Standing atop Mount Scott with panoramic 360° views over the city, hinterland, port and ocean, including to the northwest where HMAS Sydney II now lies, the Memorial structures are surrounded by Grounds of established and well-maintained lawns and gardens with quiet access by bushland walking paths from nearby streets.
The Memorial is a world class facility that has become a point of pilgrimage for national and international visitors wishing to pay their respects to the men lost and their relatives and to learn about this tragic loss. Apart from the ability for quiet enjoyment of the parkland setting,
Commemorative Space
The Commemorative Space is the area committed to its core function as a sacred site and
may only be used as follows:
- Private contemplation and reflection.
- Approved ceremonial occasions to facilitate both public and private remembrance
such as commemorative events concerning HMAS Sydney II, her men and their
families, flag-raising and wreath laying and other floral tributes| - Educational and/or interpretive Tour Groups accompanied by Authorised Guides.
Grounds:
The Grounds need to provide for logistical and public health requirements, i.e. rest stop amenities for this huge volume of visitors of all ages and mobility; from the over 200 individual visitors daily; Tour Bus groups of about 50 passengers each and larger groups such as from Cruise Ships visiting Geraldton especially for the Memorial.
Narrative Space:
The Narrative Space is reserved for narrative elements regarding HMAS Sydney II, her life, loss and discovery and which serve as educational instruments for the general public of all ethnic backgrounds, children and overseas visitors. As the ‘buffer’ between the 10 Commemorative Space and Grounds, its use is permitted for quiet and respectful activities only
Interpretation
The Memorial’s design concept is, in part, to function as an informative area with narrative elements which serve as educational instruments for the general public of all ethnic backgrounds, children and overseas visitors. The Memorial’s amenity and management should encourage a widespread understanding of the significance of the place, consistent with the retention of that significance, by the inclusion of a combination of the treatment of the fabric, the use of the place and the use of introduced interpretive material. Present are The Wall of Remembrance narrative panels and Tours conducted by the Geraldton Volunteer Guides Association.
