Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA038
Friday, 22 May 2009
NEW COMMEMORATIVE PROJECTS UNVEILED AT HEIDELBERG
REPATRIATION HOSPITAL
Three new commemorative projects have been unveiled today at the Heidelberg Repatriation
Hospital by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.
Attending the Hospital’s Veterans’ Day celebrations, Mr Griffin said the Australian Government
was pleased to support activities which enhance the hospital’s links with the veteran community.
“Since 1947 Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital has been serving the veteran community. My
Department has provided more than $20,000 to help fund the projects being unveiled today
which will honour the service and sacrifice of the Australian servicemen and women who have
been treated here,” Mr Griffin said.
“Designed by local artist, Simon Normand, my Department has contributed $10,000 towards a
Heritage Bell Tower in Heidelberg’s Remembrance Garden to house its Heritage Bell – donated
by an ex-Navy Vietnam veteran.
“When the Heritage Bell sounds during commemorative services at Heidelberg, I ask you to
remember those who did not return from war and those who have suffered and sought
treatment here,” Mr Griffin said.
Mr Griffin also unveiled a piece of stained glass symbolising a $100,000 four-year project to
install stained glass windows in the Heidelberg Chapel.
“Designed by Alison McMillan, this project has been helped by $10,000 from my Department
and the generosity of the veteran community. The last piece of stained glass will be installed on
Remembrance Day 2011 and I look forward to seeing the end result.”
The final project involves the removal, renovation and relocation of a flagpole donated by the
Red Cross in the 1940s.
“The flag pole, Heritage Bell Tower and stained glass window projects are welcome additions to
Heidelberg’s rich commemorative heritage. The veteran community has also contributed
generously to these projects and I congratulate them on their efforts,” Mr Griffin said.
Media inquiries: Sasha Nimmo 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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