Australian War Memorial wins tourism award

The Australian War Memorial (AWM) was honoured as Australia’s leading major tourist attraction at the annual Australian Tourism Awards ceremony in Canberra.

The AWM was competing against finalists from every other state and territory, including such major attractions as Sydney’s Bridgewalk and the Phillip Island Fairy Penguins.

“The AWM has always held a special place in the Australian community. Its recognition at the Australian Tourism Awards reinforces its real relevance to all Australians”, Australian Minister for Veteran Affairs Bruce Scott said.

“A major program of renewal in recent years, largely funded by the Federal Government, has confirmed the Memorial as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions. That renewal continues with the construction of ANZAC Hall, financed with a $13 million dollar grant from the Federal Government’s Centenary of Federation Fund”.

ANZAC Hall will be officially opened in May 2001, and will house the Memorial’s collection of large technology items, including the Japanese midget submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942, and the Lancaster bomber G for George.

Mr Scott paid tribute to the Australian War Memorial Council and the Memorial’s Director, Major-General Steve Gower, and his staff.

“This award is recognition of the hard work the AWM Council and staff have put in over the past few years. It also recognises the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the Memorial is able to continue commemorating Australia’s war dead in a fitting and dignified manner”, he said.

The Australian War Memorial is one of Australia’s most visited cultural institutions. Nearly 900,000 visitors - about 100,000 of them schoolchildren - passed through the doors last financial year.

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