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Australian War Memorial in Canberra to re-open with timed visits after COVID-19 closure

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Sarah IsonThe West Australian
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra will reopen to public on Wednesday July 1 after two months of being closed due to COVID-19.
Camera IconThe Australian War Memorial in Canberra will reopen to public on Wednesday July 1 after two months of being closed due to COVID-19. Credit: ALEX ELLINGHAUSEN/AAPIMAGE

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra will reopen to public on Wednesday July 1 after more than two months of being closed due to COVID-19.

Visitors will be able to book free, timed tickets to visit the Memorial, with limited numbers allowed in at any one time to ensure social distancing.

The Last Post Ceremony held at 5pm every day will also have timed tickets available.

It comes as the ACT moved to ease further restrictions this weekend, allowing up to 20 people in indoor areas.

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AWM Director Matt Anderson PSM, who began his tenure last month, said Memorial staff were looking forward to welcoming visitors again.

“To be able to have visitors return is a very welcome development for the staff, management and Council of the Australian War Memorial,” he said.

“It is to credit of front-line health workers, community leaders and the general public that we are able to get to this point.

The specific details of the Memorial’s COVID-safe plan, will be released in coming weeks.

“I can’t wait to personally welcome visitors and am keen for the Memorial to get back to what it does best – offering a rich and emotive museum experience which honours the commitment and service of those who have worn, and continue to wear, an Australian Defence Force uniform,” Mr Anderson said.

“It won’t be the same, but we ask that people continue to be patient and appreciate that we are working to provide the best possible visitor experience under the current circumstances,” Mr Anderson said.

“Our focus is on opening the Memorial to visitors again, and to do it in a way that minimises the risk to the public, including staff.”

Safety measures will include visitors being asked to move in one direction and an enhanced cleaning regime including hand sanitisers in key areas being followed.

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