News
Memorial to Honour Peacekeepers Unveiled - 19 December 2008
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin today unveiled the design for a memorial to honour Australians who have given their lives during peacekeeping operations around the world. The memorial will also serve to symbolise the ongoing work of the hundreds of Australian peacekeepers currently restoring order and security to communities affected by war and civil unrest.
A national competition to design a fitting monument to peacekeeping was launched in September of last year and today Marcus Trimble from Sydney architecture and design firm Super Colossal, now Bennet and Trimble was declared the successful entrant with his contemporary design.
The model shows how the completed structure will feature two large stone monoliths, separated by a passage of golden light representing the hope peacekeepers bring to war-torn communities.
The Minsiter for Veterans' Affairs discussing the Memorial Design with SGT Dale Cooper, SGT Delia Quigley, Pte James Veness, and Leading Seaman Benjamin Krikstolatis.
Designer Marcus Trimble was delighted with their concept being selected as the preferred design; “It’s a great privilege to work on a memorial such as this. We are really pleased with the concept we’ve created and how it illustrates the hope peacekeeping forces represent for communities experiencing conflict.”
Minister Griffin acknowledged the contribution peacekeepers make to security in the region and how the memorial would serve as a tangible reminder of that service, and particularly those who have lost their lives while peacekeeping around the world.
A site is approved for the new memorial at the southern end of Anzac Parade in Canberra, however the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Committee need to raise a further $2 million before construction on the design can get underway.
“We very much want to see the memorial completed next year in time for Australian Peacekeeper’s and Peacemaker’s Day next September 14th “said Committee Chairman Maj Gen Tim Ford (Ret.)
“Australia has a long and proud history of peacekeeping for more than 60 years. This memorial will be a fitting monument to the service of these brave men and women who exemplify the Australian values of openness, fairness, egalitarianism, mateship, initiative, and respect for diversity and social justice for all people.
Since 1947 there have been more than 66,000 Australians engaged in peacekeeping globally from the Middle East and Sudan to places closer to home such as East Timor.
The Design Concept page provides a graphical and written representation of what the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial will look like.
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