Administration Building Forecourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Administration Building Forecourt |
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| Location | Morea Close, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia |
| Official name: Administration Building Forecourt | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference no. | 105356 |
The Administration Building Forecourt is a special garden area on West Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia. It's like an outdoor museum with memorials and a garden. This important place was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on June 22, 2004.
What it Looks Like
This area is a neat grassy square in front of the Administration Building. It has a line of palm trees. You'll also see an old anchor and three special memorials here. These are surrounded by white concrete posts and a white chain. There's also a flagpole.
Important Memorials
The memorials tell stories about the islands' history. They remind us of important events and why the islands are in a key location.
- The Anchor: This anchor was found in Port Refuge in 1981. It's a reminder of the sea and the islands' connection to it.
- Battle of Cocos Plaque: One plaque remembers a famous sea battle. This was between the Australian ship HMAS Sydney and the German ship SMS Emden. This battle happened during World War I.
- Flying Officer Tom Henniken Plaque: Another plaque honors Flying Officer Tom Henniken. He was from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His plane, an Orion A9-754, crashed on April 25, 1991. Survivors unveiled this plaque in 1992.
- R Mech. P Challinor Plaque: A third plaque, put up in 1994, remembers R Mech. P Challinor. He was from the Royal Navy. He died in 1944 during a Japanese air attack. He is buried nearby.
A Place for Ceremonies
The forecourt is a very meaningful place for special events. For example, it's often used for ANZAC Day ceremonies. This day honors soldiers who served and died for their country. In 2000, the area was in good condition.
Why it's Important
The Administration Building Forecourt is very important to the people of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It has social and community value. The anchor and the three World War II memorials make it a special place. It's where people gather for important ceremonies like ANZAC Day. It helps them remember their history and honor those who served.
