Tasmania’s Brighton Council recently installed a new public space, Remembrance Park, on the former Brighton Army Camp site.
The new Park was officially launched to the community at this year’s 11am ANZAC Day service.
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said Council was successful in securing two grants specifically contributing to the project, one from the Tasmanian Government and the other, a Federal Government grant, with both funded under projects recognising the Centenary of ANZAC Day.
Brighton’s new public space, which also encompasses the former army camp hospital, is providing a range of community purposes for the community, now and into the future.
Councillor Foster said Remembrance Park was a positive step toward Council helping the community benefit from the site’s cultural and historical significance.
“The Brighton site played an integral part in Tasmania’s history for more than 100 years and it is fitting it will attract value and interest in the area, giving visitors a reason to stop in Brighton and providing an interesting and attractive open space for local residents.”
The site saw the campaign and recruitment of soldiers for the First Expeditionary Force that trained there in 1914 when they embarked from Hobart on the transport vessels Geelong and Katuma to go to Gallipoli.
It was also a former aerodrome in 1931, an army camp in 1939, a prisoner of war camp in 1944, a haven for refugees in 1945, a shelter for people left homeless in Tasmania’s 1967 bushfires and, in more recent years, a cadet training camp.
The design takes its cues from the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Army using large fins of corten steel, pre-cast concrete and landscaping.
An avenue of trees has also been planted contributing to the longer-term plan for the park.
“The name and theme of the Remembrance Park will ensure it becomes as inclusive a place as possible – a place for any local or visitor to enjoy,” Cr Foster said.
“Remembrance Park will become the ideal place not only for the annual ANZAC ceremonies but also for a host of other events.
“The larger site will be able to facilitate a wide range of large and small community events as it is developed over coming years.
Cr Foster said the project represented a key investment in Brighton’s future.
“It will provide a reason for tourists and visitors to stop, which small towns need.
“It will recognise the important and valued history in the area and give locals an icon to be proud of and to enjoy.
“It sends a clear signal that Brighton has a bright future worth investing in.”
