Changi Chapel Heritage Management Plan

Changi Chapel is included on the Commonwealth Heritage list and managed by the National Capital Authority (NCA). Prisoner-of-War National Memorial, also known as Changi Chapel, was originally located at Changi Prisoner-of-War Camp in Singapore during World War II. It was built in 1944 by allied prisoners who were held by Japanese military forces. When Changi Camp was liberated in 1945, the Chapel was salvaged, recorded and transported to Australia. It remained in storage until 1988, when it was reconstructed at the Royal Military College Duntroon as a National Memorial to over 35,000 Australian Prisoners of War.

Heritage Values

Changi Chapel is significant for its strong association with Australia's involvement during World War II in conflicts against the Japanese in Asia and the Pacific, and with Australia's defence of Singapore. Changi Chapel is also closely associated with Changi Camp (a World War II Prisoner of War camp) and its former prisoners. It reflects the enduring faith of prisoners subject to adverse conditions, and the innovation and ingenuity of the prisoners who constructed the Chapel using scrounged building materials. The Chapel has symbolic value for all Australian former Prisoners of War as a National Memorial to Prisoners of War, particularly those from World War II. The Chapel is also a rare surviving structure built by allied Prisoners of War overseas, which was salvaged and reconstructed in Australia to its original plans.

To read more about Changi Chapel’s heritage values, and to view the statutory listing please visit the Australian Heritage Database.

Preparation of a Heritage Management Plan

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), all Commonwealth agencies are required to prepare management plans for Commonwealth Heritage listed places under their management. The purpose of this management plan is to identify, protect and manage the heritage values of Changi Chapel. This management plan was prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles and the requirements under the EPBC Act.

This management plan was reviewed by the Australian Heritage Council.

For further information, please contact the NCA on heritage@nca.gov.au or 02 6271 2888.