BOOST FOR BUSHFIRE MEMORIAL

The ACT Bushfire Memorial has been allocated another $220,000 in the 2005-2006 Budget, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today, putting it on track for a 2006 dedication.

“In the Second Appropriation of the 2003-04 Budget $185,000 was allocated for community consultation and the design and development of the artwork for the Bushfire Memorial,” Mr Stanhope said. 

“This latest allocation will ensure that a memorial of enduring quality is built, complete with water and power infrastructure.

“The site for the memorial, within the new-look Stromlo Forest Park, will be enhanced by extensive landscaping by ACT Forests.”

The design of the ACT Bushfire Memorial represents both the devastation of the 2003 bushfires and the journey of recovery and healing.

Designed by three Canberra artists, Tess Horwitz, Tony Steel and Martyn Jolly, the memorial will incorporate all of the physical elements and guiding principles requested by the people of Canberra during the bushfire memorial community consultation. The site will feature two distinct spaces, one focusing on the event itself, the other with the aftermath.

The memorial design has scope for community involvement, incorporating the use of bricks and photographic memorabilia. The Government has written to residents inviting them to contribute personal photographs for scanning and possible incorporation into a glass sculpture, significant words for inscription on new, unfired bricks, or bricks salvaged from destroyed property for incorporation into a sculpture. The letter has been sent to residents registered on the ACT Bushfire Support Unit database.  

"The Government sought advice and input from the community about the shape and nature of this memorial and I thank Canberrans for their thoughtful input,” Mr Stanhope said.  “I am also grateful to the community members on the selection committee for their contribution to the final design.

“Their insights were invaluable.  As a community, we can now look forward to seeing the design unfold ready for the memorial’s dedication in 2006."
Statement ends