Albany to be at forefront of Anzac Centenary commemorations, Crook, Holt

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 06-April-2011

Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP and Member for the South West Region Colin Holt MLC have welcomed the proposal for Albany to be at the forefront of events surrounding the 2014 Anzac Centenary commemorations.

A report by the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary released last week has called for Albany to play a key role in the commemorations.

Mr Crook said Albany was deserving of a central role in any events relating to the 100 year commemoration of the Anzacs.

“Albany has a very rich Anzac heritage. It was the gathering place for ships carrying Australian and New Zealand troops to war. For many Australian soldiers, Albany was the last place they stepped on Australian soil,” Mr Crook said.

“The Albany community and stakeholders have been very committed to seeing Albany recognised as a pivotal location in Anzac history, and the recommendations made by the Commission are very positive.”

Mr Holt said the Commission has recommended a major commemorative event be held in Albany, suggesting a re-enactment of the convoy that left King George Sound in November 1914.

“I believe this is an excellent proposal and I hope to see all facets of the community and Government coming together to support this.

“A 100 year commemorative convoy departing Albany on November 1, 2014, would bring international attention to Albany. It will certainly be a spectacular sight to see,” Mr Holt said.

Another recommendation by the Commission has called for the development of an Anzac Interpretive Centre to be built on Mount Adelaide.

“This Interpretive Centre would greatly complement the Princess Royal Fortress, which has a wealth of information and exhibitions on Australia’s military history on top of Mount Adelaide,” Mr Holt said.

The Interpretive Centre would use technology to allow visitors to pinpoint the position of the ships that departed Albany, and to locate information about individual soldiers who were aboard.

The aim is to educate visitors, particularly schoolchildren, about First World War military history and the significant role of Albany, through the eyes and personal story of a soldier.

This Centre would also be accessible online.

Mr Crook said he looked forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government to deliver on the recommendations in the report.

“I will be personally writing to the Prime Minister and encouraging her to support this report to deliver an Anzac commemoration in Albany in 2014 that will be appreciated and enjoyed by all Australians and many people around the world.”

The National Commission of the Anzac Centenary report can be viewed online at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

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