19 December 2017

Premier presents $300k Lotterywest grant to honour Anzac sacrifice

Premier Mark McGowan today presented a $300,000 Lotterywest grant to the City of Albany to support an immersive art installation honouring the service and sacrifice of the Anzacs.

Field of Light: Avenue of Honour by Bruce Munro will see 13,000 shining glass spheres light up the road approaching Albany's Anzac Centre in whites, yellows and golds - the colours of Australia and New Zealand's national flowers.

Mr Munro's recent installation Field of Light at Uluru attracted more than 120,000 visitors since its opening in April 2016.

The initiative is a partnership led by the City of Albany, the Returned & Services League of Australia WA Branch, the local RSL Albany sub-branch and FORM - an independent non-profit cultural organisation.

The art installation will recognise Albany as the location troops departed from for Gallipoli and offer a place for visitors and locals to pay their respects to Anzac servicemen and women.

Community members, including descendants of the Anzacs, will be able to volunteer and participate at various stages in the installation and exhibition of the art.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"My Government is honoured to support the establishment of Bruce Munro's Field of Light: Avenue of Honour in Albany.

"Mr Munro's work is a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice, courage and honour of our Anzacs.

"The first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the Great War from Albany and for many, this was their last sight of Australian soil.

"Albany is one of Australia and New Zealand's most significant pilgrimage destinations to remember the sacrifice of those who helped shaped our nation.

"I thank Lotterywest retailers and those who play Lotterywest games for allowing us to support such a poignant and important initiative."