20 October 2017

Bust of Sir John Monash bound for France

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today accepted the gift of a Sir John Monash bust from the Honorary Consul to Monaco, Mr Andrew Cannon AM, at Monaco House in Melbourne.  

The bust was commissioned by Mr Cannon to honour his Grandfather Robert Henry Cannon, who served in France during the First World War. It will be permanently displayed in the Sir John Monash Centre, which opens in France in April 2018.

General Sir John Monash led the Australian Corps with outstanding success on the Western Front in 1918, including the famous victory at Le Hamel on 4 July.

“Monash was loved and admired by many, and was honoured with numerous awards and decorations in recognition of his leadership skills and successes on the battlefield,” Mr Tehan said.

“I would like to thank the Honorary Consul to Monaco, Mr Cannon AM, for his generous gift. This sculpture will be seen by thousands of people who visit the Sir John Monash Centre to learn more about Australia’s service and sacrifice on the Western Front.”

The Sir John Monash Centre will tell the story of the Australian Western Front experience through a series of interactive media installations and immersive experiences.

The Centre will tell the story of ordinary Australians through their letters and diaries to create a greater connection to the places where they fought and died.

For more information on the Sir John Monash Centre visit www.sjmc.gov.au

Media enquiries: 
Minister Tehan’s Office: Byron Vale 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6466

 

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46).  VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.