The controversial CEO of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance has resigned amid growing concerns about the politicisation and commercialisation of the city’s most sacred war memorial.
Dean Lee, who has been in the role since 2015, announced on Tuesday he would be stepping down on February 27, and the Shrine said in a statement that under his leadership the Shrine had become “more accessible, inclusive and innovative”.
“Lee has led the organisation through some of its most significant milestones, including the Centenary of ANZAC period, the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the expansion of exhibitions and programs that recognise the diverse stories of veterans – among them LGBTIQ+, Indigenous and women’s service. In 2024, Lee was awarded the Public Service Medal for his service to the Shrine of Remembrance,” the Shrine said.
But Mr Lee was heavily criticised during his tenure for transitioning the Shrine into a commercialised tourist site, trying to have the site lit up in rainbow colours to “commemorate LGBTQ+ people in service”, defending Victoria Police use of rubber bullets on peaceful protesters, appointing Sikh guards, and preventing patriotic Australians with right-wing views from entering or attending on Anzac Day.
Video of the moments before two Australian nationalists were arrested at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance yesterday, showing the huge number of police called out to prevent their small group from attending a service.
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Anger over the changes led to the creation of a group called Save Our Shrine started by disgruntled Shrine volunteers and veterans who want the memorial preserved for its original purpose.
The group has spoken out against several of Mr Lee’s initiatives, including a New Year’s Eve Bollywood Dance Party with a DJ named “Mothafunk” that left litter strewn across the grounds, a “Dine at the Shrine” corporate catering contract, and a “crass” advertising campaign and rebranding campaign.
Dennis Moss, President, 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Association, has also complained about “lack of reverence” by staff during a 2024 service, and veterans being denied catering facilities.
“8 RAR veterans and their loved ones were disappointed with the annual 2024 Long Hai Commemoration Service held at the Post 45 Memorial. For much of the service some Shrine staff present conducted their own personal, obviously lighthearted and audible discussion. Several attendees commented adversely on this unwelcome occurrence, and the matter was reported. To us, this is another example of the Shrine ‘losing its way’,” he wrote.
“For many years the 8 RAR Association and similar groups have been permitted to use the Western Gallery facility to serve their own non-alcoholic light refreshments using Shrine hot water after our annual Long Hai Commemoration Service. This facility has now been denied and despite formal representation, no definitive response from the Trustees has been forthcoming. We find that the recent move to open up this Holy Ground to other paid, social events where alcohol is provided, is an afront to our veteran community.”
The group responded to Mr Lee’s resignation and that of the Chair of Trustees by saying “volunteers, staff members, ex-staff members and concerned citizens of Victoria look forward to some fresh leadership and the prospect of preserving our Shrine of Remembrance for its original purpose: As a memorial to all of those Victorians who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our peace”.
Header image: Left, Dean Lee (Rotary Club). Right, the Shrine (MusikAnimal – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0).
