Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson beneath the Oculus in the new entrance. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
A changing of the guard at the Australian War Memorial Council makes it more likely that a commemoration of the Indigenous frontier wars will be displayed at the institution.
The new council appointments come as the new front entrance and parade ground receive a National Architecture Award.
Ironically, the building demolished to make way for the expanded War Memorial, Anzac Hall, was also a winner of the Australian Institute of Architects, taking out the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award.
The Institute waged a vociferous but ultimately unsuccessful campaign to save the building.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has announced the appointments of Lesley Alway, Peter Tinley, and Major General Wade Stothart (Retd) to the Memorial Council for three years.
They replace former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott, Major General Greg Melick (Retd) and Daniel Keighran VC.
Mr Abbott did not believe the Memorial was the appropriate place for a display on the frontier wars.
The council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs and policy of the Memorial, including its displays and exhibits, maintaining the Commemorative Area, and overseeing its major expansion project.
Mr Keogh said new appointments would bring a fresh, broader perspective to the council, while the reappointment of two existing council members – former federal Labor leader Kim Beazley and Sharon Bown – would also ensure continuity and retention of corporate knowledge.
Mr Keogh and Mr Beazley support a prominent presence of the frontier wars at the Memorial.
Ms Alway has been the Chair of the Geelong Arts Centre Trust since 2018 and has over 30 years of experience in cultural policy, management, and international engagement.
She was also a member of the Opera Australia board from 2009 to 2018 and a member of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Arts from 2009 to 2015.
“Ms Alway’s experience in cultural organisations and special expertise in the visual arts will greatly benefit the council during the Memorial’s development project,” Mr Keogh said.
Mr Tinley was recently elected as the RSL National President and brings a combination of military, political and business experience to his council role.
Mr Tinley served for 25 years in the ADF, including 17 years with the Special Air Services Regiment.
He then served in the Western Australian Parliament for 15 years as a Labor MP, including as Minister for Veterans Issues, and is also currently Chair of the Veterans’ Transition Centre in Western Australia.
Major General Stothart (Retd) recently commenced as the Director of the Office of Australian War Graves, where he oversees the official commemoration of Australian war dead, as well as the maintenance of Australian war cemeteries, war graves and memorials.
Major General Stothart (Retd) has over 30 years’ experience in strategic leadership, complex program management and stakeholder engagement in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), retiring as Head of Military Personnel in 2024.
“Mr Stothart’s appointment will enhance collaboration between these two important national commemorative institutions,” Mr Keogh said.
The new front entrance and parade ground. Photo: AWM.
The Memorial’s front entrance and parade ground received the National Award for Heritage at the 2025 National Architecture Awards, recognising excellence in the conservation and reinterpretation of this nationally significant site.
Designed by Studio SC, the project reimagines the Memorial’s arrival experience for visitors while preserving the dignity and solemnity of one of Australia’s most important places of remembrance.
The work seamlessly integrates the Memorial’s historic sandstone fabric with new architectural features, including a restored forecourt suspended over two new public entrances and a sculptural glass oculus that opens a window to the sky. The result is two striking and beautiful new spaces which work to link the Memorial’s heritage with its future.
Memorial Director Matt Anderson said the recognition reflects the organisation’s shared commitment to honouring the past while simultaneously building for generations to come.
“This project was undertaken with deep respect for the Memorial’s history and meaning,” Mr Anderson said.
“Seeing it recognised nationally is a tribute to the hundreds of people, including architects, engineers, builders and Memorial staff, who brought such care and craftsmanship to every detail.”
The redevelopment of the parade ground and front entrance was delivered as part of the Memorial’s broader redevelopment project, which sparked controversy for the $600 million cost and the justification for the expansion.
Executive project director for the development, Wayne Hitches, said the design reflected years of collaboration and consultation.
“From the very beginning, our focus was on creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary,” Mr Hitches said.
“The result is an entrance and parade ground that welcomes visitors into a modern museum and function spaces while staying true to the Memorial’s heritage and commemorative character.”
The front entrance and parade ground have already been acknowledged with several state and national design accolades this year, reinforcing the Memorial’s ongoing commitment to architectural excellence and visitor experience.
The parade ground opened to visitors for the first time during the 2024 Anzac Day Ceremony, while the Memorial’s new front entrance was opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 3 February 2025.
