A light installation by renowned English artist Bruce Munro will form part of Albany’s commemoration in 2018 of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The State Government, through Tourism Western Australia and Lotterywest, will support the work, which will feature more than 13,000 illuminated glass spheres representing the national flowers of Australia and New Zealand.”Albany has been at the centre of Australia’s commemorations of 100 years since our involvement in the First World War, which is fitting as it was the last piece of Australian soil that many Anzac troops saw before departing for the battlefields.” Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan commented “The State Government, through Tourism WA and Lotterywest, is proud to support Field of Light: Avenue of Honour. The installation will be in place for Remembrance Day 2018, which marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, until Anzac Day 2019, creating a stunning backdrop to the commemorations.”

“Albany is also home to the National Anzac Centre which has been recognised as one of Australia’s best museums, and a ‘must-visit’ place for people looking to honour the Anzac tradition and to learn more about their experiences.” Western Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia commented “The centre opened on November 1, 2014 as part of the Centenary of Anzac and describes the war through the personal accounts of 30 Anzacs – and two of their foes – on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine, Sinai and the Western Front. As well as educating people about the war, the centre is also an important tourism asset for Albany, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors since it opened three years ago.”
Minister Papalia explained that independent, non-profit cultural organisation FORM will commission the artist to create Field of Light: Avenue of Honour and work with the City of Albany to see the work installed in Albany Heritage Park and the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial from October 2018 through to April 2019. Mr. Munro’s most recent commission Field of Light at Uluru has attracted more than 120,000 visitors since opening in April 2016. Field of Light: Avenue of Honour is expected to attract more than 28,500 attendees including 8,500 visitors from outside the Great Southern region.
“The Centenary of Anzac 2014 to 2018 has given Australians the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of our original Anzacs, and the servicemen and women who have defended Australia since. It will also leave a valuable legacy for Albany with its growing reputation as a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to pay respect to the Anzac tradition.” Western Australian Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley commented.