PM Transcripts

E-MB AR G 0 _ 9 p. 1_ Wednesday 31 March 1971
FOR PRESS: PM No. 40 / 1971
RAAFJUBILEE MEMORIAL
Statement bPj the Prime Minister, Mr. William McMahon
In Canberra tonight, at the Air Board dinner marking the 50th Anniversary
of the Royal Australian Airforce, the Minister for Air, Senator Drake-Brockman,
announced the winning design for a commemorative sculpture to stand in Anzac
Parade, Canberra. The winning design for this RAAF jubilee Memorial was submitted
by Mrs. Inge King, of Warrandyte, Victoria.
The adjudicators for the comp. atition were
* Sir William Dargie, CBE,
Chairman of Commonwealth Art Advisory Board.
* Mr. R. Boyd,
Architect and Member of the National Capital
Planning Committee.
Mr. C. Last,
Sculptor and Member of Commonwealth Art
Advisory Baord.
Air Marshal Sir Colin Hannah, KBE, CB,
Chief of the Air Staff.
Mr. R. K. H. Johnson,
First Assistant Commissioner, Civic Design and
Architecture, National Capital Development
Commission.
The twenty five foot high, ground stainless steel sculpture which was
up~ pimously selected by the adjudicators, consists of three vertical wing shapes
sorrounding a symbolic flight image, mounted on a platform of polished black granite.
The adjudicators in their report on the sculpture stated that it had
monumental quality, expressed the idea of flight and had appropriate symbolism.
The wing shapes symbolized spiritual and physical growth and the everlasting
pq sibilities of greater achievement, at the same time representing a solemn monument.
The ground stainless steel was deliberately chosen to emphasise lightness,
strength and power.
It is an eye-catching memorial and, in the impressive setting of Anzac
Parade, will be a fitting tribute to the RAAF's first 50 years of distinguished service
to the nation.
CANBERRA 31 March 1971