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Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Shrine of Remembrance at 90
BY DEAN LEE
As the Shrine marks its 90th year, the Trustees look ahead with a master plan for 2025–2045.
In 1923, a dedicated committee representing a grieving community was tasked with creating a monument to honour the 114,000 Victorians who enlisted to defend the Empire during the First World War. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Shrine of Remembrance, a beacon of sacrifice and service.
Following the Shrine’s dedication in 1934, this committee evolved into what we now know as the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees. Ninety years on, a group of ten men and women, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Victorian Minister for Veterans, continues to uphold the original mission. They serve as custodians of this most special place at which we reflect on the way of life we value, defended by the service of so many.
Over the years, the Shrine has expanded to recognise continued service and sacrifice in global conflicts and to meet the evolving needs of the community. Significant additions include the Second World War Memorial Forecourt in 1954, The Garden of Remembrance and Post-45 Memorial, the Shrine Visitor Centre in 2003, and the Galleries of Remembrance in 2014.
Now, as the Shrine marks its 90th anniversary, the Trustees are looking ahead with a master plan for 2025–2045. This forward-thinking plan will guide development leading to the Shrine’s 100th anniversary in 2034 and beyond. Created in consultation with veterans and civic stakeholders, the master plan is not just about construction. It’s a thoughtful examination of the Shrine’s role as a civic and cultural icon in Melbourne, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Parklands.
Central to this plan is a visionary ‘psycho-graphic’ model. This establishes the Shrine as the soul of Melbourne, a source of resilience, comfort and renewal for the community.
Key aspects of the master plan
Commemoration
Since 1934, the Shrine has symbolised remembrance for those who served in the First World War and all subsequent conflicts. The master plan seeks to enhance this by reimagining the Second World War Memorial Forecourt. At present, it is often used as a thoroughfare by cyclists and runners. The enhanced design will deliver a three-dimensional aspect to distinguish the memorial forecourt from its surroundings. It includes a perimeter path to reduce disruptions during services and bring visibility to relocated memorial tree plaques that are presently isolated outside the Shrine Reserve.
The Garden of Remembrance and Post-45 Memorial, originally focused on the period from 1945 to 1975, has become a catch-all for conflicts from 1945 to the current day, diluting its purpose. The master plan proposes restoring its initial intent and adds a larger commemorative plaza near St Kilda Road to honour all service and sacrifice post-1975. This will also make the memorial more visible to passersby.
Looking ahead, the plan designates a future memorial site on the southern lawn, ensuring space for new tributes without obscuring the principal Shrine monument.
Place
Preserving the Shrine’s visual prominence is key. The master plan emphasises careful landscape management, including measures to address climate change impacts, and will seek to respect and give visibility to First Nations Peoples’ interests.
Access
The master plan includes improved access from the new Anzac Station, benefiting both the Shrine and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It also suggests relocating the No. 19 tram stop adding a new stop closer to the Shrine’s northern approach to enhance accessibility.
Capacity
Previous developments in 2003 and 2014 created valuable spaces beneath the monument for visitors, a museum, student facilities and offices. The new plan envisions extending these areas to the east and west, adding a large multi-use space for exhibitions and events, therefore boosting the Shrine’s ability to self-fund and support its mission. Additional facilities will be included to house the growing collection of museum objects and records, as well as provide for staff and the Shrine Guard.
Looking forward
Key master plan elements will be displayed at the Shrine Visitor Centre in November 2024, where the public will be encouraged to view and comment. A public presentation is also scheduled.
The vision of the National War Memorial Committee from 1923 could not foresee today’s world, yet their commitment has guided the Shrine well. As we celebrate this 90-year milestone, today’s Trustees remain dedicated to preserving the Shrine’s purpose, directing it to meet the needs of all Australians while reflecting the evolving values of our community.
Dean Lee is the CEO of the Shrine of Remembrance.
