The ongoing response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will continue to dominate political, social and economic activity in 2021–22.
The Shrine's budget and business plan reflect the past year's experience operating in the COVID-constrained market and operating conditions. They anticipate continuing demand side disruption with international borders remaining closed and domestic travel inhibited by concerns relating to snap lockdowns and border closures.
Management has judiciously considered how the Shrine may fulfil its responsibilities (as established in the Act and in the Minister's Statement of Government Priorities) and manage costs in a visitor revenue constrained environment while delivering public programs aligned with the objectives of the Shrine's 2019–24 Strategic Plan.
Total engagement has been critically reviewed relative to performance in 2020–2021. With on-site visitation estimated to reach just 261,000 (down more than 500,000 on 2018–2019 levels) leveraging experience gained in the past year to extend digital engagement will be essential in pursuit of our annual engagement target of 750,000.
Recurring restrictions on operations are almost certain and will greatly limit our capacity to generate revenue and reduce our capacity to engage Victorians and visitors in commemoration. The benefits of the past year's experience aided through investments by the Victorian Government in streaming infrastructure and our new website will further enable these initiatives.
Major new projects enabled by funding from the Victorian Government are planned in the year including:
- restoration of the eastern and southern monument stairs
- restoration of the four heritage-listed, external light towers
- construction of an accessible ramp between the Shrine's lower and upper forecourts
- design and approvals for security infrastructure to mitigate general and Hostile Vehicle Attack risks.
Significant services will include:
- Weekly Last Post Services each Sunday
- Victory in the Pacific Day – 15 August 2021
- Vietnam Veterans' Day – 18 August 2021
- Battle for Australia Day – 1 September 2021
- Remembrance Day – 11 November 2021
- Melbourne Legacy's 91st Annual ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students – April 2022
- Anzac Day – 25 April 2022
- Annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service – 31 May 2022
Updated