sunset, troop march along York Street and official Commemorative Service.
The State Government, through Lotterywest, has also funded a series of community activities over the four-year Centenary under a special Anzac Centenary grants program, with $4.3 million already allocated to various community projects.
Mr Barnett congratulated all agencies and volunteers involved in the events, including the Returned and Services League (RSL) WA branch, City of Albany and Australian Defence Force. The Premier also recognised the Anzac Centre Implementation Committee for its work on the National Anzac Centre.
Fact File
The National Anzac Centre was jointly funded by the Federal ($8m) and State ($2.65m) governments. It will be owned and managed by the City of Albany
The centre was designed by Peter Hunt Architect and built by BGC Construction and has involved consultancies, contractors and suppliers from across the world, including Albany, Australia, New Zealand, France, UK and Italy
The centre is complemented by a new walkway and lookout on Mount Adelaide, funded by Wesfarmers and secured by the RSL. The lookout includes a shelter and interpretive material relating to the vessels in the convoy
A new artwork titled Longing, Memory, Sight by Arif Satar and Audrey Fernandes-Satar marks the beginning of Convoy Walk. The artwork was funded by Wesfarmers and the State Government's Percent for Art Scheme
Premier's office - 6552 5000
