Background

In April 2002, the National Servicemen's Association of Australia Inc (NSAA) made a request for formal recognition of national service to occur at the Australian War Memorial (AWM).

In August 2002, Council agreed that a fountain (or bench) would be appropriate.

Subsequent correspondence with the NSAA resulted in reservation of a fountain site directly east of the front entrance of the main building in the proposed Memorial Courtyard.

Development of the Memorial Courtyard, and the National Service Memorial it contains, is contingent on the larger development of the Eastern Precinct.

A National Service Memorial Advisory Group comprising ADNC, Head Art, Head Buildings and Services and representatives of the NSAA has been formed.

The Advisory Group has developed a design commission brief with key elements of the brief being:

  • The National Service Memorial commemorates those who served as national servicemen under the two schemes created under the National Service Act 1951 (1951-59) and the National Service Act 1964 (1965-72).

  • The design concept is a simple and dignified fountain which does not compete, but be sympathetic to and complement the AWM existing architecture.

  • The Memorial Courtyard is a formal architecture and landscape design which includes geometric paved and grass areas and facility for placement of commemorative plaques on the perimeter.  The National Service memorial is the centrepiece of the Memorial Courtyard and will be constructed with noble materials in sympathy with the site.

  • The design must be environmentally sensitive in terms of water and energy use and the design should minimise, as far as possible, ongoing maintenance requirements and any potential for vandalism or defacement.

  • A notional budget for design and construction of $350,000 (inclusive of a 6% per annum increase during the period 2007-2010).

Architects, Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) were commissioned to prepare a design for the memorial, and subsequently came up with a sleek, modern design that eloquently depicts each of the armed services.


Design Concept

The concept responds to the brief and forms the centre piece of the new eastern courtyard.

The planning of a central fountain contained within the larger eastern court and defined by paving, low English box hedging and seating allows for quiet contemplation by small to medium sized groups.

The design also allows for larger gatherings with good sightlines from the whole eastern area.

The three services are represented by the service badges and by the symbolic representation of earth, water and sky (sandstone, the fountain and sky reflections off polished black granite).

The three services are also represented by the triangular bronze inner element, which symbolise their integral role of the armed services to National Service.

The materials chosen have direct relationship to the Australian War Memorial:

  • the bronze of the fountain as used in the roll of honour,

  • the sandstone paving and outer plinth as used in the memorial building, and

  • the black granite fountain base as used in other memorials in the western precinct.

The foundation is designed with the need to conserve precious water resources.  Water will be used sparingly and from recycled sources.  The memorial has been designed to look equally attractive should severe periods of drought make it necessary to temporarily restrict or eliminate the use of water in the fountain.

In September 2007, copies of the design proposal were then sent to each of the 139 Sub-Branches and fraternal associations around the country with a request for members' approval to be provided by end of December 2007.  An overwhelming approval from members has resulted in 'go ahead' instructions to be issued to the Australian War Memorial and the architects.


Memorial Dedication Events

The dates for the Dedication events have now been confirmed for September 7 and 8, 2010 with the dedication of the National Servicemen's Memorial scheduled for Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

Immediate family members (ie. mother, father, brother, sister, wife, son or daughter) of the 212 deceased National Servicemen interested in attending the dedication should click on the link provided below and print/complete the Expression of Interest form and return to the National Secretary at the address provided on the form.

For general National Servicemen interested in participating in dedication events, a link to a Servicemen's Expression of Interest form is provided below.  This form should be completed and returned to the National Secretary at the address provided on the form.

Deceased National Servicemen Family Member Expression of Interest Form

National Servicemen's Expression of Interest Form

A booklet has also been produced providing further information on the Dedication Ceremony, its related events and other general information (ie. Reunions, transport and accommodation).  This booklet may be downloaded in a pdf format by clicking on the link provided below.

Dedication Events Information Booklet

Anyone wishing to contact us regarding the Memorial Dedication activities may do so by emailing us at  nashosecretary@optusnet.com.au.

Please continue to refer to this website for future updates on the details relating to Dedication events.


Memorial Dedication Memorabilia Items

The Military Shop has been contracted to stock a number of memorabilia items that will be available for purchase directly through them at their Canberra Showroom (Units 3 & 4 Kembla St, Fyshwick, ACT), or online via their website, or by downloading one of their order forms and post or fax it to them, and also through an NSAA Sub-Branch Quartermaster.

Click here to visit the Military Shop's website:

 

Click here to visit the Military Shop's Nasho Product catalogue: