Tuesday 9 May 2006

HMAS BRISBANE TO FEATURE IN NEW WAR MEMORIAL GALLERIES

The bridge and gun sections of HMAS Brisbane will be incorporated into the new post-1945 conflicts galleries at the Australian War Memorial thanks to a $2.1 million allocation in the 2006-07 Federal Budget.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said this funding was in addition to the $32.4 million allocated to the Memorial for 2006-07.

The Minister said the Brisbane would be a major component of the new galleries and a fitting tribute to the long and distinguished service of the Royal Australian Navy.

“For some time, navy veterans have expressed a strong wish to have larger scale displays relating to naval service at the Memorial. However the size of naval relics have generally made it impossible for them to be displayed,” he said.

“The inclusion of sections of the Brisbane and associated displays in the post 1945-galleries should address those wishes.

“The Brisbane exhibit will highlight its long operational history and tell the stories of its crew and that of its sister ships HMAS Perth and Hobart.

“Cutting-edge multi-media techniques will be used to capture some of the experiences of the ship and its crew in the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War,” the Minister said.

“The Australian Government is committed to honouring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s men and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

“This commitment has seen significant funding allocated to expanding and redeveloping the Australian War Memorial during the past 10 years, including $11.6 million towards the CEW Bean building and post-1945 conflicts galleries.”

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442