Unveiling a new Chapter at the Sir John Monash Centre

Since its opening in April 2018, the Sir John Monash Centre has been fortunate to have as its director Ms. Caroline Bartlett, a Sydney-born Franco-Australian, who grew up in New Caledonia, studied in Melbourne and lives in Canberra.

In 2014, a real family adventure begins for the Bartlett family. Caroline and her husband Wade Bartlett begin work on the concept of the future Sir John Monash Centre. In 2015, together with their two children, they move to Villers-Bretonneux, France, to oversee the construction of the Sir John Monash Centre on behalf of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  In April 2018, after twenty-four months of construction, the Centre was inaugurated on Anzac Day in the presence of then Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull and then French Prime Minister, Mr Edouard Philippe.

A new chapter began for the Bartletts when Caroline became Counsellor for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the Australian Embassy, Paris, and Director of the Sir John Monash Centre, and Wade took on the position of Technical and Operations Director of the new facility.

In three years of active and dynamic management, Caroline distinguished herself by her accessibility and sense of hospitality.  Visitors to the Centre appreciated having the opportunity to talk with her during their visit to the Australian National Memorial and the Sir John Monash Centre. She has done much to develop and consolidate Franco-Australian relations and ensure the unfailing support of the local community and created many important and lasting partnerships with the various stakeholders and partners in remembrance tourism in France and Belgium.

Caroline is proud of the dedication and involvement of her team. The Sir John Monash Centre has received several awards for the quality of its visitor experience. During her posting, the team has created an educational program aimed at students of various age groups as well as creative workshops for children (later opened to adults due to their success), guided tours of the cemetery and memorial, presentations, partnerships with other Australian Remembrance Trail sites, and the organisation of commemorative services. During her time as director, Caroline has kept the SJMC team motivated every day, even during though times.

Australians have always received a warm welcome in Villers-Bretonneux and the region, which has greatly helped the Bartletts feel at home in France. However, after five years, it is time for Caroline and her family to return to the island continent. Their absence will be strongly felt by the community, not only because of their involvement in the development of tourism in the region, but also because of their personal devotion to remembrance.

“It’s been an honour to work here, this place has enormous importance for Australians, for our history and identity,” says Caroline.

Director War Graves, Paul Nothard, stated “Caroline and Wade can feel justifiably proud of their immense contribution to the construction and operation of this amazing commemorative Centre.  Their passion and commitment has ensured the Centre has been an incredible success.”

Caroline and Wade’s departure marks the end of a chapter in the history of the Centre, but also the beginning of a new adventure with the arrival of Rebecca Doyle who took up her functions as Counsellor for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Director of the Sir John Monash Centre in November. Having worked as Overseas Memorials Director within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, she has overseen the care of many Australian memorials including those on the Western Front and brings extensive experience to the SJMC.

The team is enjoying working on exciting new projects with her while continuing to honour the Australians who served on the Western Front more than a hundred years ago.