Australian War Memorial launches Roll of Honour Soundscape Project

The voices of primary school students will resonate throughout the Australian War Memorial’s First World War Roll of Honour cloisters over the next four years as part of a project launched today at the Memorial.

The Roll of Honour Soundscape project was launched today by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, to mark the centenary of the declaration of the First World War.

Primary school students from across Australia have recorded the names and ages of the 62,000 Australians who died during the First World War. Their voices were recorded at ABC radio stations across the nation and will continue to be heard over the four years of the centenary period.

The Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said the project was another reminder of all those who sacrificed their lives. Visitors to the Memorial will hear the names and ages of the fallen as they walk through the First World War cloisters reading the names on the Roll of Honour.

"The school students’ involvement helps the younger generation better understand the sacrifice made and the values demonstrated by our servicemen and servicewomen. The qualities embodied by these brave people are still relevant for Australian youngsters," Dr Nelson said.

"After the centenary period these recordings will become part of the Memorial’s National Collection."

Speaking at the launch were some of the Canberra Grammar and Jerrabomberra Primary School students involved in recording the names. Also speaking was the ABC’s Local Radio Network Development Manager,Mr James O’Brien, and Google Australia’s Director of Engineering, Mr Alan Noble.