NAC crowds bigger than expected

Ticket sales to the National Anzac Centre last financial year were more than 20 per cent higher than anticipated, raking in $120,000 over the expected revenue.

Figures released in the City of Albany’s 2019-20 draft budget show the NAC sold $1.7 million worth of entry tickets in 12 months, boosted by the Field of Light: Avenue of Honour on nearby Mt Clarence.

City executive director of community services Susan Kay said there was “no doubt” the FOL had flow-on benefits to the NAC ticket sales.

“The Field of Light: Avenue of Honour boosted the Albany economy, injecting $17.18 million worth of visitor expenditure into the Great Southern and hence contributing to the increase in National Anzac Centre revenue,” she said.

“The final year of the Anzac centenary has also been (a) significant commemoration of Albany’s historical culture and the NAC offered a tranquil place for visitors to reflect.”

In the next 12 months there will be major changes to the NAC and The Princess Royal Fortress museums, with a $1.4 million “complete refresh” planned for the former and more than $200,000 for changes at The Forts.