New advisory groups to support Australian War Memorial gallery development

The Australian War Memorial has formed the initial three advisory groups to provide relevant guidance on gallery content as part of the Memorial's expansion.

Memorial Director Matt Anderson said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, Access Advisory Group, and Veterans' Advisory Group will all make valuable contributions.

"The expansion will give us the much needed space to tell the stories of more than 100,000 Australians who have served in war, conflict, peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations in recent years," Mr Anderson said.

"The Development Project will expand significantly current exhibition space and improve visitor experiences. Through our ongoing program of engagement and consultation, advisory groups will help the Memorial ensure that the stories we tell in the new galleries are relevant, and that the spaces themselves are accessible and inclusive for all members of the public, our veterans and those still serving."

Veteran and Mental Health Ambassador Kevin Humphreys said he was looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Memorial.

"I am honoured to be part of the Veteran Advisory Group and am looking forward to contributing to this very exciting national project," Mr Humphreys said.

Two additional advisory groups, representing Diversity and Youth, are being finalised and will be announced later in the year.

The Advisory Group program is part of the Memorial's commitment to community engagement and will help the Memorial continue to strengthen and grow partnerships throughout Australia.

The first meeting of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group has already taken place and the Access Advisory Group and Veterans Advisory Group will be meeting for the first time in the coming weeks.