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Shrine wins GOLD at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Published:
Thursday 27 March 2025 at 12:00 pm
Shrine CEO Dean Lee accepts the Gold award for Cultural Tourism
The Shrine's CEO Dean Lee and Marketing Director Sue Curwood accept the Gold award for Cultural Tourism. Photographer: Frankie the Creative

Shrine's innovation leads the way in remembrance, storytelling and community connection.

The Shrine’s recent win for Cultural Tourism at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards affirms its place as an iconic national landmark with a crucial role in telling Australian stories of service and sacrifice.

The Shrine of Remembrance’s exceptional work in cultural preservation and education has been recognised at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last week, where the Shrine received the Gold Award in Cultural Tourism. The Cultural Tourism award, which recognises organisations that foster a greater understanding and appreciation of authentic culture, history, heritage and arts in Australia, acknowledges the incredible contributions of the Shrine of Remembrance to Australia’s cultural heritage and community.

For over 90 years, the Shrine of Remembrance has been a place of reflection and commemoration, providing a space for all to honour the service and sacrifice of past and present service people. Today, the Shrine hosts over 160 commemorative services and welcomes more than half a million visitors annually. Through immersive exhibitions, storytelling, and digital engagement, the Shrine continues to find new ways to connect with diverse audiences. These experiences ensure that people of all ages, from Australia and around the world, can learn about the individuals whose service and sacrifice helped shape our nation–uniting all in remembrance.

The National Judges of the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards commended the Shrine, describing it as ‘a place of reflection, education and commemoration [that enriches] Victoria’s cultural and historical landscape’. The judges highlighted the Shrine’s respectful community engagement and immersive exhibits that honour those who have defended Australia, as well as its historical significance.

Dean Lee, CEO of the Shrine of Remembrance, said:

This award speaks to the Shrine’s important role in deepening our understanding of what it means to be Australian and the responsibility we share in protecting our democracy. Every day, we engage with thousands of visitors to share stories of service, sacrifice, and the values that help shape our nation. As one of Victoria’s most visited landmarks, the Shrine plays a vital role in Australia’s cultural tapestry, offering a place of reflection and discovery for both local and international visitors.


MEDIA ENQUIRIES

To request interviews with Dean Lee, please contact Annabel Cohen on annabel@pitchprojects.com or 0451 916 294.

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