Today, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, officially opened the Defence Archive Centre at Fort Queenscliff.

“Fort Queenscliff is a fundamental part of the local Queenscliffe and Geelong communities, and the establishment of the Defence Archive Centre reaffirms Defence’s commitment to retaining a presence at the Fort,” Senator Feeney said.

“Since its initial use as a fortification in 1860, the Fort has seen many uses, including being the Army Staff College and Soldier Career Management.

“Today we are opening the next step in the Fort's history. When fully established, the Defence Archive Centre will become the main Defence repository for the personnel records of serving and recently discharged soldiers, sailors and airmen,” he said.

Darren Cheeseman, Member for Corrangamite, said the Defence Archive Centre would open up local employment opportunities as it becomes fully established.

"The local community is excited that Defence will undertake an estimated $7m worth of facility and refurbishment works during the next 12 months."

The establishment of the Defence Archive Centre Fort Queenscliff supports the Defence Record Management Strategic Reform process by collocating records functions and enabling improved, standardised records and archive management processes.

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133183

Media contacts:
Senator Feeney’s Office: Jeffrey Von Drehnen 0477 348 476
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999