Assistant Minister for Defence - Development honours centenary of the Silent Anzac - 19 May 2015

Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, was joined today by the Federal Member for Bennelong, Mr John Alexander, in opening Defence's newest housing precinct for military personnel and their families.

The new community, which has been created by Defence Housing Australia (DHA), is located on the Parramatta River at Ermington and will be home to more than 200 Defence members – most of whom have already moved in.

"Until a few short years ago this 16 hectare space was nothing more than a vacant and unloved parcel of land on the northern banks of the Parramatta River," Mr Robert said.

"Now, in what is a fitting nod to its heritage as a Naval Store, Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has transformed the land into a thriving community, not just for Defence members and their families, but for the wider community of Ermington."

The development is named in honour of the AE2 submarine which, while diving to avoid a torpedo boat, was hit and holed near the Dardanelles Strait in 1915.

Within the development, the roads and avenues are named after the ‘Hollywood Fleet’ that protected Sydney Harbour during the Second World War and played a vital role in defending Australian soil.

"The land on which this architecturally-designed residential development is built has a rich military heritage and I am proud to say that as we recognise the centenary of the sinking of the AE2 that we also honour her in the naming of this development," Mr Robert said.

Following consultations with a social and cultural planner and the Parramatta City Council, DHA commissioned "The Stores Unfolding” artwork to honour the site’s previous use as a Naval Store.

When the art installation is viewed from the front, the five steel structures outline the shape of the Nissen-Huts that stood on this site. As you navigate the sculpture, the cut outs line up to reveal the Royal Australian Navy mottos taken from Her Majesty’s Australian Ships Waterhen, Kuttabul, Penguin and Watson.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office): (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174

Defence Housing Australia – Ms Rachael Whiteley-Black: 0421 040 098