Accessibility enhanced at the National Anzac Centre

Published on Friday, 23 June 2023 at 2:28:54 PM

The National Anzac Centre has completed significant upgrades to one of its key exhibitions, improving accessibility for all visitors.

The Pool of Reflection is a large table which displays the names of the 41,265 Australians and New Zealanders who left on the First and Second Convoys.

Each name scrolls the length of the table under a few centimetres of water, travelling towards the views of King George Sound from which each of the named servicemen and women departed for war.

The focal point of the upgrades is the integration of a new 55-inch screen positioned at the front of the cabinetry that joins the top of the table and provides an extension of the scrolling display.

This addition to the display means that visitors such as children and wheelchair users can view the name scroll without the need to look over the table.

In addition to the physical and accessibility enhancements, the update introduces the Pool of Reflection’s database of names to the National Anzac Centre’s website.

This feature allows visitors to search the website for the names of any friends or relatives who served in the war and determines the precise time when it will be displayed on the Pool of Reflection.

Visitors will also be able to plan their visit around the time a loved one’s name will appear.

City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the upgrades improved accessibility of the National Anzac Centre’s content and enhanced the experience for everyone.

“The City takes pride in being trusted to share Australia’s greatest story, and it is essential that every visitor can fully engage with the ANZAC story as it is told within the National Anzac Centre,” he said.

“The Pool of Reflection takes 11 full days to complete a rotation of all 41,265 names, which means visitors have missed the display of their loved one’s names in the past.

“By making the Pool of Reflection’s name database accessible to all visitors prior to their experience, we can ensure each individual has the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in this commemorative experience.”

For more information and to explore the name database, head to www.nationalanzaccentre.com.au/pool-of-reflection

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