175th Anniversary projects to help preserve ANZAC tradition

20/3/04
The State War Memorial in Kings Park will be reconstructed as part of a 175th Anniversary project to restore the water damaged monument.
Wartime Prime Minister John Curtin will also be recognised in the State's 175th Anniversary year, with a new statue built in his honour in his former Fremantle electorate.
The statue will be completed in time for next year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and John Curtin's death.
The two projects, which have been welcomed by the Western Australian RSL Branch, follow a range of recent initiatives announced by the State Government to bolster community pride in WA's military heritage.
These include a new Adopt-a-Memorial scheme, encouraging youth groups to care for local war memorials or honour rolls and a new 175th Anniversary grants scheme to help community groups and RSL organisations to restore local war memorials.
Premier Geoff Gallop made the announcement on one of the most significant anniversaries in ANZAC history - the landing of the ANZAC corps in France in 1916.
"There is no doubt the State War Memorial is a focal point for Western Australians in remembering the great sacrifices made by men and women in wartime," Dr Gallop said.
"Completed in time for the State's Centenary in 1929, the monument very quickly attracted huge crowds for ANZAC and Armistice Services - a tradition which continues today.
"However, a report commissioned by the RSL WA Branch has found the monument has not stood the test of time - and now water seepage is causing significant structural problems, including corrosion of steel reinforcements.
"Only a complete overhaul - including a total reconstruction of the memorial - will ensure it can be conserved for the future.
"As a result, the State Government will allocate $445,000 in funding to undertake the restoration project."
The State Government is also seeking matching funding from the Federal Government to complete the project.
The Premier said the State Government had also allocated up to $200,000 in funding for the John Curtin statue.
"John Curtin is recognised by Australians as a great war time leader - who offered hope and guidance during some of our country's darkest days," he said.
"It is testimony to the high regard and admiration in which he was held that on his death, 50,000 people lined the streets of Perth to pay their last respects.
"It is fitting, then, that in keeping the ANZAC tradition alive, a statue be built to honour a man who embodied so much of Australia's wartime spirit.
"With the approaching 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is a fitting time to acknowledge both the important part John Curtin's legacy and the State War Memorial have played in our State's history."
Dr Gallop's Parliamentary Secretary Mark McGowan MLA will oversee the completion of both 175th Anniversary projects.
Premier's office: 9222 9475