The Australian War Memorial has put Canberra on the world map, with the city now home to the South Pacific’s number one attraction according to TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2016.
The accolade comes ahead of the shrine and world-class museum’s 75th anniversary, and as it prepares to mark the significant anniversaries of the Western Front and Vietnam.
Memorial director Dr Brendan Nelson was overjoyed by the news, attributing the achievement to the ongoing commitment of both staff and volunteers.
“I’m immensely proud of the staff and volunteers here at the Australian War Memorial,” said Dr Nelson.
“It’s their dedication, care and hard work that helps us remember, interpret, and share the stories of those who have lost their lives in service of this country.”
While most visitors to the memorial expect to leave with greater knowledge surrounding the Australian nation at war, the director says that the overall experience is about much more than that.
“The Australian War Memorial is a paradox. There is much, much more here than war; it’s a place of love and friendship. Love of family and of country, honouring those who devoted their lives not to themselves but to us, and their last moments to one another.
“What they (visitors) often leave with, however, is a deeper understanding of Australia as a nation,” adds Dr Nelson.
The Australian War Memorial was officially opened on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1941 in honour of all Australians who sacrificed their lives at war.
Over the years, its presence has helped both locals and foreigners remember, interpret, and understand Australia’s involvement in war, and its enduring impact on society.
More than 140,000 students from Australia and abroad visit the site each year, while 132 volunteers lend their services and knowledge.
For information about visiting the Australian War Memorial, go to www.awm.gov.au/visit
