Thousands of South Australians will get their first look at the new Anzac Centenary Memorial Garden Walk when it opens to the public today.
The 280 metre Memorial Walk runs along Kintore Avenue, linking the South Australian National War Memorial to the Torrens Parade Ground, where many service personnel left for war.
A 70 metre interpretive wall, made from local black granite and an open blade fence along the Government House eastern boundary are key features of the design.
The granite wall depicts Australian society through a century of conflict and honours the more than 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have died in conflict since Federation.
The Memorial Walk will be officially opened today by Tobruk veteran, 98 year old Bill Corey, accompanied by the Governor His Excellency Hieu Van Le, Premier Jay Weatherill and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Martin Hamilton-Smith.
Footy fans will also experience the Memorial Walk tonight as they head towards this evening’s Port Adelaide versus Geelong ANZAC Day clash at the Adelaide Oval.
Background
The $10 million project was first proposed by the Veterans Advisory Council and is funded through the Commonwealth’s Anzac Centenary Public Fund ($5 million), a State Government commitment ($3 million) and the Adelaide City Council ($2 million).
The eastern boundary of Government House has been brought in by 10 metres to accommodate the Memorial Walk, the first change to Government House’s boundary in more than 90 years.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jay Weatherill
Years of consultation, thoughtful planning and fine workmanship have delivered this beautiful space to honour the service our State’s veterans.
It is a place for quiet reflection – where South Australians can show their appreciation for those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.
The transformation of Kintore Avenue into this Memorial Walk has been extraordinary, and the project was completed using locally sourced materials including pavers from Padthaway, near Bordertown and Streaky Bay and granite from Black Hill near Mannum.
The Memorial Walk also opens up the view of Government House and its grounds to the public – providing a great addition to our historic North Terrace precinct.
Quotes attributable to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
Memorials portray the suffering, sacrifice and heroism of those who have died in conflict, and the courage and commitment of those who served and continue to serve.
This Memorial Walk is for all those who have served and all who have been exposed to the traumas of war. It’s for the families at home and the generations who followed.
At either end of the walk you will find two quotes that summarise what we’ve achieved here.
Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it and They do not intend to be thought or spoken of as heroes. They’re just ordinary Australians
This may be the case, but they did and continue to do extraordinary things.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Martin Haese
This project is a great example of the City of Adelaide and our State and Federal governments working together to honour those who have served.
It links our stunning National War Memorial with the Pathway of Honour above Torrens Parade Ground and embraces the grounds of Government House – reinforcing the design pillars of Remembrance, Service and Loyalty.
This new grand boulevard also significantly improves pedestrian links between the city and the River Torrens, our parks and gardens.