News | 15 November 2016

Wellington and Canberra honour Alfred Shout

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester will lay wreaths at Wellington Memorial Park at 9am on Wednesday morning to commemorate Victoria Cross hero Alfred (Alf) Shout.

Alf Shout was a soldier who was rewarded with the Victoria Cross medal for his bravery in Gallipoli.

Shout represents the brave Australians and New Zealanders who gave their all in Gallipoli. When mates stood side by side in the trenches, a strong bond was forged between our two nations, which has linked us together forever.

The wreath laying is to remember and pay homage to those who fought for their country and the sacrifices that were made. His Excellency Mr Peter Richard Woolcott, the Australian High Commissioner, will also lay a wreath tomorrow.

Wellington is proud to call Canberra its newest sister city and be able to stand together to honour Alf Stout.

“Canberra has provided tremendous support this week in getting the city back up and running. Supporting each other and having one another's back is part of the ANZAC spirit that we commemorate," says Mayor Justin Lester.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr says: "It's an honour to meet with Mayor Justin Lester to acknowledge this shared story, which is one of many connections we have between the capitals.

“It's no surprise Alf Shout was born in Wellington, there's clearly a very special Wellington spirit which we've witnessed it first hand over the past two days."

Pedestrian lanterns are being installed in Pukeahu with the silhouette of Alf Shout replacing the traditional green man figure. This is being done to remind people walking through and enjoying the space that they’re in our national place to remember those who have fought.

The lanterns are part of a wider commemoration of 100 years since World War I.

Media are welcome to attend this event, which is happening at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9am.