- McGowan Government helps pave way for revamped ANZAC House in Perth’s CBD
- Improved central facilities will boost support services for defence force veterans
- Decision complements commemoration of Centenary of Armistice
- Local construction company PINDAN to employ local workforce on project
The McGowan Government has helped pave the way for a brand new headquarters for the WA branch of the Returned and Services League (RSLWA) to be built on St Georges Terrace.
Following completion of a process to gift land to the veterans organisation, a proposed six-storey, state-of-the-art building is set to be constructed at 28 St Georges Terrace and is expected to open for Anzac Day 2020.
The new building will include office space for RSLWA staff and office holders, a club area for members, a function room and a café. Importantly, it will also provide dedicated floors for other ex-service organisations as part of a broader vision for a central facility for veterans.
Perth’s first ANZAC House opened in 1934, replacing the Soldier’s Institute which opened at the height of World War One in 1916. A new ANZAC House opened at the current site on November 14, 1981.
It was refurbished and reopened again on its current site on January 27, 2006 before being demolished in January this year to make way for the new headquarters.
Western Australian construction company PINDAN will work on the project, which is expected to employ up to 15 local workers.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“I’m pleased the State Government has been able to provide the RSLWA with the additional land and legal authorisations required for the new ANZAC House project.
“ANZAC House was an institution for many in Perth and I know there were some who were sad to see it demolished earlier this year.
“I am confident the new ANZAC House will provide the RSLWA, and other ex-service groups, with more up-to-date facilities and an even better base from which to continue their very important work for veterans.
“It is positive to see local construction company PINDAN giving local WA workers the opportunity to play a part in such an important project.”
As stated by Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley:
“We are currently in the middle of commemorating and celebrating the Centenary of the Armistice that ended hostilities in World War One – a conflict that took the greatest toll of any war or peace-keeping operation involving Australian servicemen and women.
“So it’s entirely fitting that we do what we can to assist the organisation that sits front and centre in providing support for Western Australian veterans – the RSLWA.
“New and improved facilities will enable the RSLWA and other defence services support organisations a greater ability to advocate for veterans and to work for their welfare.”
As stated by Lands Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The transfer of the ANZAC House site to RSLWA will ensure the land will be used solely for the purposes of preserving our military history, supporting current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and providing a place for them to meet.
“The Deed of Agreement with RSLWA is symbolic of a co-operative approach with the State Government to support our veterans while commemorating the men, women and children affected by conflict.”
