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Thurs 30 April - Member for Manly, Mike Baird, has launched a petition to fight the closure of the North Fort Museum at North Head.
“I am calling on the local RSL clubs to join our campaign and we have now arranged a meeting with the Minister Assisting the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs, Graeme West, to discuss how the State Government can assist,” Mr Baird said.
“There has been enormous community outrage at the Defence Force’s decision to relocate the National Artillery Museum from North Fort to Puckapunyal in Victoria.”
“There are 7 million people who visit Manly each year, with thousands exploring North Head and its military history.”
“It is the ideal location for the Museum and for the Defence Force to be able to tell its proud story to a large number of people.”
“There is no way a Museum at Puckapunyal will be able to attract that number of people which means those stories of courage and battle will be gradually forgotten.”
“The relocation also doesn’t make sense considering the Australia Memorial Walk at North Head was due to be officially opened later this year.”
“I have organised a petition calling for the Museum at North Fort to remain, and I am encouraging people to sign as part of our campaign to overturn this decision.”
“Letters have also gone to the Defence Force Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon and Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Chairman, Kevin McCann, seeking an on-site meeting.”
North Fort has played a crucial role in the military history of Australia. It was built in 1938 and was key to the defence of Sydney during World War Two. The school of the Royal Australian Artillery was based at North Head after World War Two until 1997. In 1990 the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum was opened giving the community access to this historical place.
Media Contact: Wendy Black 0418 532 534
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