We caught up with Kerryn Ellis, CEO at the Shrine of Remembrance, who is now a few months into her role. Kerryn reflects on leading with purpose, her long-term love of theatre and an exciting new exhibition featuring furry and feathered friends who have served in our forces. 

 

What attracted you to the role at the Shrine of Remembrance? 

The Shrine is just extraordinary, with a profound history and a very special place in the life of Victoria. What attracted me was the opportunity to lead an organisation with such a strong sense of purpose - remembering and honouring those who have served, while also creating a place that is meaningful and relevant to current and future generations. I was very much drawn to the opportunity to help shape the Shrine’s next chapter. There is enormous potential to broaden the stories we tell, deepen our connection with the community and visitors, and ensure the Shrine remains a contemporary place of reflection, learning and remembrance for generations to come. 

What is your leadership style? 

I would describe my leadership style as purposeful, collaborative and curious. I like to give people clarity about where we are going, create the conditions for them to do their best work, and then trust them to get on with it. I also believe good leadership is about listening, particularly to people who may have a different perspective from mine. I like to ask questions, challenge assumptions and bring people together around a common purpose. And I think a bit of humour and humanity goes a long way. Ultimately, I want people to feel that they are doing work that matters and that they can make a real contribution. 

What was the last show you saw that rocked your world? 

I’ve been a Bell Shakespeare subscriber for over twenty years, and in my view their 2025 and 2026 programs have been as good as anything I’ve seen. Henry 5, Coriolanus and Julius Ceasar in particular are such incredibly relevant stories of the use and misuse of power, and delivered in such a compelling and contemporary way. Brilliant. 

What are you most looking forward to seeing? 

I’m really excited about the Shrine’s Animal Heroes exhibition, opening on 12 December. It’s the Shrine’s first specifically family-focused exhibition honouring the brave and loyal animals that have worked with Australian soldiers, nurses, aviators, and sailors throughout history. Join military working dog hopeful, Echo, as she discovers the furry and feathered friends who have served. And best of all, admission is free. 

What’s on the horizon at the Shrine that we should keep our eyes out for? 

The Shrine is at a really interesting point in its history as we approach our centenary in 2034, and also the centenary of the start of the Second World War just a few years later. With both a new CEO and new Board Chair, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

We’re looking at how we can make even more of this remarkable place - expanding the ways people can experience the Shrine and its stories, strengthening our connections with all parts of the community, and with our partners in the wonderful Melbourne Arts Precinct and beyond. We’re also thinking carefully about how the Shrine can tell a richer and more inclusive story of service and sacrifice, including the many different ways Australians have contributed and served in the past, and inspiring a spirit of service in the future.

So I’d say keep your eyes on the Shrine. There’s a lot more to come.

 

Photo credit: Casey Horsfield

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