Anzac Interpretive Centre gets the go-ahead, Crook, Holt

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 28-November-2011

Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Mr Tony Crook MP and Member for the South West Region Hon Colin Holt MLC have welcomed a major funding commitment from the Federal Government towards the Centenary of Anzac Commemorations in Albany.

The Albany Anzac Interpretive Centre was officially announced as the first major project for the 2014 Centenary of Anzac - securing $1.3 million in funding towards the design and development of the Centre.

Federal Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Hon Warren Snowdon MP, announced the funding for the Interpretive Centre at the RSL State Congress in Perth on Saturday.

Mr Crook said the funding followed a $250,000 commitment from the Federal Government towards a scoping study for the Interpretive Centre.

“This new funding will ensure that the detailed design and foundation work for the centre can begin as soon as the scoping study is completed.”

Mr Crook said the centre would be a wonderful project for the Albany community and the rest of the nation.

“The Anzac Interpretive Centre will allow our future generations to learn about the servicemen and women who bravely served on the field of battle,” Mr Crook said.

“This Centre will shine a light on Albany’s role as the first gathering of Australian and New Zealand troops, and the beginning of the Anzac legend.”

Mr Crook has campaigned strongly to secure Federal support for the Albany Anzac Commemorations over the past year – inviting Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister Snowdon to Albany to view the proposal first-hand.

“After being hosted by the Albany community and learning about the community’s enthusiasm for the project, the Federal Government has been able to gain a much better insight into this project,’ Mr Crook said.

“I’m very pleased I was able to play a role in facilitating these visits, and I will continue to ensure this project remains a priority for the Federal Government as the Centenary approaches.”

Member for the South West Region, Hon Colin Holt MLC attended the RSL State Congress in Perth alongside Albany Anzac Alliance Chairperson Peter Aspinall for the funding announcement.

Mr Holt thanked the Albany Anzac Alliance and the Albany community for their efforts in securing this funding.

“This has truly been a community effort. The Albany Anzac Alliance has done a tremendous amount of work to get this project off the ground,” Mr Holt said.

“Their efforts have ensured that Albany will play a focal role as we commemorate the Centenary of Anzac in 2014.”

See this article on the member's website