Meet the diverse voices shaping the new Australian War Memorial

A diverse group of people from war and conflict zones will meet at the Australian War Memorial this week to help shape the new contemporary galleries.

Iraqi-Australian, Bashar Hanna, is contributing to the new Iraq wars gallery via the Memorial’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) advisory group – part of five Advisory bodies guiding the Memorial’s new Development Project.

“When the Australian War Memorial reached out to me, I felt quite privileged,” Mr Hanna said.

Five advisory groups including CALD, Veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Youth, and Access were formed to ensure the voices of all Australians are represented within the development project.

Mr Hanna said: “I am able to meet people and expand my connections with others and their cultures while standing up for and acting as an ambassador for my community.”

“I have a strong connection to Australia as a nation, and the work with the Memorial has helped that connection to strengthen and grow over time. That’s what I hope visitors in the future will experience too.”

The Memorial’s advisory groups offer guidance on the galleries’ narrative and suitability, provides advice on exhibition content and National Collection development and reviews exhibition designs and the visitor experience.

Lisa Nagatsuka is advising for the new Australian peacekeeping gallery, bringing her personal experiences of being a refugee from Cambodia.

Ms Nagatsuka has an extensive background in sharing her culture, volunteering to teach the joy of Cambodian dance and art to a diverse range of students at Cambodian Living Arts and Culture, Bonnyrigg Khmer School, and St Johns Parks Public School.

“Having these stories told at a place like the Australian War Memorial really feels like a link between my nationality and my community,” Ms Nagatsuka said.

“It’s important that the Memorial gathers as many artefacts and resources from the relevant communities so the world can study the impact conflict has on people like us.”

Gil Santos, an East Timorese born musician and political activist, described the opportunity to be part of the CALD group as a “platform to stand up for and talk for my community”.

“Being invited and involved with the Australian War Memorial, it felt like we were finally recognised by more than just the Memorial, but the government and Australia as a nation,” Mr Santos said.

The Director of the Memorial, Matt Anderson, said:

“The Memorial is committed to telling all sides of the story in the new galleries including how the local communities are impacted and the civilian experience of conflict.”

For Interview:

Mr Bashar Hanna - Iraqi-Australian, President, Australian Mesopotamian Cultural Association.

Mr Gil Santos – East Timorese Musician, Political Activist.

Ms Lisa Nagatsuka – Cambodian Refugee, Teacher