National Anzac Centre
Rachel HandasydeOpened on the 1st of November 2014 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, The National Anzac Centre is an award-winning facility that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. The interpretive content that forms part of the interactive experience was developed by the Western Australian Museum and the Australian War Memorial and is delivered via a series of interactive visual and audible displays. The experience delivered at the National Anzac Centre is known for commemorating the war through the stories of the Anzacs as opposed to telling its own story via pro-war or anti-war sentiments.
The symbolic location of the centre, selected for its strong sense of place as it looks out across King George Sound, forms an important part of the interpretation. The dramatic architecture, featuring spectacular vistas of the Sound, purposefully enhances the narrative and creates a contemplative space. The building design lends itself to a telescopic view overlooking the location from where the convoys gathered and then left.
Operated by the City of Albany, the National Anzac Centre runs in conjunction with the heritage listed Princess Royal Fortress and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day between the hours of 9am and 5pm with the last entry at 4pm.
The $10.6 million construction and fit-out of the centre was fully funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments however it receives no ongoing funding. All revenue from entry fees provides for the upkeep and operation of the centre, and other adjacent attractions within the Albany Heritage Park.
