Shrine of Remembrance: Recent Episodes
Shrine of Remembrance
Talks and lectures are held at the Shrine of Remembrance and selected offsite venues. Speakers include academics, historians, authors, veterans and other experts who present on a range of topics relating to Australian military history. As well as being available online and as a podcast, talks and lectures are open to the general public. Details of upcoming speakers can be found on the Shrine website.
In this episode, we take to you to September 2025 for a panel discussion tracing the experiences of the internees transported to Australia aboard the Dunera and Queen Mary during the Second World War, 85 years on from their arrival.
Chairing the conversation is Seamus Spark, who is joined by panellists Professor Joy Damousi, Eva de Jong Duldig, Professor Tonia Eckfeld and Kate Garrett.
This program was presented in partnership with the Duldig Studio and Dunera and Queen Mary Association.
Pigeons. We love to hate them. But did you know they once played a critical and often life-saving role in military service?
In this episode, we uncover the remarkable role of pigeons in wartime and the stories of two feathered Dickin Medal winners who saved dozens of lives.
Correction: In this recording, it was stated that a pigeon travelled 65 km in 15 minutes. The correct timing is 65 km in 50 minutes.
Recorded just after the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this enlightening panel conversation traces the vision, people and politics behind the creation of key post-war cemeteries.
Convened by broadcaster and author Jon Faine AM, listen as the panellists uncover the importance of commemoration through architecture and the challenges architects faced in creating places of remembrance in the post-war period.
It's hard to talk about Christmas without discussing food. Whether it's a seafood buffet or a traditional roast, the festive season is a gastronomic delight.
But what happened during conflict? Were troops still able to celebrate with a warm meal?
Listen as the Shrine's Exhibitions and Grants coordinator Katrina Nicolson gets festive with frontline food.
If you've ever heard a story and thought, "this should be a movie", then this episode is for you.
From flying as a fighter pilot, to being shot down and escaping over the Pyrenees on foot, to later racing in the Grand Prix, Squadron Leader Tony Gaze's life reads like a Hollywood script.
Listen as we uncover Tony's fascinating story and legacy.
Bomber Command pilots in the Second World War faced horrible odds. With more than half never returning, survival alone was remarkable, but Wing Commander Peter Isaacson's story goes far beyond that.
In this episode of Shrine Stories, we follow Isaacson's journey of earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, leading the first Lancaster flight from England to Australia, and even making headlines by flying under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Later, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Shrine of Remembrance into the place we know today.
When we think of war, we often picture the biggest danger being the guns, bombs, and bullets. But until the early 20th century, disease was actually the greatest killer on the battlefield. In several campaigns, illness claimed twice as many lives as enemy fire.
During the Second World War, Major Henry Shannon played a critical role in the fight against this hidden enemy. Through innovative inventions and educational posters, he worked to protect Australian troops from the devastating impacts of disease.
In this episode, Major Shannon’s granddaughter, Gabby Walters, explores his ground-breaking work and the legacy he left on the Australian Army Medical Corps.
Renowned for his bright, whimsical style, artist Dean Bowen is best known for works that bring joy to audiences. But in this episode, we explore a surprising shift. Inside the Shrine’s Galleries hangs Night Flyers, a powerful departure from Bowen’s usual tone. Join us as Dean shares the story behind this work and why he felt compelled to create it.
Nestled in the quiet hills of Yokohama lies a place few Australians know about, yet its story binds us to an important chapter of our past.Yokohama War Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1,500 Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives during the Second World War.
But this cemetery tells more than a story of loss. It speaks to reconciliation not only between former enemies, but between the very nations that shaped its creation. The story of the cemetery is shared in the Shrine’s special exhibit Eucalypts of Hodogaya.
Join two of the exhibition curators, Professor Anoma Pieris and Athanasios Tsakonas, as we explore how amid the destruction and hostilities, the mission to honour the dead prevailed.
You've probably heard of the Lone Pine Tree. It's one of the most iconic symbols in the world of military botanicals. But how much do you know about its origins? And how can you tell if a Lone Pine is actually the real deal?
In this episode, we're diving deep into the roots (pun intended!) of this living memorial with Shrine volunteer Mary Ward.
Discover the unlikely, and at times almost unbelievable story behind a horse saddle on display in the Shrine's Galleries of Remembrance. Former Warrant Officer Leon Dimmack joins us to uncover the tale and how the saddle went from almost being thrown in the trash to an invaluable treasure.
Uncover the world of camouflage with author and academic Professor Ann Elias. Explore the artists, creatives, and naturalists who shaped camouflage techniques during conflict, the challenges they faced, and how their creative contributions influenced the Australian military.
From face paint to full scale deception, you’ll discover there’s more to camouflage than meets they eye.
These detailed, intricate shoes may look beautiful, but they have a horrific history.
In this episode of Shrine Stories, join Exhibitions Coordinator Katrina Nicolson as she uncovers the story behind a pair of Lotus shoes on display in our galleries, and their unlikely link to stories of service.
WARNING: This episode contains themes that may be distressing for some audience. Listener discretion is advised.
If you've been to a service at the Shrine, you will have seen our Shrine Guard dressed in their distinct uniform. And this year marks 90 years of their service to the Shrine.
In this episode you'll uncover how the Shrine Guard were formed, what their role looks like today, and importantly, how long it takes to shine their shoes with Senior Protective Services Officer David Rose'Meyer.
The saying goes, ‘an army marches on its stomach’, but in theory what does this actually look like? How is food prepared in a makeshift kitchen during deployment? Who coordinates getting fresh food to these kitchens? And how are military chefs trained to withstand such a high-pressure environment in the face of conflict?
Discover all this and more with Major Ruth Hayes OAM and Captain Brett Williams (Retd), who between them, have decades of experiences in the world of military catering.
Ration packs are perhaps one of first things that spring to mind when we think of food in the military. But have you ever stopped to consider how they're developed? From their weight to their ability to be dropped from high altitutudes and withstand boiling and freezing climates, the science behind ration packs is incredibly complex.
Ross Coad spent more than three decades working at the Defence Science and Technology Group in Scottsdale, Tasmania. This involved research on food packaging, food processing, the nutritional requirements of military personnel and, of course, ration packs.
Listen as he uncovers the best (and worse) ration pack items, and how they were trialled in the field.
What did you have for dinner last night? Imagine if we took your dinner plans, put it 100 metres below sea level, multiplied the mouths to feed to about 60 and took out any fresh fruit or vegetables. This was a daily reality for Commander John Goss during his career as a cook in the Navy.
John’s story is one of many shared in the Shrine’s special exhibition Taste of Combat: The Evolution of Military Food, which uncovers often-invisible service of catering for the military and the challenges, research and innovation involved in feeding the forces.
Listen as John unpacks his career and how he managed to cook in such an extreme environment.
Images of the Shrine of Remembrance today are abundant, but depictions of its construction are rare treasures.
In this episode of Shrine Stories, Collections Coordinator Toby Miller delves into Alexander Colquhoun’s painting of the Shrine being built, uncovering its artistic significance and the personal grief woven into its story.
Have you ever wondered how mail was received by soldiers on the front line? In this festive edition of Shrine Stories, Exhibitions Coordinator Katrina Nicolson uncovers a unique Christmas message and unpacks just how complex it was to coordinate wartime post.
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating history of the Shrine's Ray of Light. This feature was meticulously calculated so at 11am on November 11, a beam of sunlight would shine through a hole in the Shrine's roof and illuminate the word 'love' etched into the Stone of Remembrance. However, the introduction of daylight savings in 1971 threw a spanner in the works, causing the light to hit the stone an hour late.
Join us as we explore how Frank Johnston, a surveyor and RMIT lecturer, worked on a solution to this problem and has continued to keep the light shining 50 years on.
Uncover a story of determination and ingenuity as Shrine curator Neil Sharkey reveals the story behind these aluminium false teeth. With links to Ambon, this item tells an important story about the conditions that prisoners of war endured and the struggle to survive.
At the height of the Holocaust, twenty-five young inmates of the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp - mainly Jewish women and girls - were selected to design, cut, and sew beautiful fashions for elite Nazi women in a dedicated salon. It was work that they hoped would spare them from the gas chambers. Drawing on diverse sources including interviews with the last surviving seamstress, The Dressmakers of Auschwitz follows the fates of these brave women.
In this captivating podcast recorded live at the Shrine, author and historian Lucy Adlington joined us virtually in conversation with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s Dr Breann Fallon.
Lucy refers to some pieces of clothing in this podcast. To view images of these belongings, go to https://www.shrine.org.au/live-shrine-dressmakers-auschwitz.
This program was presentedin partnership with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Melbourne Jewish Book Week.
To attend one of our events in-person, head to shrine.org.au
In this episode of Shrine Stories, we uncover the story behind a toy rabbit on display in the galleries.
Listen as Shrine Education Officer Peter Luby uncovers its link to the fall of Singapore and the mystery behind its owner.
Music
On this Day - Richard Smithson
A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. For 90 years it has stood as an iconic sentinal in Melbourne's architecture, so it's hard to imagine anything else in its place...
In this series, you'll uncover the designs that could have been Victoria's War Memorial and the architects behind them.
In this episode, Dr Katti Williams shares the story of the architects behind the Shrine, Philip Hudson and James Wardrop, and how their military service impacted their thinking for the memorial.
A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. For 90 years it has stood as an iconic sentinal in Melbourne's architecture, so it's hard to imagine anything else in its place...
In this series, you'll uncover the designs that could have been Victoria's War Memorial and the architects behind them.
Listen as Dr Katti Williams unpacks the second-placed design by William Lucas, and the controversy that followed when he wasn't crowned the winner.
A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. For 90 years it has stood as an iconic sentinal in Melbourne's architecture, so it's hard to imagine anything else in its place...
In this series, you'll uncover the designs that could have been Victoria's War Memorial and the architects behind them.
Listen as Professor Julie Willis explores the proposals of third-placed architect Donald Turner, and the fifth-placed design by Arthur Stephenson and Percy Meldrum.
Recorded live at the Shrine, listen as Dave Sabben MG unpacks his book Mentions in Despatches, which is made up of hundreds of letters that he sent home to family during his service in Vietnam.
Hosted by Peter Meehan OAM, this conversation will give you an unrivalled account of what life was like for a frontline soldier in a war without front lines.
To see what's on at the Shrine, head to shrine.org.au/whats-on-at-the-shrine
Music: Right on Time, Adi Goldstein
A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. For 90 years it has stood as an iconic sentinal in Melbourne's architecture, so it's hard to imagine anything else in its place...
In this series, you'll uncover the designs that could have been Victoria's War Memorial and the architects behind them.
Listen as Professor Philip Goad uncovers the plans of fourth-placed architects Roy Lippincott and Edward Billson, along with those of one of the sixth-placed architects, Harold Desbrowe-Annear.
Have you ever paid attention to the Shrine's roof? If not, now's your time!
In this episode of Shrine Stories, you'll hear about a big change that was made to the roof in the '60s and why it was needed.
Listen as the Shrine's Education and Volunteer Manager Laura Carroll uncovers a story that's been hidden in plain sight.
Music
On this Day - Richard Smithson
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for acts of bravery during wartime, and to date, only 101 Australians have been presented with this prestigious medal.
One of them is Captain Robert Grieve, whose medal is on display in the Shrine Galleries.
Join us as Philip Powell unpacks the story behind Grieve’s VC, his unlikely meeting with the Queen and how the medal survived a large fire.
Music: Across the Line, Lone Canyon
Over the course of his life, Tim Fischer wore many hats: deputy Prime Minister, politician, diplomat, farmer, chairman, patron and advocate for many causes.
But one that often goes under the radar is that of a Second Lieutenant in the Australian Army.
In this episode, author Peter Rees unpacks Tim's military service and how it impacted his life as a politician.
Music:
'I've Been There' by Alsever Lake
How does a window go from being boxed up in a shed to on display at the Shrine?
In this episode of Shrine Stories, you'll learn the story of the John Charlton Memorial Window, and it's rather tumultuous journey over the last century.
Listen as art historian and author Dr Bronwyn Hughes OAM unpacks the window's history, significance and journey to the Shrine.
Music:
Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Special thanks to the generous support of The Copland Foundation towards the design and installation of the window
Kat Rae is an artist and veteran of the Australian Army who has transformed her experiences with Defence into striking art.
In this episode of Shrine Stories, we learn about the inspiration, process and message behind Kat's series of reduction linocut prints that depict the mountains of Afghanistan.
To follow Kat's work, head to katrae.net
Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of mental health and suicide that may cause distress. If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For a full list of support services, head to shrine.org.au/wellbeing-resources.
Music: Across the Line, Lone Canyon
Artist Ian Alderman spent seven years photographing the Belgian army’s bomb disposal team as they recovered ammunition from land that was once the battlefields of Passchendaele.
Once a shell was identified, he had just two minutes to capture the moment before the team moved on to their next call.
This intricate work culminated in Recovering the Past—a unique photographic exhibition that connects these Belgian men with men of the Australian Imperial Force who fought during the First World War. The two groups are united through the art of photomontage, which results in a fascinating reflection on the enduring repercussions of human conflict.
Listen as Ian unpacks Recovering the Past, including how he combined 100-year-old photographs with modern ones, and what he hopes people take away from his exhibition.
The Great Escape has gone down in history as one of the most crafty, yet ultimately tragic, escapes from a prisoner of war camp (listen to our other episode, 'Shrine Stories: The Great Escape', to hear the full story!).
But what happened in the camp after the escape? Were the remaining planned escapees punished? And how did the men cope with the news that 50 of their own had been killed?
Flight Lieutenant James Anthony Cathcart 'Tony' Gordon was 180th in line to escape, and his son Drew Gordon joins us for this episode to share his father’s story, and what life was like after the Great Escape in Stalag Luft III.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
In this episode, we explore the story behind a Norwegian language certificate that sheds light on the lengths some prisoners of war went to to escape captivity during the Second World War.
The certificate belonged to Squadron Leader James Catanach, and for fans of the movie ‘The Great Escape’, this episode is sure to interest you.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
Just before Anzac Day in 1971, Melburnians woke to the news that the Shrine had been graffitied. Officials were understandably furious, but the identities of those involved remained a mystery.
Shrine curator Kate Spinks-Colas joins us on this episode to unpack what happened, and why.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Image: Reproduced courtesy State Library Victoria
Whether you're a history lover or someone looking to learn more about Australia's wartime history, this podcast is for you.
Bep-Rie Gomperts was two years old when the war started in the Netherlands. It soon became clear that she and her family needed to go into hiding for their safety.
Bep spent the next several years moving from family to family and was seperated from her mother just shy of her sixth birthday.
Listen as Bep recalls her childhood with several different families and what life was like amid the uncertainty.
Music: If I Were You, Alsever Lake
Silke Hesse was among more than 12,000 people who, at the peak of Second World War, were held in internment camps across Australia.
She was almost six years old when she first stepped foot in Tatura internment camp.
Listen as she shares her story experiences of internment.
Music: If I Were You, Alsever Lake
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
In this episode, we explore a poster on display in the Vietnam War section of our Galleries.
The poster was originally made and distributed in the United States as a protest piece. However, the one hanging at the Shrine has been re-designed and adopts a whole different meaning despite its similarities to the original. Join the Shrine's Collections coordinator Toby Miller as he unpacks this story.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Garry Fabian was just eight years old when he and his parents were interned at Theresienstadt - a ghetto, concentration camp and transit camp used by Nazi Germany to house Jews from across Eastern Europe.
Of the 15,000 children who went through the camp, only 150 survived.
Listen as Garry shares his story and reflections on his childhood.
Music: If I Were You, Alsever Lake
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
In this episode, we get festive by exploring two Christmas tins that were sent to soldiers in the Boer War and the First World War.
Join Exhibitions and Grants Coordinator at the Shrine Katrina Nicolson as she uncovers the contents of these boxes and how they were sent to the troops.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Leading Aircraftman Vern Roberts was a fitter with No. 24 Squadron RAAF and was posted to Morotai during the Second World War.
On the 9th of September, 1945, Vern witnessed the Australian commander-in-chief Field Marshal Thomas Blamey accept the formal surrender of the 2nd Japanese Army.
Now 99, Vern has an impeccable memory and shares with Shrine curator Neil Sharkey his memories of service and life at Morotai.
Music: Kevin Grahams, Together
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects in the Shrine's Galleries.
In this episode, award-winning historian, storyteller and biographerRoss McMullin shares the story of Australia’s first official war artist, William Henry Dyson.
Will Dyson created hundreds of drawings of Australia’s soldiers at the Western Front, and managed to capture something no other artist could.
Ross references several of Dyson's paintings and lithographs, which can be viewed here.
This episode also discusses the below artwork, Welcome back to the Somme, in detail.
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
In this episode, we look at the craft of beaded snakes. These intricate objects were among the keepsakes made by Ottoman prisoners of war during, and directly after the First World War.
Listen as Shrine Exhibitions and Collections Officer at the Shrine Tessa Occhino reveals how these snakes were made, and why.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
To view a video version of the talk, click here.
Young Australian teacher Bruce Dowding arrived in Paris in 1938, planning only to improve his understanding of French language and culture. After the war broke out, Dowding helped exfiltrate hundreds of Allied servicemen from occupied France. He eventually paid the ultimate price and was beheaded by the Nazis just after his 29th birthday in 1943.
His story is told in the book Secret Agent, Unsung Hero, written by Bruce’s nephew, prominent Australian lawyer and former Western Australian Premier Peter Dowding and historian Ken Spillman.
This podcast was recorded live at the Secret Agent, Unsung Hero book talk at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Music: Maturity by Solitude
Warning: This podcast contains themes that may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects in the Galleries.
In this episode, Major David Bergman explains his role in the recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Major Bergman was one of only five Australian Defence Force personnel embedded with the NYPD and other units who worked in the months after the attacks.
Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.
In this episode, we delve into the story of Flight Sergeant Keith Meggs. Keith had a passion for aviation from an early age and in December 1950, he arrived in Korea to serve as a fighter pilot. Over the course of his service, he was involved in two very close calls.
Listen as Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey uncovers these stories and the peculiar way Keith got his hands on an American survival vest.
Music:Across the Line - Lone Canyon
The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor. In this episode, we uncover the story behind the song, Dream of Australia, which plays in our galleries. Petty Officer Ted McHaffie wrote it in 1936 during a particularly lonesome and frustrating time in his service. Tragically, five years later, Ted was one of the 645 Australian soldiers killed when HMAS Sydney II was sunk by a German raider, and so the song was never recorded. That was until Ted’s nephew, Dr Robert Hoskin, decided it was time that this tune had an audience. Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon
This podcast was recorded during the 2023 Midsumma Festival and explores stories of LGBTQ+ service.
Chaired by Midsumma Chief Executive Karen Bryant, listen as current and ex-service members share their experiences in the ADF.
Content warning:
Parental guidance is recommended: this audio program contains adult themes and concepts and occasional coarse language.
Support:
If this program raises any issues for you, feel free to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Qlife on 1800 184 527. Or please scroll down for additional support services.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and not necessarily the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Speakers:
Midsumma Chief Executive Karen Bryant, Yvonne Sillett, Felix, DEFGLIS Vice President Flight Lieutenant Nathan Howarth, Professor Noah Riseman, Defending with Pride curator Kate Spinks-Colas.
Recording:
McLean Sound
Music:
Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
Thorne Harbour Health provides professional, affordable counselling for members of LGBTIQ+ communities and individuals or couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV.
Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
Entertainers have performed in war and peacekeeping zones for decades, but what does it take to get them over there? And what happens if things don't go according to plan?
In this podcast, Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Langley shares a peek behind the curtain of a Forces Entertainment concert from recruiting to the curtain call. Listen as he unpacks stories of escorting comedians, musicians and performers to gigs all over the world.
Image:
Cold Chisel's Ian Moss with WO1 Mark Langley in East Timor.
Music:
Sylvester Subconscious Cast Of Characters Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Australian entertainers have performed for troops in war zones and peacekeeping operations since the Vietnam War. Their talent and celebrity have lifted spirits and brought a slice of home to service personnel abroad.
In this podcast, hear first-hand the trials and tribulations of entertaining on the front line with host Merrick Watts in conversation with Tom Gleeson, Charlie Pickering, Little Pattie and Normie Rowe.
This podcast was recorded live at the Shrine in November 2022 to mark the opening of Tours De Force: Entertainers on the Front Line.
Listen to part one here.
Content warning:
This podcast is not suitable for children. It contains adult themes and occasional coarse language.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Audio recording:
McLean Sound
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Music:
Explorations by Reveille
Special thanks
To all the comedians and performers for their time and generosity.
For more information on the exhibition, click here.
We embrace the diversity of our community and acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we honour Australian Defence Force service and sacrifice. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Australian entertainers have performed for troops in war zones and peacekeeping operations since the Vietnam War. Their talent and celebrity have lifted spirits and brought a slice of home to service personnel abroad.
In this podcast, hear first-hand the trials and tribulations of entertaining on the front line with host Merrick Watts in conversation with Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, Nick Cody and Ami Williamson.
This podcast was recorded live at the Shrine in November 2022 to mark the opening of Tours De Force: Entertainers on the Front Line.
Listen to part two here.
Content warning:
This podcast is not suitable for children. It contains adult themes and occasional coarse language.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Audio recording:
McLean Sound
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Music:
Explorations by Reveille
Special thanks
To all the comedians and performers for their time and generosity.
For more information on the exhibition, click here.
We embrace the diversity of our community and acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we honour Australian Defence Force service and sacrifice. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Corporal Ronald Schultz has been in the Air Force for more than two decades, spanning a variety of roles and serving both in Australia and overseas. He now works in Indigenous recruiting, helping other First Nations people across Australia enter the Defence Force.
In this podcast, guest host and acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux yarns with Ron about his entry into the defence force, the highlights of his service and his hopes for the future of First Peoples in the ADF.
Credits: Speaker: Corporal Ronald Schultz
Interviewer: Tom Molyneux
Editor: Laura Thomas
Music: Title: Emu and Brolga
Composer: James Henry
Performed by: Air Force Band Wind Quintet
This song was debuted at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.
Audio Mastering: Kris Keogh
Special thanks: Megan Spencer, for her keen ear and feedback on this podcast.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Support: If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Open Arms (formerly VVCS) - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or visit their website.
13 YARN, Australia’s first, 24/7, national, Indigenous-led Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line. Phone 13 92 76, or visit their website
Phil Neil, a former Leading Aircraftman with the RAAF, was one of the five members of the Gay Ex-Services Association (GESA) who tried to unsuccessfully lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day in 1982.
GESA formed after inflammatory and homophobic comments were made in the media about gay service people by then RSL president, Bruce Ruxton.
On a cold and rainy 25th of April, 1982, Phil Neil, Mike Jarmyn, Terry Yates and two other gay ex-servicemen walked the steps of the Shrine to try and lay a wreath in the name of their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”, who had always been a part of the Australian defence forces. On that day, they were turned away.
After the passing in 2018 of GESA founding member Max Campbell, a former RAAF Warrant Officer, it was thought that there were no surviving members of the association. As luck would have it, Phil Neil was found alive and well living in regional Victoria during the making of ‘The Power of the Wreath’, one of the podcast episodes that accompanies the Shrine’s groundbreaking new exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service (August 2022 – July 2023).
In our age of open service, Phil is a pioneer for the LGBTIQ+ ADF members and community of today. As you’ll hear, he’s waited a long time to tell his story for the first time. In this extended interview, he sheds more light on the 1982 wreath-laying incident, his motives for being part of it and much more. It’s an inspiring story of courage and compassion.
Phil Neil was interviewed by award-winning podcast maker, Megan Spencer. You can also hear him speak in the special two-part podcast she made for the Shrine, Defending with Pride: Voices – The Power of the Wreath.
Credits
This extended interview with Phil Neil, a former Leading Aircraftman with the RAAF, is part of the podcast series Defending with Pride: Voices. The audio series accompanies the Shrine’s exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service (August 2022 – July 2023)
Parental guidance recommended:
This audio program contains adult themes, mild coarse language and sexual references. If this program raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For additional support services, see also the list below.
Wreath-laying at the Shrine:
We welcome all members of our community to lay wreaths or other floral offerings at any of the many memorials at the Shrine. The Shrine hosts more than 150 official commemorative services each year to remember the service of Australian men and women, particularly Victorians, and we welcome our community to attend and participate. To find out more about remembrance services, or to apply to hold your own, visit this link.
Speakers:
Phil Neil (former Leading Aircraftman, RAAF)
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Music:
Original “Kissed” music: Philip Brophy
Special thanks:
To former Phil Neil for generously sharing his insights and lived experience for this podcast and to Nick Henderson from the Australian Queer Archives.
Thank you also to the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Laura Thomas and Kate Spinks, curator of Defending with Pride.
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
- QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
- Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
- Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
- Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
- Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
Read:
- Pride in Defence: The Australian Military and LGBTI Service since 1945 (2020), Melbourne University Press and Serving in Silence? Australian LGBT servicemen and women(2018), New South Books.
- Ben Winsor’s ‘The Secret History of Gay Diggers’ essay for SBS here
Visit:
Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, August 2022 until July 2023.
Victorian Pride Centre
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Episode duration:
36:09
When the Taliban entered Kabul on the evening of 15 August 2021, Western troops and embassy staff scrambled to flee a country of which its government had lost control. To the world, Kabul in August looked like Saigon in 1975.
Andrew Quilty was one of a handful of Western journalists who stayed as the city fell. His book, August in Kabul: America's last days in Afghanistanis a first-hand account of those dramatic final days told through the eyes of Afghans whose lives have been turned upside down.
In September 2022, Andrew sat down in front of a live audience at the Shrine of Remembrance to discuss his book with journalist Tracey Curro. Listen as Andrew reveals what life was like in Kabul and shares stories from the weeks and months after it fell.
Bridget Clinch is a change maker. A former captain in the Australian Army, in 2010 she challenged the Australian Defence Force over its ban on transgender service - and won.
It was a hard-fought battle that paved the way for other transgender ADF service members to be able transition and to continue serving after her. High profile former Lieutenant Colonel and Group Captain Cate McGregor, was one of them.
Born in Sydney in 1979, Bridget Clinch’s military story began in Victoria as an Army cadet in the mid-90s, at the boys’ secondary college, Melbourne High School. She joined the Army in 1999, and went into officer training at Royal Military College Duntroon.
Bridget spent 15 years serving in the Australian Army and had a busy infantry career - in her words, she “crammed a lot in”, especially in her 20s. A combat leader, she deployed to East Timor twice on peacekeeping missions, first in 2003 then in 2008, receiving medals for her service. Amongst it all she commanded platoons, abseiled down mountains, did commando training – and that’s just for starters.
Bridget has a remarkable story to tell – not only about being the person who made the ADF repeal its ban on transgender service in 2010, but also about service life itself and what it means to look after and defend your country. “I wanted to transition, be true to myself and keep serving”, she said in a 2017 Guardian article.
The protracted process with the ADF took “a huge personal toll” on Bridget. In 2013, she made the difficult decision to discharge from the ADF. Bridget lost her career and the Army lost a dedicated career soldier.
Now based in Brisbane, Bridget Clinch describes herself as a “parent, veteran, nerd, writer, speaker and occasional political candidate”. She’s a passionate speaker with a genuine sense of social justice, a super-informed worldview and a progressive thinker. This is her story.
Defending with Pride: Voices is a podcast produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the exhibition Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service.
Content warning:
Parental guidance is recommended: this audio program contains adult themes and concepts.
Support:
If this program raises any issues for you, feel free to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Qlife on 1800 184 527. Or scroll down for additional support services.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Speaker:
Bridget Clinch (former captain, Australian Army)
Huge thanks to Bridget Clinch for generously sharing her wisdom, candour, insights and lived experience for this project, and for her patience during the COVID period.
Interviewer/Producer/Sound:
Megan Spencer
Additional sound:
“Timor-Leste audio” recorded by Teodosia “Dhesy” dos Reis, journalist and Trainer Radio Liberdade Dili. Used with kind permission.
“ADF in East Timor”, Department of Defence. Used with kind permission.
“Vice Regal Guard of Honour”, Shrine of Remembrance
Music
Original “Kissed” music: Philip Brophy
’62,000 Bells For 62,000 Australian Dead’, recorded at the ANU School of Music by Veronica Bailey, Thomas Laue and Chris Latham (in Movement 12: ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’). From The Diggers’ Requiem, co-commissioned by Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The concert was performed in Amiens, France, on April 23, 2018, by Orchestre de Picardie and the Jena Philharmonic and with Australian soloists, conducted by Chris Latham. Listen here.
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Professor Noah Riseman, Wendy Love, Kon Velanis and Sean Gallagher at Defence Digital Media and Chris Latham.
Thank you:
Emma Masters, Sean Burton and the Shrine team: Tessa Occhino, Laura Thomas, Sue Burgess and Kate Spinks, curator of Defending with Pride exhibition.
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
- QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
-
Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
-
Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
-
Thorne Harbour HealthProvides professional, affordable counselling for members of LGBTIQ+ communities and individuals or couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV.
- Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
- Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
Watch:
Women’s Air Force History documentary series by Jessica Ferrari
Read:
Serving in Silence: Australian LBGT Servicemen and women by Noah Riseman, Shirlene Robnson & Graham Willett published by New South.
Pride in Defence: The Australian Military and LGBTI Service since 1945 (2020), Melbourne University Press
Visit:
Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, open from August 2022 until August 2023.
Episode duration:
57:53
The Beaufort Bomber was colloquially known as the workhorse of the RAAF during World War Two and played a key role in Australia's defence. In this podcast, convenor of the Beaufort Squadrons Reunion Tony Clark unpacks the story behind the plane. Hear why they were built on home soil, how women played a pivotal part in the construction and what happened when the plane was retired.
Voiceover:
Keith Tucker and John Lloyd-Fillingham conducted interviews with many of the Beaufort aircrew veterans and former DAP factory workers at the 2014 Beaufort Squadrons Association reunion. The sentiments and words these individuals shared about their experiences were incorporated into an audiovisual on display at the Shrine of Remembrance. The audio from this project can be heard throughout the podcast.
Music:
Some Smoke by National Promenade Band
Fading Light by Josh Lim
Image:
Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial
The story of defence couple, Carole Popham and Christina Dennis, started over 50 years ago in the Women's Royal Australian Air Force.
Both born in the '40s, without knowing it they grew up within 350kms of each other in northern Queensland: Carole in Townsville and Christina in Cairns. Coming of age in 1960s Australia - a time of limited work and education opportunities for women - in 1963 and ’64 respectively, Carole and Christina each jumped at the chance to join up and serve their country.
The WRAAF offered the women a chance to travel and see Australia, to meet other people from all walks of life and the opportunity to work in an interesting and challenging environment that home just couldn’t offer.
After meeting in the service 1964, and developing a romantic relationship at the end of 1967, Carole and Christina’s Air Force careers were cut short by the prevailing conservative morals and military regulations of the day. To avoid persecution from within, in late 1968 Carole and Christina decided to out their relationship to their WRAAF officer and voluntarily discharge from the Air Force.
Excelling in their respective musterings, it was not an easy decision to make and was a huge sacrifice. The ban on open service for LGB members in Australia’s military would endure for another three long decades, finally overturned by the Commonwealth government in 1992.
Carole and Christina have been together for 53 years, living in the same Melbourne suburb for almost as long. Much loved in their local community, their story is inspiring, funny, moving and courageous.
They are unassuming trailblazers for today’s queer ADF community.
Defending with Pride: Voices is a podcast produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the exhibition Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service.
Content warning:
Parental guidance is recommended: this audio program contains adult themes and concepts.
Support:
If this program raises any issues for you, feel free to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Qlife on 1800 184 527. Or scroll down for additional support services.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
CREDITS
Speakers:
Christina Dennis (WRAAF)
Carole Popham (WRAAF)
Huge thanks to Christina and Carole for generously sharing their story, insights and perspectives; for their patience during the pandemic and for their hospitality.
Interviewer/Producer/Sound:
Megan Spencer
Archival audio:
‘New Careers: Women of the RAAF’ 1958, (excerpts), courtesy of Cinesound Movietone Productions and the National Film and Sound Archive. Used with kind permission.
Music:
Emu and Brolga, commissioned by the Royal Australian Air Force Band. An original composition by Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay man James Henry, performed by the Air Force Band Wind Quintet.
Ensemble:
Flight Sergeant Adam Schlemitz - Bassoon
Corporal Laila Engle - Flute
Corporal Robert Scott - Clarinet
Leading Aircraftman Salvador Blasco Celda - Oboe
Aircraftman Aidan Gabriels - French horn
Original ‘Kissed’ music:
Philip Brophy
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Professor Noah Riseman; Glenn Eley at Cinesound Movietone Productions; Siobhan Dee at NFSA and Jessica Ferrari at Memento Media.
Flight Sergeant Dr. Ralph Whiteoak, RAAF Band, composer James Henry (Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay) and the Royal Australian Air Force Wind Quintet.
Thank you to the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Laura Thomas and Kate Spinks, curator of the Defending with Pride exhibition.
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
- QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
-
Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
-
Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
-
Thorne Harbour HealthProvides professional, affordable counselling for members of LGBTIQ+ communities and individuals or couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV.
- Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
- Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
Watch:
Women’s Air Force History documentary series by Jessica Ferrari
Read:
Serving in Silence: Australian LBGT Servicemen and women by Noah Riseman, Shirlene Robnson & Graham Willett published by New South.
Visit:
Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, open from August 2022 until August 2023.
Episode duration:
57:15
This podcast is part of a powerful two-part series that explores the history of LGBTIQ+ military service in Australia, produced by award-winning podcast maker, Megan Spencer.
It begins in 1982 with the unsuccessful attempt of five gay ex-servicemen to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on Anzac Day, to honour their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”. Forty years later, on ANZAC Day 2022, the story comes full circle with the annual Rainbow Wreath-laying service by DEFGLIS uniformed members and allies, in the Shrine’s hallowed Sanctuary.
In between these two landmark moments, the story of LGBTIQ+ service unfolds through the voices and lived experience of current and former ADF service members, pre- and post- the 1992 ban on “homosexual service” in Australia’s military.
The Power of the Wreath podcast accompanies the Shrine’s new exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service, on from August 1st 2022 - August 2023.
Content warning:
Parental guidance recommended: this audio program contains adult themes, mild coarse language and sexual references. It also contains references to suicide. If you need support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. A comprehensive list of support services is also included below.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Credits
Speakers:
Squadron Leader Nathan White
Professor Noah Riseman
Stuart Martin (former Flight Lieutenant)
Max Campbell (former Warrant Officer, dec.)
Flight Lieutenant Lachlan Saunders
Phil Neil (former Leading Aircraftman)
Group Commander Mick Janson
Grateful thanks to each speaker for generously sharing their insights, research and/or lived experience for this podcast.
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Feature image:
DEFGLIS members and supporters: From left: GPCAPT Mick Jansen, FLTLT Danie Bunting, FLGOFF(AAFC) Dan Morris, FLTLT Brad Milsteed, FLTLT Lachlan Saunders, Stuart Martin, Bron Richardson, LTCOL Kristy Hudson, Sameer Mane
Archival audio:
Max Campbell: oral history interview with Noah Riseman. Recorded 13 March 2015. Donated to the Australian Queer Archives used with kind permission.
Additional audio:
Excerpts of The Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, ANZAC Day, 25th April 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance.
Music:
Didgeridoo: Bunurong man Eric Edwards. Live recording from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service 31st May, 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance. Used with kind permission.
Original “Kissed” music: Philip Brophy
Selected tracks from The Diggers’ Requiem: arranged, curated and conducted by Christopher Latham (musical artist in residence at the Australian War Memorial) with soloists. Used with kind permission.
- ’62,000 Bells For 62,000 Australian Dead’, recorded at the ANU School of Music by Veronica Bailey, Thomas Laue and Chris Latham (in Movement 12: ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’).
- ‘Dead March from Saul’, for accordion, choir, soloists & orchestra. Composer: GF Handel (in Movement 1: ‘Requiem Aeternum / Rest Eternal’).
- ‘Lament For The Pipers Who Fell In The Great War’. Composer: Pipe Major John Grant (in Movement 12: ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’).
The Diggers’ Requiem was co-commissioned by Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The concert performed in Amiens, France, on April 23, 2018, by Orchestre de Picardie and the Jena Philharmonic and with Australian soloists, conducted by Chris Latham. Listen here.
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Professor Noah Riseman; Nick Henderson, Ange Bailey and Graham Willett from the Australian Queer Archives.
Bunurong man Eric Edwards for sharing his didgeridoo music in this program. Read more about his grandfather Uncle Henry “Harry” Thorpe (Brabuwooloong), who fought in WWI and was awarded a Military Medal.
Chris Latham and The Flowers of Peace project, and the musicians from The Diggers’ Requiem.
Thank you:
Department of Defence and Defence Media; Nathan White, Rachael Cosgrove and DEFGLIS; the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Laura Thomas and Kate Spinks, curator of Defending with Pride.
See the Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service exhibition now at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, until August 2023.
Wreath-laying at the Shrine:
We welcome all members of our community to lay wreaths or other floral offerings at any of the many memorials at the Shrine. The Shrine hosts more than 150 official commemorative services each year to remember the service of Australian men and women, particularly Victorians, and we welcome our community to attend and participate. To find out more about remembrance services, or to apply to hold your own, visit this link.
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
- QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
-
Defence Gay and Lesbian Information ServiceDefence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
-
Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
-
Thorne Harbour HealthProvides professional, affordable counselling for members of LGBTIQ+ communities and individuals or couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV.
- Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
- Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue Free, immediate, short-term counselling advice and referral. Phone: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service 24-hour counselling service for suicide prevention and mental health. Phone: 1300 659 467
Read:
- Pride in Defence: The Australian Military and LGBTI Service since 1945 (2020), Melbourne University Press and Serving in Silence? Australian LGBT servicemen and women (2018), New South Books.
- Curator Kate Spinks’ article , ‘Experiences of LGBTQI+ Personnel’
- The Shrine’s Media Release: “40th anniversary wreath-laying marks different era for LGBTIQ service veterans and personnel on ANZAC Day”
- Noah Riseman’s essays on LGBTI service for The Conversation, here and here
- Shirlene Robinson’s essay on LGBTI service for The Conversation here
- Ben Winsor’s ‘The Secret History of Gay Diggers’ essay for SBS here
Visit:
Victorian Pride Centre
Episode duration:
52:37
This podcast is part of a powerful two-part series that explores the history of LGBTIQ+ military service in Australia, produced by award-winning podcast maker, Megan Spencer.
It begins in 1982 with the unsuccessful attempt of five gay ex-servicemen to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on Anzac Day, to honour their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”. Forty years later, on ANZAC Day 2022, the story comes full circle with the annual Rainbow Wreath-laying service by DEFGLIS uniformed members and allies, in the Shrine’s hallowed Sanctuary.
In between these two landmark moments, the story of LGBTIQ+ service unfolds through the voices and lived experience of current and former ADF service members, pre- and post- the 1992 ban on “homosexual service” in Australia’s military.
The Power of the Wreath podcast accompanies the Shrine’s new exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service, on from August 1st 2022 - August 2023.
Content warning:
Parental guidance recommended: this audio program contains adult themes, mild coarse language and sexual references. It also contains references to suicide. If you need support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. A comprehensive list of support services is also included below.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Credits
Speakers:
Squadron Leader Nathan White
Professor Noah Riseman
Stuart Martin (former Flight Lieutenant)
Max Campbell (former Warrant Officer, dec.)
Flight Lieutenant Lachlan Saunders
Phil Neil (former Leading Aircraftman)
Group Commander Mick Janson
Grateful thanks to each speaker for generously sharing their insights, research and/or lived experience for this podcast.
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Archival audio:
Max Campbell: oral history interview with Noah Riseman. Recorded 13 March 2015. Donated to the Australian Queer Archives used with kind permission.
Additional audio:
Excerpts of The Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, ANZAC Day, 25th April 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance.
Music:
Didgeridoo: Bunurong man Eric Edwards. Live recording from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service 31st May, 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance. Used with kind permission.
Original “Kissed” music: Philip Brophy
Selected tracks from The Diggers’ Requiem: arranged, curated and conducted by Christopher Latham (musical artist in residence at the Australian War Memorial) with soloists. Used with kind permission.
- ’62,000 Bells For 62,000 Australian Dead’, recorded at the ANU School of Music by Veronica Bailey, Thomas Laue and Chris Latham (in Movement 12: ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’).
- ‘Dead March from Saul’, for accordion, choir, soloists & orchestra. Composer: GF Handel (in Movement 1: ‘Requiem Aeternum / Rest Eternal’).
- ‘Lament For The Pipers Who Fell In The Great War’. Composer: Pipe Major John Grant (in Movement 12: ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’).
The Diggers’ Requiem was co-commissioned by Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The concert performed in Amiens, France, on April 23, 2018, by Orchestre de Picardie and the Jena Philharmonic and with Australian soloists, conducted by Chris Latham. Listen here.
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Professor Noah Riseman; Nick Henderson, Ange Bailey and Graham Willett from the Australian Queer Archives.
Bunurong man Eric Edwards for sharing his didgeridoo music in this program. Read more about his grandfather Uncle Henry “Harry” Thorpe (Brabuwooloong), who fought in WWI and was awarded a Military Medal.
Chris Latham and The Flowers of Peace project, and the musicians from The Diggers’ Requiem.
Thank you:
Department of Defence and Defence Media; Nathan White, Rachael Cosgrove and DEFGLIS; the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Laura Thomas and Kate Spinks, curator of Defending with Pride.
See the Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service exhibition now at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, until August 2023.
Wreath-laying at the Shrine:
We welcome all members of our community to lay wreaths or other floral offerings at any of the many memorials at the Shrine. The Shrine hosts more than 150 official commemorative services each year to remember the service of Australian men and women, particularly Victorians, and we welcome our community to attend and participate. To find out more about remembrance services, or to apply to hold your own, visit this link.
Support:
If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available from the following services:
- QLife Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527
-
Defence Gay and Lesbian Information ServiceDefence Gay and Lesbian Information Service provides policy and community information to gay, lesbian and bisexual, transgender, intersex and non-binary serving and ex-serving members of Defence and their families.
-
Discharged LGBTI Veterans' Association (DVLA) A support and advocacy association for Australian Defence Force personnel, their family and their friends who were adversely impacted by Defence's historic anti-LGBTI policies. Phone 0400 124 213.
-
Thorne Harbour HealthProvides professional, affordable counselling for members of LGBTIQ+ communities and individuals or couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV.
- Open Arms Free and confidential, 24/7 national counselling service for Australian veterans and their families, provided through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Phone: 1800 011 046
- Lifeline Suicide and crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue Free, immediate, short-term counselling advice and referral. Phone: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service 24-hour counselling service for suicide prevention and mental health. Phone: 1300 659 467
Read:
- Pride in Defence: The Australian Military and LGBTI Service since 1945 (2020), Melbourne University Press and Serving in Silence? Australian LGBT servicemen and women (2018), New South Books.
- Curator Kate Spinks’ article , ‘Experiences of LGBTQI+ Personnel’
- The Shrine’s Media Release: “40th anniversary wreath-laying marks different era for LGBTIQ service veterans and personnel on ANZAC Day”
- Noah Riseman’s essays on LGBTI service for The Conversation, here and here
- Shirlene Robinson’s essay on LGBTI service for The Conversation here
- Ben Winsor’s ‘The Secret History of Gay Diggers’ essay for SBS here
Visit:
Victorian Pride Centre
Episode duration:
44:54
This episode of For Kin and Country Yarns was recorded during Reconciliation Week following the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service (May 2022). In this podcast, guest host and acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux yarns with Ngarigo Dunghutti veteran Rex Solomon about family connection to service, experience in the forces and reflections on how First People's service is commemorated today.
Credits:
Speaker: Rex Solomon
Interviewer: Tom Molyneux
Editor: Laura Thomas
Music:
Title: Emu and Brolga
Composer: James Henry
Performed by: Air Force Band Wind Quintet
This song was debuted at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.
Audio Mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Megan Spencer, for her keen ear and feedback on this podcast.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Support:
If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Open Arms (formerly VVCS) - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or visit their website.
13 YARN, Australia’s first, 24/7, national, Indigenous-led Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line. Phone 13 92 76, or visit their website
Episode duration:
42:22
For more information about the For Kin and Country exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, click here.
Take a peek behind the curtain of the 'Between Two Worlds' exhibition with veteran artists Ben Pullin and Sean Burton as they discuss their art and inspiration.
The exhibition is on display until the end of July 2022.
For more information about the Between Two Worlds exhibition, click here.
Learn more about Sean Burton here.
Learn more about Ben Pullin here.
Learn more about Rory Cushnahan here.
Credits
Music: 'Our Bar' by Sam Barsh
Uncle Frank Lampard OAM is a proud Ngarrindjeri Kaurna man and elder and one of the thousands of young Australians called up for national service during the Vietnam War. Training as a medic in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, he was posted to Victoria for two years and served from 1967 to 1969.
Listen as Uncle Frank unpacks his experience of national service, shares stories from his time living in Melbourne and away from country and gives powerful insights into recognition and acknowledgment of First Peoples' military service.
Credits
This podcast has been produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the exhibition For Kin and Country: First Peoples in the Australian Defence Force, 20 April 2022 – April 2023.
Speaker: Uncle Frank Lampard, OAM (Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna)
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Archival audio:
“Vietnam Lottery (ABC News, 1965)”. Australian Broadcasting Corporation Library Sales.
“Minister for Army statement regarding the re-introduction of National Service, 1964”. Accession No: F03664. Item copyright held by the Australian War Memorial, licensed under Creative Commons and used with kind permission.
“ALP: Federal Election 1966”. Audio supplied by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Australian Screen Collection, used with kind permission courtesy of the Australian Labor National Secretariat.
‘Or Forever Hold Your Peace’ (1970). Audio supplied by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Australian Screen Collection and used with kind permission courtesy of Richard Brennan.
“[Christmas messages 1969] Commander's inserts DPR/TV (Soldiers greetings from Vietnam)”. Accession Number: F04718. Item copyright held by the Australian War Memorial, licensed under Creative Commons and used with kind permission.
Additional audio:
“Prayer of Remembrance” from the 2021 Aboriginal Veterans Commemorative Public Service, Adelaide, May 28, 2021. Prayer written and spoken by Chaplain (Squadron Leader) Patrick Boyle, Air Force. Audio recorded by Hugh Fenton/Enlightening Films. Used with kind permission courtesy of Aboriginal Veterans South Australia (AVSA).
“Catafalque Party” (Army) from the 2021 Aboriginal Veterans Commemorative Public Service, Adelaide, May 28, 2021. Audio recorded by Hugh Fenton/Enlightening Films, used with kind permission courtesy of Aboriginal Veterans South Australia (AVSA).
Music:
“Aircraftman Brodie McIntyre plays the didgeridoo/yidaki at the Last Post Ceremony, 7 July 2016”. Accession Number AWM2016.437.3. Yidaki performed by Leading Aircraftman Brodie McIntyre (Warlpiri) and Robert Lintermans (bugle). Item copyright held by the Australian War Memorial, licensed under Creative Commons and used with kind permission.
“62,000 Bells For 62,000 Australian Dead”, recorded at the ANU School of Music Canberra by Veronica Bailey, Thomas Laue and Chris Latham, from The Diggers’ Requiem (included in track ‘Lux Aeterna – In Paradisum’, composer: Ross Edwards). The Diggers Requiem: arranged, curated and conducted by Christopher Latham (musical artist in residence at the Australian War Memorial) with soloists. Used with kind permission.
“Australian National Anthem: Indigenous instrumental version”, The Royal Australian Airforce Band under the Musical Direction of Flight Lieutenant Aaron Michael, arrangement by Leading Aircraftman Niels Rosendahl.
Featuring First Nations musicians:
(Navy) Leading Seaman Henry Burns (Torres Strait Islander, Saibai Island, Ayte Koedal Clan, Meriam Merr Language, Eastern Torres Straits): Lumut (Bamboo Drum) and Maber Sorr (Conch Shell).
Seaman Nathaniel Denson(Kalau Lagau Ya Language, Top Western Torres Straits): Warrup (White Wooden Drum), Maber Sorr (Conch Shell).
(Army) Private Kirra Grimes (Bunuba/Naaguja Yamatji): Kulap (Shakers);
(Air Force) Flight Lieutenant Tjapukai Shaw (Wiradjuri): Didgeridoo and Flight Lieutenant Aimee McCartney (Taungurung/Bunurong/Wotjobaluk): Clap sticks and Kulap (Shakers). Used with kind permission.
Audio mastering:
Kris Keogh
Special thanks:
Uncle Frank Lampard for his generous time and interview, and also to his wife Sandra for her continuing support.
Thank you:
Aboriginal Veterans SA, Ian Smith, Hugh Fenton and Chaplain Patrick Boyle; LAC Brodie Macintyre; Chris Latham; Fleur Griffiths, ABC Library Sales; Sandy Rippingale, ALP National Secretariat; Siobhan Dee, NFSA; Greta Wass, Australian War Memorial; Richard Brennan, filmmaker; Leading Seaman Musician Jonathan Rendell, Royal Australian Navy Band; SGT. Dr. Ralph Whiteoak, Royal Australian Airforce Band and Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; Dr. Peter Yule, Justin Brown and the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Laura Thomas, and Katrina Nicholson, curator of For Kin & Country.
See the For Kin & Country exhibition now at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, until April 2023.
Douglas Heywood OAM was just a teenager when he discovered hundreds of letters written by his father Scott to his mother Marge during the Second World War.
Many of these letters were from Scott's time as a prisoner of war and recount in great detail exactly what life was like.
Listen as Doug unpacks this incredible story of enduring love and what it was like to learn about his father through the letters.
Lust, Love, Loss: Conversations is a three-part series produced by renowned broadcaster Megan Spencer that delves deep into stories of Australian wartime relationships. This episode follows the story of Julia and Jai Michel, who in the nine years they've known each other have spent three and a half living in the same place. Julia has navigated the trials and tribulations of organising a wedding, buying a house and weathering a pandemic all with limited communication to her husband. Listen as she unpacks life as a contemporary defence partner and explains how she kept her relationship going despite the distance while helping others do the same.
Credits
This podcast has been produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the Lust, Love, Loss exhibition (1 December 2021 – 1 November 2022).
Speaker: Julia Michel
Actor: Jai Michel
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Archival sound
'Children's Christmas party and messages to Vietnam 1968', Australian War Memorial Collection, Accession No. Accession No: F04721. Item copyright held by the Australian War Memorial ©, licensed under Creative Commons and used with kind permission.
‘Kentucky Fried Chicken - Hugo & Hill’ (1975, New Zealand) by Groove Myers. Reasonable attempts were made to identify the copyright owner of this audio material. If you have any information please contact Sue Burgess at the Shrine. Thank you to Grant Gillanders at Frenzy Music for his assistance.
Music
Original ‘Lovestruck’ music by Philip Brophy.
Performed by Bill McDonald (bass), Dan Luscombe (guitars), Garrett Costigan (pedal steel), Sianna Lee (vocals) and Philip Brophy (drums).
Audio mastering
Kris Keogh
Special thanks
Julia Michel for her time and the generous interview, and to Jai Michel.
Julia is the founder of the Defence Partners and Carers Support Group on Facebook
Her blog is The Home Post AU
Thank you
Beck Rayner, producer of the Military Life community and podcast (formerly ‘Military Wife Life’) and founder of the National Defence Partner Round Table (Julia is a speaker in the October 15, 2021 edition).
You can also hear Julia speak more about hers and Jai’s experience as an MWDU couple on Episodes 83 and 114 of Beck’s podcast. Find it at militarylife.com.au and on Facebook
The Shrine team: Leigh Gilbert, Tessa Occhino, Sue Burgess and Neil Sharkey, curator of the Lust, Love, Loss exhibition. See it at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne until November 2022.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Support
If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact: Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 Open Arms (formerly VVCS) - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or on their website
Episode duration
One hour
Lust, Love, Loss: Conversations is a three-part series produced by renowned broadcaster Megan Spencer that delves deep into three stories of Australian wartime relationships. For Tanja and Mark Johnston, what started as a chance meeting on the stoop of a share house in Toowoomba evolved into a relationship filled with letter writing, 90s mix tapes and good dose of humour. The couple combined Tanja’s love of art and Mark’s experience in the Army to co-create ANVAM – the Australian National Veterans Art Museum – which helps promote veteran wellbeing though art programs. This episode of Lust, Love, Loss follows their story from the stoop to the studio, and what it was like founding this cherished veteran’s organisation together.
Credits This podcast has been produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the Lust, Love, Loss exhibition (1 December 2021 – 1 November 2022).
Speakers: Tanja Johnston, Mark Johnston.
Letters: read by Tanja and Mark Johnston
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer
Archival sound: “Bougainville (Australian Peace Monitoring Group), Adrian Boland reporter, Ten News, December 1998”. 10X Media Group/Ten Network Australia
Home videos: Tanja and Mark Johnston.
Music: Original ‘Lovestruck’ music by Philip Brophy.
Performed by Bill McDonald (bass), Dan Luscombe (guitars), Garrett Costigan (pedal steel), Sianna Lee (vocals) and Philip Brophy (drums).
Audio mastering: Kris Keogh
Tape transfers: Fleurieu Multimedia
Special thanks: Mark and Tanja Johnston for their generous interviews, and for sharing their letters and home video audio for use in this podcast.
Tanja and Mark are the co-founders of ANVAM, the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM), located at 312 St. Kilda Road, Southbank. Find out more about what they do – and how you can support them – by visiting anvam.org.au and follow them at @anvam310 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter .
Their annual March to Art exhibition is on at the St. Kilda Road space from Sunday 13 March – Sunday 1 May, 2022. This year’s theme is ‘Voice’.
Thank you: Judy Toohey at 10X Media Group for assistance, Liz Boulton, Gary Juleff and the Shrine team: Sue Burgess, Leigh Gilbert, Tessa Occhino, Laura Thomas and Neil Sharkey, curator of Lust. Love. Loss.
See the exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne until November 2022.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Support: If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact:
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
Open Arms (formerly VVCS) - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or on their website
Episode duration: 59:33
Please note that this episode was recorded in late 2021, around the time of the final withdrawal of Australian forces from Afghanistan.
Lust, Love, Loss: Conversations is a three-part series produced by renowned broadcaster Megan Spencer that delves deep into stories of Australian wartime relationships. Justin and Kendal Brown’s story began when they were just teens in the remote defence town of Woomera, but it wasn’t until years later that they became a couple. In this episode, Megan Spencer dissects Justin’s vow not to get married until he was discharged, what it was like for them both having two children while Kendal was still serving and how being in the military has shaped their relationship.
Meet our formidable team of Life Governors as they discuss their time in the defence forces and how they came to serve and support the Shrine of Remembrance.
Interviewer: Mr Ray Andrews
Shrine Life Governors: Colonel George Mackenzie OBE RFD, Lieutenant Colonel David Ford CVO AM GM, Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Lombardo and Mr Peter Whitelaw
Videographer: Mr Keith Webb
Vera Deakin, a 23 year old woman from Melbourne and youngest daughter of Australia's second Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, travelled to Cairo to establish the Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau. Her work brought comfort and answers to grieving families across Australia. The legacies of her work endure to this day.
Join author and historian Carole Woods OAM in conversation with Leigh Gilburt, Production Coordinator at the Shrine, as they discuss Vera's remarkable contribution to the First World War.
Vera Deakin and the Red Cross is available for purchase through the Shrine shop.
Michael Madden provides a snapshot of his remarkable journey travelling across Australia and around the world to photograph 100 Australian Victoria Cross medals. Invited to Windsor Castle, he was the first Australian to see and hold the metal from which the Victoria Cross medals are created.
The Victoria Cross: Australia Remembers is available online through the Shrine Shop.
Please note, there were some technical difficulties experienced whilst filming this talk.
The Shrine of Remembrance acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we honour Australian service men and women, and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
Please note that the audio does contain some sound effects of war, protest and discussion around suicide.
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In this podcast, an interview with independent historian Dr. Peter Yule about ‘The Long Shadow: Australia's Vietnam Veterans Since the War’, a book that explores the medical, psychological and health legacies of the Vietnam War on Australia’s veteran community. Vietnam veterans are still our biggest, recognisable veteran cohort, also regarded as today’s ‘keepers of ANZAC’.
Peter Yule is a research fellow in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. He is interviewed by Megan Spencer, a broadcaster and podcast producer with a particular interest in remembrance and the impact of military service.
At almost 700 pages, ‘The Long Shadow’ is a broad, detailed and compelling study of the specific and unique experiences faced by Vietnam veterans involved in Australia’s most socially and politically divisive overseas war to date - and its very human cost.
In researching and writing the book, Peter says that the only stipulation given to him editorially “was to make sure the voice of the veterans was heard”. It includes powerful insights from Vietnam veterans, their family members, medical experts, veteran advocates and others. As one reviewer wrote, ‘The Long Shadow’ addresses “deficiencies of past studies’ failure to engage with the lived experience of veterans”.
‘The Long Shadow’ was commissioned by the Australian War Memorial and is published by New South Publishing. It was published on the 1st of November, 2020.
Megan interviewed Peter just after it’s publication, in early December 2020.
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Credits
Speaker: Peter Yule
Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer.
Archival sounds:
‘Action in Vietnam 1966’. Audio supplied by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Film Australia Collection.
‘Or Forever Hold Your Peace’ (1970). Audio supplied by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Australian Screen Collection and used with kind permission from Richard Brennan.
'Christmas messages 1968, Victorian version DPR/TV/Soldiers greetings from Vietnam'. Australian War Memorial Collection, Accession No. F04694. Item copyright held by the Australian War Memorial ©, licensed under Creative Commons and used with kind permission.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Peter Yule for his time and for the generous interview.
Thank you:
Greta Wass (AWM)
Naomi Wanner (NFSA)
Richard Brennan (Or Forever Hold Your Peace)
Jez Conlon (Ho Chi Minh City sounds)
Kris Keogh
Dr. Karl James
Michael Kelly
Anne Yule
Oliver Budack
A commemorative and educational podcast made for the Shrine of Remembrance.
This interview is dedicated to Australia’s Vietnam veterans and their families.
More about Dr. Peter Yule https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/10843-peter-yule
More about New South Publishing http://www.newsouthpublishing.com/articles/long-shadow/
More about Tom Frame and his work on moral injury https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/health/unsw-canberra-shines-light-moral-injury
More about Megan Spencer https://www.themeganspencer.com/
Disclaimer
The speakers’ view are their own and while all reasonable attempts are made to avoid inaccuracy, interviews should not necessarily be understood as statements of fact or opinions endorsed by the Shrine of Remembrance.
If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact:
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
Open Arms (formerly VVCS) - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 website https://www.openarms.gov.au/
ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036
Interview duration: 52:39
© 2021 All Rights Reserved.
Presented by Dr Madonna Grehan
While the exact numbers are unclear, it’s estimated that around 5000 nurses served in the military during the Second World War in a range of locations throughout the world. In this International Women’s Day Address for the Shrine of Remembrance, Madonna Grehan considers the state of nursing in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Drawing on biographies of Second World War nurses, Dr Grehan will discuss how nurses’ work, and their profession, had changed dramatically since the First World War.
Dean Bowen's Imagining Centauris on display daily until 2022.
Artist Dean Bowen reveals the inspiration behind his beautiful and haunting Centaur series.
Dean Bowen's Imagining Centaur is open now and can be viewed in the Shrine Galleries daily.
Interviewer: Neil Sharkey, Shrine Curator
Join Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey as he guides you through our special exhibition Dean Bowen's Imagining Centaur.
Imagining Centaur can be viewed at the Shrine between 10am and 5pm daily.
The Shrine’s newest exhibition, Dean Bowen’s Imagining Centaur, centres on a series of beautiful, thought-provoking works of art created in response to the tragic sinking of the 2/3 Australian Hospital Ship Centaur on 14 May 1943. Join the exhibition’s co-curators, Dr Madonna Grehan and Neil Sharkey, in conversation as they discuss the historical significance of Centaur’s sinking and their role in bringing this unique exhibition to life.
Recorded 11 November 2020
Master of Ceremonies: Mr Peter Meehan OAM
Veteran Ode readers: LCDR Jan Gallagher, CAPT Don Bergman OAM RFD ED (Retd), SQDLRD Harold Cheung and James 'Jim' Paizis
In Flanders Fields reciter: Ms Liana Henderson-Drife
Remembrance Day Address: Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau
Choir: Exaudi Youth Choir
Musical Support: LS Tracy Kennedy and the RAN Band Brass Quintet
Bugler: AB Luke Glasson
Watch the full service.
Sub Lieutenant Jim Paizis shares his memories of life in the close confines of the navy, post-war visits to his ship’s namesake and the changing skyline of Melbourne.
This interview was recorded as part of the National Trust, Open House Melbourne and Centre for Architecture Victoria's World War II at Home digital project. Watch the video interview.
Interviewer: Megan Spencer
Recorded by Podbooth
Interviewee: Aunty Glenda Humes, daughter of Captain Reginald Saunders MBE
Interviewer: Megan Spencer
Recorded by Podbooth
This interview was recorded as part of the National Trust, Open House Melbourne and Centre for Architecture Victoria's World War II at Home project, funded by the Victorian Government. Check out the video of this interview at: https://wwiiathome.com.au/
Leading Aircraftman Mac Ford shares his memories of 1940s Melbourne, the repatriation of Australian prisoners of war from Singapore in 1945 and his introduction to computers.
Interview by Megan Spencer.
This interview was recorded as part of the National Trust, Open House Melbourne and Centre for Architecture Victoria's World War II at Home project, funded by the Victorian Government.
World War II at Home explores the transformative experience of the Second World War on Victoria. Check out the website for the video of this interview, more veteran stories and 18 Victorian sites of significance from the Second World War.
https://wwiiathome.com.au/
Dr Bronwyn Hughes OAM explores the motives for commemoration and how this has influenced the design of memorials.
Recorded 9 November 2016.
Ian McDougall, founding director of ARM Architecture, reveals the inspiration behind many of the Shrine's unique architectural features.
Recorded 31 July 2016.
Join Dr Gillian Shepherd to delve into the Ancient Greek origins of our modern day commemorations and the design of the Shrine.
Recorded 7 September 2017.
It was our privilege to sit down with Sean Burton for the final instalment of our 'Meet the Artist' series.
Sean, a veteran of the British and Australian defence forces, reflects on his own journey of healing post-service and the incredible story behind the evolution of his artwork 'Babs'.
Sean's works of art will feature in 'Between Two Worlds' alongside works by Ben Pullin and Rory Cushnahan.
In the second instalment of our 'Meet the Artist' series meet Ben Pullin. Ben, a veteran of Rwanda and East Timor, reflects on his distinct styles of sculpture and painting.
Between Two Worlds features the work of three contemporary artists and veterans: Ben Pullin, Rory Cushnahan and Sean Burton.
Join artist and veteran Rory Cushnahan as he discusses his work, 'War is Home...Home is Hell' and the influences and techniques that define his style.
Rory is one of the featured artist in our special exhibition Between Two Worlds.
At the Shrine, we embrace the diversity of our community and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we honour Australian service men and women, and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
In this video from our archives, Aunty Dot (1930–2019), a Yarra Yarra Elder, reflects on her father's military service and her inspiration for initiating the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service now held annually on 31 May at the Shrine.
Join our live-stream at 11am on Facebook tomorrow (Sunday 31 May) as the Shrine Guard lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in honour of all Aboriginal Victorian service men and women who have served Australia in all wars and peace keeping missions.
Join historian Professor Peter Monteath and broadcaster Megan Spencer (creator of the podcast 'From A Whisper to a Bang!')for an insightful conversation about the Battle of 42nd Street in Crete, 1941.
This episode was recorded as video which is available on YouTube and Facebook.
Peter's book, 'Battle on 42nd Street' is available for purchase through the Shrine shop.
Writer Mike Rosel speaks about his about his newly published book A Rat of Tobruk: A Digger’s Lost Images of the Siege and rediscovering his father's extraordinary photographs of the siege.
A Rat of Tobruk is available through the Shrine shop.
Videography by Neil Creek.
This episode was supported by the Victorian Government.
Recorded on 25 April 2020 at the Shrine of Remembrance
Due to corona virus (Covid-19) restrictions, some elements of the Dawn Service were prerecorded.
This Anzac eve, we are joined by veteran Justin Scott as he shares his memories of service and commemoration.
Recorded for the 75th anniversary of the Seige of Toburk, Heather MacFarlane, daughter of Alfred Macfarlane of the 2/4th Australian General Hospital, was joined by three Rats of Tobruk, Jack Caple, Ron Williamson and Bob Semple. They reflect on their battle experiences, living conditions and the camaraderie shared by the Rats during the long siege of 1941.
Over the course of 1915, most of the 50,000 Australian personnel who served at Gallipoli passed through the island of Lemnos. Centring his attention on the Australian experience of the island, historian Jim Claven shares unique and humanising insights into the Gallipoli campaign.
Lemnos and Gallipoli Revealed is available through the Shrine shop.
In the world today we as a community face an exceptional time of challenge and uncertainty. Over the comping weeks the Shrine will be supplementing our usual podcast programming with additional stories from our archives. These are stories of courage, kindness and resilience in the face of adversity.
Today's episode features the 2018 Anzac Day Dawn Service address presented by Group Captain Annette Holian. Annette is an orthopaedic surgeon and Clinical Director Surgery and Peri-operative services in the Royal Australian Air Force and has a long career of providing humanitarian aid.
Shrine Trustee Tracey Curro chairs a tri-service panel of veterans discussing their experiences of the modern Australian Defence Forces. Panel features Lieutenant Commander Helen Ward RAN, Bruna Norrish and Flight Lieutenant Kelli Mitchener.
Professor Geoffrey Quail discusses the near-devastating effect of malaria on the Australian troops in New Guinea during the Second World War.
Join Shrine Curator Kate Spinks for a our of our special exhibition Through the Eyes of the Son: A John Williams Retrospective (1933–2016).
Through the Eyes of the Son in on display daily in the Shrine Galleries from 10am with last entry at 4.30pm until September 2020.
This video can also be viewed on our website.
Douglas Parry is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran who served in the Royal Air Force Coastal Command during the Second World War. Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey speaks with Doug about his memories of the Cinderella Service.
In the First World War of 1914–1918, thousands of boys across Australia and New Zealand lied about their age, forged a parent’s signature and left to fight on the other side of the world. Though some were as young as thirteen, they soon found they could die as well as any man. Like Peter Pan’s lost boys, they have remained forever young. These are their stories.
Paul Byrnes speaks about some of the underage Anzacs featured in The Lost Boys and the how he uncovered their stories.
The Lost Boys is available now available from the Shrine Shop.
Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey discusses the Shrine’s special exhibition The Cinderella Service: Australians in Coastal Command 1939–45.
Discover the story of 5,000 Australian airmen who undertook grueling maritime patrols with the Royal Air Force Coastal Command. Battling the German submarines which threatened to blockade Britain, the men made an essential contribution to the Allied effort during the war’s longest continuous campaign, the Battle of the Atlantic.
The Cinderella Service is on display daily at the Shrine until June 2020.
Send us any questions you have about the exhibition or coastal command at programs@shrine.org.au or through Facebook.
Join Dr Barbara Musso,Facilities Program Director of the Marine National Facility CSIRO and Emily Jateff who was Chief Scientist on board RV Investigator when it discovered the final resting place of SS Iron Crown. The vessel, sunk by a Japanese submarine off the Victorian coastline in June 1942, was discovered in 2019 in a collaboration between CSIRO and Heritage Victoria.
Changed forever: Legacies of conflict opened this week at the Shrine. In Changed forever, stories of migrants who have resettled in Australia from war-torn countries are presented beside those of recent veterans of overseas service in the Australian Defence Force. This moving exhibition explores the impacts of global and civil conflict in changing lives and shaping contemporary Australia. All have been redefined by the emotional and physical dislocation of war, and seek to reconcile this with their new lives.
Changed forever will be at the Shrine until Sunday 13 October before commencing its tour of Victoria.
Join our upcoming panel discussion supporting the exhibition on Wednesday 18 September.
The Cinderella Service: Australians in Coastal Command 1939–45.
Discover the story of 5,000 Australian airmen who undertook grueling maritime patrols with the Royal Air Force Coastal Command. Battling the German Submarines which threatened to blockade Britain, the men made an essential; contribution to the Allied effort during the war’s longest continuous campaign, the Battle of the Atlantic.
Speakers:
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence AO (Retd), Chairman of Shrine Trustees
Mr Robin Scott, Minister for Veterans
Wing Commander Colin Smith, Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron
View The Cinderella Service in our South Gallery daily from 10am with last entry at 4.30pm until July 2020.
For two days in April 1951, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment fought a heroic rearguard action and helped to stop a massive Chinese force at the gates of Seoul. Dr Adrian Threlfall explores Australia’s largest post-Second World War battle.
Adrian's two books are:
Jungle Warriors
Reg Saunders: An Indigenous War Hero
Adrian's third book is due for release in 2020.
The Shrine's special exhibition, The Korean War 1950–53, is on display daily in our Galleries from 10am with last entry at 4.30pm.
Recorded Friday 5 April.
MC:
Mr Dean M Lee, CEO Shrine of Remembrance
Speakers:
The Honourable Robin Scott, Minister for Veterans
Mr Tom Parkinson, President of the Korean War Veterans Association of Australia
Dr Richard Trembath, academic and author of A Different Sort of War: Australians in Korea 1950–53
Mr Kim Sunghyo, Consul-General of the Republic of South Korea
The Korean War 1950–53 will be on display at the Shrine until March 2020 and can be viewed daily from 10am, last entry at 4.30pm.
Become a Shrine Friend to receive invitations to our exhibition launches and many other exclusive benefits.
Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey shares his insights into the creation of our latest special exhibition on the Korean War. Although the fighting ceased over 65 years ago, the war has never ended.
The Korean War 1950–53 is on display in the Shrine Galleries daily until March 2020. Entry is between 10am and 4.30pm.
Len Waters was a trailblazer. In realising his childhood dream, Len became the first and only Indigenous Australian fighter-pilot. Peter Rees reflects on Len’s man’s extraordinary life.
Recorded Tuesday 28 May during Reconciliation Week 2019.
Enter the draw to win a complimentary copy of Peter Rees's book on Len's life, The Missing Man,through the Shrine’s Facebook page.
The Missing Man is also available for purchase online through the Shrine Shop.
How can we create a more peaceful world? Join Dr Tania Miletic, specialist in peace and conflict studies, as she reflects on the Australian experience of conflict prevention and peace building processes around the world.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Australia conducted hundreds of trials against Japanese wartime leaders. Adam Wakeling considers whether these trials were acts of justice or revenge and what we can learn from them today.
Australia had the highest levels of public education in the British Empire at the outbreak of the First World War. From the midst of destruction came an outpouring of art and creativity. Discover our literary legacies from The Great War with Dr Clare Rhoden.
See Clare’s website for more information on her books The Purpose of Futility and The Stars in the Night.
Recorded Thursday 4 April 2019.
Be inspired by the remarkable story of Victorian surgeon Dr Mary de Garis. Mary was the Chief Medical Officer of a tent hospital for two years on the Eastern Front during the First World War. Dr Ruth Lee tells her story.
MC: Mr Peter Meehan
Ode: Dr Robert Webster OAM, State President RSL Victoria
Address: The Honourable Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria
In Flanders Field: Mr Angus Hatty
Musical support by the Royal Australian Navy Band and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Historian Jim Claven discusses the agreement which ended the fighting between the Allies and the Ottoman Empire. This armistice encompassed the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and affected tens of thousands of Australian soldiers.
Jim’s upcoming publication Lemnos and Gallipoli Revealed: A Pictorial History of the Anzacs in the Aegean, 1915-16 is due for release in late April/early May.
On Sunday 24 March the annual Greek National Day Service will be held on the Shrine Forecourt at 12.30pm to commemorate the Australian men and women who served in the Greek campaign of the Second World War and the many Greek-Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Forces.
Check out the full range of our Autumn 2019 public program series.
Join Michael Veitch and discover the extraordinary story of young Australian airman Barney Greatrex. Shot down during his 20th mission over occupied France and rescued by the resistance, Barney seized the opportunity to continue fighting.
Barney Greatrex: From Bomber Command to the French Reistance – the stirring story of an Australian Hero is available through Hachette Australia.
Discover more stories like Barney’s in Resistance: Australians and the European Underground 1939–45 is on display daily in the Shrine Galleries. Open from 10am, last entry at 4.30pm. Resistance will close in July 2019.
Join Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey as he explores the stories of Australians who gave aid to the various Resistance organisations in Axis occupied Europe and those Australians who owed their freedom and their lives to these groups. Hear how the stories and themes from different European resistance movements have been brought together to create the exhibition’s overarching narrative and the difficulties inherent in explaining such a complex and diverse topic.
Resistance will be on display at the Shrine of Remembrance until July 2019. The Shrine is open daily (excluding Good Friday) from 10am, last entry at 4.30pm.
Our Autumn 2019 program series, commencing in March, is now open for bookings.
As fighting ceased on the Western Front in November 1918, the Australian military turned its attention to a threat closer to home. The Spanish influenza had arrived in the Pacific Islands and was taking a devastating toll on the populations of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. Hear an author from the Official History of Australian Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Post–Cold War Operations series, Dr Steven Bullard, as he reflects on a century of Australian emergency relief missions.
Discover more about Australia’s emergency relief missions in Steven’s book In Their Time of Need.
Our Autumn 2019 program series, commencing in March, is now open for bookings.
Recorded 30 November 2018
Meet two of the artists, Kirsten Haydon and Neal Haslem, behind the Shrine's special centenary of Armistice exhibition, Flowers of war, in conversation with the Shrine's Director Access and Learning, Jean McAuslan. Hear how this incredible work of art, comprising of hundreds of enamelled floral emblems, was created and how it has evolved as it has toured through venues around the world.
If you are not able to view the wreath here at the Shrine, a preview of the wreath in production is available in our Remembrance magazine.
The Flowers of war: Exploring the Shrine’s gardens school holiday program for primary school children is running until Friday 25 January. Bookings are essential.
Some of our greatest leaders and shapers of society have hailed from the Australian Defence Forces. Brigadier Nicholas Jans (Retd) OAM in discussion with Tim Orton explores how military institutions create extraordinary leaders and the skills and principles civilians can learn from our armed forces.
Our Autumn public program series for 2019 has just been released. Bookings are essential.
Dr Jean Bou examines the dramatic events in Palestine in the last months of the Great War, when a great offensive led to a rapid British advance over hundreds of miles. An advance in which the Australian Light Horse played a considerable role.
Read more about the fall of Damascus in Dr Jean Bou’s article ‘Onto Damascus’ in Remembrance.
What were the experiences of the Australians fighting on the Western Front in the final battles of the First World War? Sourced from soldier’s diaries and letters, Will Davies, pieces together their experiences from Amiens to the Hindenburg line.
Will’s book, The Last 100 Days is available for purchase through the Shrine Shop.
The centenary of Armistice edition of Remembrance is out now.
What did it mean in a country so attached to Anzac, a legend of battlefield prowess, to have spent the war as a prisoner? Drawing on their own words, Professor Christina Twomey presents the POW’s struggle to rehabilitate themselves and to win compensation.
The Battle Within can be purchased through the Shrine Shop.
Available now, the Centenary of Armistice edition of Remembrance.
Recorded Thursday 20 September.
Dr Bart Ziino.
News of the armistice that ended the First World War arrived in Australia late on 11 November 1918. That moment witnessed an outburst of emotion in public rarely seen. On the surface—and in the streets—the response was a mixture of exultation and relief. But only slightly less obvious were more difficult feelings of pain, loss and bitterness, as Australians took the opportunity to re-assess what four years of war had meant.
You can read more by Dr Bart Ziino on the armistice in Australia in our newly released Armistice edition of Remembrance.
Flowers of war
Shrine CEO Dean Lee is joined by Professor Paul Gough for the launch of our newest special exhibition, Flowers of war.
The appearance of cornflowers and poppies on the battlefields at the end of the First World War symbolised for many the fragility of life and the hope of rebirth. This collaborative work of art comprises enamelled floral emblems of remembrance, inspired by those found on the battlefield and at home.
The exhibition will be on display in the Shrine Galleries for the next twelve months from 10am to 5pm, last entry at 4.30pm.
Meet the artists:
Jean McAuslan will host a special talk with the artists Kirsten Haydon and Neal Haslem at midday on Thursday 1 November. Bookings are essential.
Remembrance
Flowers of war is featured in the centenary of Armistice edition of Remembrance.
Guest speaker Dr Jean Bou
Special recording from the exhibition launch of The Light Horse: Australians in the Middle East 1916–18. The exhibition was launched in October last year and will be closing at the end of this week. It features works of art by Sidney Nolan, George Lambert and Susan McMinn as well as personal memorabilia from General Sir Harry Chauvel. The exhibition is on display to the public until Sunday 21 October and can be viewed from 10am daily. Last entry at 4.30pm.
Discover more about the Australian Light Horse the special edition of Remembrance.
Jim Eames recounts the remarkable story of Qantas and its crew in the face of the Japanese advance towards Australia. Flying unarmed planes through war zones and at times under enemy fire, the airline supplied the front lines, evacuated the wounded and undertook surprising escapes.
Courage in the Skies is available for purchase through the Shrine Shop.
Recorded 10 May 2018.
In 1941, Australian troops were far home fighting Axis forces across North Africa and the Middle East. By 1942, Japan had advances on Singapore and seized Australian territories in New Guinea while America joined the Allies in the Pacific. John Edwards discusses the leadership of Prime Minister John Curtin during this pivotal time in Australian history.
Wing Commander Alexandra Douglas MG, one of the first Australians to be awarded a Medal for Gallantry, reflects on her three decade career as a medical officer in the army and air force and shares the key issues underpinning effective medical treatment on the front line.
Read more about Alexandra’s service in the For Humanity special of the Shrine’s Remembrance magazine released for Anzac Day 2018.
Join Chris Masters as he goes to the heart of some of the fiercest combat in Afghanistan with the Special Forces. Following a ten-year investigation, Chris gives a voice to Australia’s most highly trained soldiers and examines what it is like the be a member of this country’s elite fighting forces.
No Front Lineis available for purchase through the Shrine Shop.
For more stories from our military, past and present, check out the Shrine's Remembrancemagazine.
Shrine CEO Dean Lee is joined by Mrs Xanthula Wrigley and Professor Peter Monteath in the launch for our newest exhibition Resistance: Australians and the European Underground 1939–45.Resistanceis on display daily from 10am to 5pm in the Shrine's West Gallery.
Discover important stories of courage in the face of adversity, the overcoming of extraordinary obstacles and demonstrations of profound fortitude in the Shrine's Remembrancemagazine which reflects the Australian experience of war.
There were fifty miles to victory and defeat, fifty miles to collapse and renewal, and fifty miles to a new place for Australia among the nations of the world. They were among the most significant fifty miles in our history. Join Adam Wakeling as he explores the final battles for the Australian troops in the First World War and their significance.
Adam’s book The Last Fifty Miles is available for purchase in the Shrine shop.
For more stories from our military, past and present, check out our Remembrance magazine.
This talk was recorded on 23 May 2018.
Tuesday 1 May 2018 - Melinda Martin, Matthew Sleeth, Wendy Sharpe and Tanja Johnston
Australian war artists as historians, documenters and first hand witnesses must confront their own experience of the tragedies of war. In partnership with Linden New Art Gallery, join us for a special conversation with two contemporary Australian war artists about their experience in war-torn countries.
Recorded Thursday 8 March 2018
Sister Florence James-Wallace was stationed at Villers-Brettoneaux during the early stages of the 1918 German offensive. She described it as resembling 'Dante's Inferno'. The hospital overflowed with badly wounded men and hundreds more lay in the streets on stretchers needing her nursing skills. This is her story.
You can learn more about Sister Florence James-Wallace and other Australian Nurses in Susanna de Vries’s book Australian Heroines of the First World War.
Recorded Friday 13 April 2018.
Guest speakers Dr James Villiers and Air Vice-Marshal Tracy Smart AM.
For Humanity: Medicine in war and peacekeeping since 1945is the Shrine's latest special exhibition and can be viewed daily between 10am and 5pm until March 2019.
For more stories from our medical personnel, check out the latest edition of Remembrance.
Become a Friend of the Shrine for invitations to exclusive events such as exhibition launches and for free entry to our public programs.
Recorded 5 April 2018.
In 1918 a few daring low ranking Australian infantrymen, alone among all the armies on the Western Front, initiated stealth raids without orders. Lucas Jordan examines this distinct but neglected group who killed Germans, captured prisoners and advanced the line, sometimes thousands of yards and almost always without command on either side knowing.
Stealth Raidersis available for purchase from the Shrine shop.
Join Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey as he unravels the many myths and legends of the Australian Light Horse in the Middle East. While Australian infantry served in the grim trenches of the Western Front, their Light Horse comrades fought a mobile war against the Ottoman Turks in the desert wastes of Sinai, Palestine and Syria. This special centenary exhibition extends beyond the legendary attack on Beersheba and features paintings by Sidney Nolan, George Lambert and Susan McMinn.
The Light Horse: Australians in the Middle East will be on display at the Shrine of Remembrance until October 2018. The Shrine is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Recorded Friday 23 February 2018.
This podcast is an extract from the launch of the Recent Conflict Gallery redevelopment featuring Sergeant David Robertson MG. David started the first of his two deployments to Afghanistan in October 2010. A member of the Royal Australian Artillery, he served as a Joint Fires Officer, accompanying Australian Operational Mentoring Liason Team members on patrol in the Tangi Valley. On 20 March 2011, his patrol came under enemy fire while patrolling through a village. Despite being exposed to fire himself, David called in mortar fire against two insurgent machine gun positions. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his actions on that day.
You can hear more about David’s experiences and other similar stories from our current serving veterans in the Recent Conflicts Gallery open daily from 10am to 5pm.
The Shrine is pleased to announce that our Remembrance magazine is now available online. Remembrance features articles from current service men and women as well as features from historians and our curators.
You can donate to the Shrine to support our commemoration through learning activities. Donations help to fund our schools education programs, our public talks and events and our special exhibitions.
Recorded live at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
MC Mr Peter Meehan
The Ode recited by Dr Robert Webster OAM
Veteran speaker Group Captain Annette Holian
In Flanders Fields recited by Ms Sarah Trewick
Musical accompaniment by the Australian Army Band Melbourne and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Special centenary talk
The immense German onslaught in March 1918 caused Britain’s gravest crisis of the war. The culmination of the Australians’ vital contribution in this climax of conflict was the stunning counter attack at Villers-Bretonneux. Historian Dr Ross McMullin illuminates what occurred.
Dr Ross McMullin is an award winning historian and has published many books on military history including Pompey Elliott At War: In His Own Words, Farewell, Dear People: Biographies of Australia’s Lost Generation and Will Dyson: Australia’s Radical Genius. More information on Ross’s books is available through his website.
Ross’s books are also available for purchase online through the Shrine shop.
Recorded Wednesday 4 October 2017.
Entranced by the myths surrounding the army’s Kokoda campaign in Papua, few Australians appreciate or even know of the role played by the Royal Australian Navy between December 1941 and August 1945. Ian Pfennigwerth demonstrates that our ships and men were in the forefront of the fighting, not in backwaters, and their professionalism and skills in many warfare areas were respected, applied and recognised with awards by US Commanders.
This talk was part of a series of programs in support of the Shrine’s special exhibition Nerves and Steel: The Royal Australian Navy in the Pacific 1941–45. Nerve and Steel is on display until July 2018 and can be viewed daily (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday) from 10am until close (last entry at 4.30pm). For more information visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel
Recorded Tuesday 26 September 2017.
The battle of Polygon Wood, the second of the step-by-step victories east of Ypres, has often been depicted as a relatively straightforward victory: the AIF advanced behind an irresistible barrage that resembled a Gippsland bushfire, and there were inevitable casualties but no major hiccups. This interpretation is fundamentally flawed. Dr Ross McMullin explains why.
Ross’s most recent publication Pompey Elliot At War: In His Own Words is available through the Shrine shop.
Recorded Thursday 7 September 2017.
The Shrine of Remembrance was inspired by classical architecture, especially the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the Mausoleum did not house the war dead, its decoration depicted scenes of mythical combat common throughout the ancient Greek world, particularly in Athens—where special arrangements were made for the commemoration of the war dead, especially those who fell at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This talk looks at the ancient origins of our modern commemoration.
To find out more about upcoming talks at the Shrine of Remembrance, visit shrine.org.au/bookings
Recorded Wednesday 9 Aug 2017.
Meet some of our last surviving Second World War navy veterans Jim Paizis, Norm Tame, Hiram Ristrom, Ray Leonard and Pamela Nicholls of the WRANS as they recount tales of their service. From taking part in the Battle of Coral Sea to decoding and encoding war-winning intelligence, these vets reflect upon their time at sea. Chaired by Shrine Trustee Tracey Curro.
This talk was part of a series of programs in support of the Shrine’s special exhibition Nerves and Steel: The Royal Australian Navy in the Pacific 1941–45. Nerve and Steel is on display until July 2018 and can be viewed daily (excluding Christmas and Good Friday) from 10am until close (last entry at 4.30pm). For more information visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel
Recorded Tuesday 15 August 2017.
Hear Paul Field discuss his recently released book Gimme Shelter,a collection of stories of endurance, courage and survival told by returned members of the armed forces and other first responders. Paul is joined by Vietnam veteran Don Barnby and Paul Stewart, brother of Balibo Five journalist Tony Stewart.
For upcoming talks and events at the Shrine visit shrine.org.au/bookings
Recorded 25 October 2017.
October 23 marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, one of the turning points of the Second World War. The 9th Australian Division was crucial to the victory of Montgomery’s 8th Army at Alamein. Although the Australians represented only 10 per cent of the 8th Army, they suffered 20 per cent of its casualties in what an admiring British general described as ‘homeric fighting.’ Dr Mark Johnston, author of several books about the 9th Division and Alamein, explains why General Montgomery later acknowledged that he could not have won the battle without ‘that magnificent 9th Australian Division.’
Recorded Wednesday 18 October 2017
Join Dr David Holloway OAM, historian of the 4th Light Horse, as he reflects one hundred years later on their legendary attack on Beersheba in October 1917. Discover more about this remarkable regiment—Australia’s only unit to fight on all three fronts during the First World War.
The Shrine's latest special exhibition The Light Horse: Australians in Middle East 1916–18has just opened exploring the myths and realities of the legendary Australian Light Horse. On display daily in the Galleries of Remembrance until October 1918.
Rear Admiral Guy Griffiths AO DSO DSC, Jim Paizis and Margaret Hattersley share memories from their time in the navy during the Second World War.
Uncover these and other extraordinary stories of our navy veterans in the Shrine's Nerves and Steelexhibition. On display until July 2018. For more information, visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel
Second World War veteran Jim Paizis recounts the day HMAS Colac was almost sunk by Japanese artillery in the Solomons.
Uncover more extraordinary stories for our navy veterans in the Shrine’s exhibition Nerves and Steel: Australians in the Pacific 1941 – 45, on display until July 1918. For more information visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel
Second World War navy veteran Ray Leonard recounts the fateful day in December 1942 when HMAS Armidale came under attack by thirteen Japanese aircraft off the coast of Timor.
Uncover more stories from our navy veterans in the Shrine's Nerves and Steel: Australians in the Pacific 1941–45exhibition, on display until July 2018. For more information visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel
Over the next few weeks we will be releasing behind the scenes videos and stories from Nerves and Steel:Royal Australian Navy in the Pacific 1941-45. Nerves and Steelis an historical exploration of the naval battles in the Pacific during the Second World War and Australia's role in securing the ultimate Allied victory.
Nerves and Steelwill be on display at the Shrine until July 1918. Visit shrine.org.au/nervesandsteel for more information.
Recorded Tuesday 25 July 2017.
Join Naval Historian John Perryman for a journey through time from colonial naval days to contemporary operations in the Middle East as he discusses the evolution of naval uniforms, badges and accoutrements. Learn how changing operating environments, climate and even religion have all influenced changes to naval uniform at sea, ashore and in the air.
Recorded Wednesday 14 June 2017
What threads connect Australian soldiers across six decades? Those who travelled to South Africa at the turn of the nineteenth century and to Vietnam in the early 1960s had little idea of what they were to encounter on the battlefield. Their insightful and entertaining letters and diaries position them as men eager to bring honour to their country but expose the differences between their reactions to the war and those of the Australian public.
For more information on the Shrine's upcoming talks and events, visit shrine.org.au/bookings
Recorded 3 May 2017.
Sharon Bown's remarkable 16-year career with the Royal Australian Air Force saw her deployed to East Timor, Bali and Afghanistan. From barely surviving a helicopter crash to commanding a combat surgical team, Sharon's journey is a confronting, but ultimately inspirational account of what our men and women in the military experience, and the price they pay for their service. Join Sharon as she explores her life and career in the RAAF through times of war and peace.
For more information on upcoming talks and events at the Shrine visit shrine.org.au/bookings
Recorded 20 April 2017, Maryborough Town Hall
The Australian debates about conscription for overseas service in the First World War were unique. Conscription was adopted by almost all other countries fighting the war, including Britain, Canada and New Zealand. Australia was the only country to put the issue to popular vote and to reject it, if only by narrow margins. Why was Australia different? Why did the Hughes government fail where other governments has succeeded? And what was the impact of the defeat of conscription on Australia’s war effort and its later political culture?
For more information on upcoming talks and events at the Shrine visit shrine.org.au/bookings
Recorded Tuesday 30 May 2017.
In 1917, Robert Grieve was awarded the highest military honour, the Victoria Cross (VC) medal, for knocking out a machine gun post concealed in a concrete pill-box during the Battle of Messines. Unusual for a VC award, Grieve’s actions were reported by two non-commissioned officers. Hear Philip Powell discuss his research on Grieve and the broader implications of the Battle of Messines on Monash’s 3rd Division.
Grieve’s VC is currently on display in the Shrine’s Galleries of Remembrance. It will be moving to the Australian War Memorial, Canberra in early July where it will be displayed for six months before returning to the Shrine in late 2017.
Presenter: Neil Sharkey
Recorded 11 April 2017
The battles at Bullecourt in April and May 1917 were an unmitigated disaster. Marred by poor planning and disastrous mechanical failures, the battles resulted in more than 10,000 casualties and over 1,000 Australians taken prisoner. Neil Sharkey, Shrine Curator, explores the circumstances which led to this hollo victory on the Hindenburg Line.
Recorded Friday 7 April 2017.
The Soldiers' XIexplores conflicts in Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan from the unique perspective of cricket. SGT H has played cricket on eleven deployments with the Australian Army: to maintain team resilience, to build rapport with locals, and to de-stress after combat. Cricket once even brought together allies and enemy. Eleven bats each tell a story about war in the twenty-first century.
The Soldiers' XIwill be on display at the Shrine of Remembrance until March 2018. For more information visit the Shrine website.
Recorded Thursday 6 April 2017
During the Second World War, heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (II) protected our nation’s borders, trawled the Atlantic for German battleships and served alongside US forces in the Pacific where she survived both the Battle of Coral Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. She withstood mutiny, the first on an Australian war ship and multiple kamikaze attacks. Join journalist and author Mike Carlton as he delves into the intriguing history of the last ship to bear Australia’s name.
For more information on upcoming talks and events, visit the Shrine website.
Recorded 23 March 2017
For 44 Days in March and April 1942, RAAF Squadron stood alone in Port Moresby between the invading Japanese forces and Australia. By the time relief arrived, the squadron had almost been wiped out. Join author and broadcaster Michael Veitch, as he explores the little-known story of these young recruits and their Kittyhawks.
For more information on upcoming talks and events at the Shrine, visit our website.
Recorded Tuesday 28 March 2017
Panelists:
Sergeant David Robertson, recipient of the Medal for Gallantry, was deployed twice to Afghanistan and currently serves as an instructor at Puckapunyal. He now wants to help the community better understand the Afghanistan conflict and how it affected the soldiers who served there.
Dr Steven Cooke, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Heritage, is the Course Director of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies Programs at Deakin University.
Alistair Gee, Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for Economics and Peace, an international think tank dedicated to building a greater understanding of the interconnection between business, peace and economics.
Jean McAuslan, Director Access and Learning at the Shrine of Remembrance, has led the development of extensive exhibition spaces beneath the Shrine, including a Peace Gallery, which opened in late 2014.
Does better understanding the mistakes of our past encourage us to build a peaceful future?
The Shrine was created to ensure that the sacrifices of Victorians during the First World War would never be lost on future generations. It has also served as a place of public and private remembrance for all conflicts since. The Shrine is not simply a monument to loss or a place to reflect on our history as a nation—it also provides a space to analyse the events, motivations and consequences of conflict. It encourages us to look forward.
The United Nations, NGOs and visionary individuals are all working towards eliminating world conflict and providing aid to people touched by war. The Shrine has taken some exciting steps in recent years to highlight these efforts, including the development of a dedicated Peace Gallery. But can war memorials play a larger role in fostering reconciliation? Are we doing all that we can to encourage the community to think critically about the choices before us?
Join a panel comprising a young veteran, an academic, a peace theorist and a curator to explore these questions.
Dr Amanda Laugesen
Recorded Friday 10 March 2017 at the Kerang RSL
Language provides a fascinating way of approaching and understanding the Australian experience of the First World War, a war like nothing that had come before. Technological innovations generated a new language and slang helped those who fought make sense of their experiences. Join Dr Amanda Laugesen as she explores the language and slang of Australian soldiers during the war.
For more information on upcoming talks and event, visit the Shrine website.
Dr Richard Trembath
Recorded Tuesday 7 March 2017
Established in the 1980s, the Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) differ in many ways from the rest of the Army Reserve. First, their area of operation is vast: NORFORCE, the most famous regiment, covers all of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. Second, their activities include military surveillance, border protection and detection of environmental threats. Third, they have a high level of Indigenous membership with Indigenous servicemen accounting for over 30 per cent of NORFORCE. Richard discusses the value placed by Indigenous soldiers on their participation in the RFSUs, what this means for Australian defence policies and its influence on the reconciliation process in Australia.
For more information on talks and events, visit our website.
Saturday 11 February - Havala Laula, Bill Stuart and David Howell
Throughout the fighting on the Kokoda Track, Papua New Guineans were at the forefront of the campaign. Not only did they carry over the much needed supplies for Australian soldiers but they also carried the wounded to safety, earning the name Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. In addition, many Papuan New Guineans served as soldiers, policeman and coast watchers. Join Kokoda historian David Howell in conversation with special guests: Kokoda veteran Bill Stuart of the 39th Battalion and Havala Laula, from the village of Kagi, the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel.
Visit our website for more information on talks and events at the Shrine.
2016 marked the 15th anniversary of the commencement of the war in Afghanistan, Australia’s longest war. Join writer and director Victoria Midwinter-Pitt as she discusses the making of her latest documentary, Afghanistan: Inside Australia’s War. This remarkable project involved over 500 frank and moving interviews with service personnel and politicians. In this talk, Victoria shares her inspiration behind the project and the process of interviewing service men and women on their wartime experiences.
According to London’s Times, Melbourne-born Paul Brickhill, spitfire pilot and Stalag Luft 3 prisoner, ‘set a standard in the telling of popular war stories which has never been surpassed’. His books about escaping Nazis, about boldly busting their dams, and about legless fighter pilot Douglas Bader became bestsellers, while the movies based on them are classics. Hear award-winning writer Stephen Dando-Collins, author of The Hero Maker, reveal Brickhill’s monumental struggle s to overcome personal and professional obstacles to tell his gripping true stories about men at war.
Visit shrine.org.au/Whats-On/Talks-and-Events for information on upcoming talks at the Shrine.
Jeannine Baker reveals the little-known stories of the trailblazing women journalists who have reported on war. Since Agnes Macready travelled to South Africa in 1900 to write about the Boer War for the Catholic Press, Australian women have fought for the right to cover conflict. In 1914, Louise Mack defied the orders of Lord Kitchener to travel to Belgium, where she witnessed the fall of Antwerp. Katharine Susannah Pritchard reported from close to the front at Wimeraux. These pioneers of war reporting carved a path or new generations of female foreign correspondents who have built upon their legacy.
This talk was recorded at the Bendigo RSL on Tuesday 25 October 2016.
For more information on talks and other events at the Shrine, visit shrine.org.au/Whats-On.
Even as the guns fell silent over the battlefields in Europe in 1918, Australia’s military leaders were planning to commemorate pivotal Australian victories through a series of monuments on the Western Front. In Australia too, communities motivated by loss, grief and a determination to never forget the cost to a generation, erected hundreds of war memorials across the land. This talk explores the motives for commemoration—victory, honour and remembrance—through a range of key monuments to Australia’s service men and women.
Recorded 9 November 2016.
Over 65,000 Australians have served in more than 50 United Nations and other multilateral international peace operations since 1947. While many peacekeepers feel their contribution is important and rewarding, the capacity for some to develop mental illness after their service is well documented—often for reasons different than those found in combat operations. This talk explores the unique characteristics and stressors of peace operations, and their potential psychological impacts on veterans and their families.
Recorded 14 September 2016.
Presenter: Susan Gordon-Brown
23 August 2016
Susan Gordon-Brown spent three years photographing and interviewing Australia’s Vietnam veterans, learning about their military training, their experiences in Vietnam, and their lives after the war. In this floor talk, Susan discusses her motivation for compiling the exhibition, the process of interviewing the veterans, and insights gained through the project.
Behind the Wire is on display in the Shrine Visitor Centre until 23 October 2016. More information on Behind the Wire and our other special exhibitions can be found on our website.
Wednesday 10 August 2016
Senior Historian at the Australian War Memorial, Peter Burness, discusses his new research on Charles Bean’s Western Front diaries. Peter talks about these remarkably candid diaries and what they reveal about Bean, who was Australia’s official war correspondent throughout the First World War. Bean’s position took him to London, the Salisbury Plains and every important Australian battlefield in France and Belgium. Mixing with all ranks, Bean sheltered in the trenches under enemy shell-fire or took up vantage points from which to gain unique perspectives on the enormity of the actions. Most importantly, he always kept a focus on the ordinary soldier.
This talk was recorded at the Gold Museum in Ballarat as part of the Shrine's regional lecture series.
Visit our website for more information on upcoming talks and events at the Shrine.
Sunday 14 August 2016
Jean McAuslan, Director of Exhibitions and Collections at the Shrine of Remembrance, is joined by Vietnam veterans Paul Penno, Nicholas LeRay-Meyer and Jan McCarthy to discuss the experiences of Australian service men and women in Vietnam. The panel cover topics such as the role played by nurses and medical staff, experiences of National Servicemen, the RAAF and their own personal reflections upon the war.
Speaker: Ian McDougall
Sunday 31 July 2016
In late 2014, the Shrine unveiled the new Galleries of Remembrance and Education Centre. Australia’s history of military service in peacekeeping and war has been incorporated throughout the design and symbology of these new spaces. Join award winning architect and Founding Director of ARM Architecture, Ian McDougall, for a special talk on his involvement in this project and the inspiration behind features including the zig zag courtyards and the use of colour throughout.
Speaker: Dave Sabben MG
Join 6RAR Platoon Commander Dave Sabben as he discusses his experiences at Long Tan where 108 Australian servicemen fought off 1,500-2,500 Viet Cong. Dave was called up in 1665, aged 20, for the first intake of Australia’s National Service scheme. He served with 6RAR first tour and was awarded a Mentioned in Despatches, which was later upgraded to a Medal for Gallantry (MG) for his service in the battle. His illustrated presentation will encompass the prelude to the battle, the tactics used, the armour and chopper support, and the aftermath.
Speakers: Emeritus Professor David Horner AM and Ted Blamey
Date: 26 July 2016
Detractors describe him as ruthless, self-seeking and egotistical and point to personal scandals, and the damaged careers of the many capable soldiers who stood in his way. Supporters speak of a man who understood, better than any other Australian leader, the wider nature of war—the political implications of action and inaction, the importance of sea and air power, of logistics, intelligence, and troop training. This exhibition will tell his story and let visitors make up their own mind.
Australia's Field Marshal: Sir Thomas Blamey will be on display in the Galleries of Remembrance until mid 2017. Open daily 10am to 5pm, last entry to the Galleries at 4.30pm.
Dr Ross McMullin, Christopher Wray and Neil Sharkey
Friday 22 July 2016
July and August mark the centenary of the actions at Fromelles and Pozières on the Western Front. These two battles engaged all Australian Divisions on active service and resulted in staggering casualties, over 5,500 at Fromelles and over 23,000 at Pozières. Join historians and authors Dr Ross McMullin and Christopher Wray in discussion with Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey as they compare these two extraordinary battles.
Presenter: Dr Adrian Threlfall
Tuesday 03 May 2016
75 years ago this month, members of the Australian 6thDivisionfought a ferocious battle against elite German paratrooperson theisland of Crete. Having been evacuated from Greece onlyweeksearlier the Australians and New Zealanders were poorly armedandhad no air support but their resistance, althoughultimatelyunsuccessful, would decimate the German airborne forces.Join DrAdrian Threlfall, military historian and lecturer, inexploringthis fascinating tale.
Thursday 07 April 2016
Presenter: Shrine Trustee Colonel John Wertheimer AM RFD
1966 was the year that Australia sent a Task Force to Vietnam, the year the first National Servicemen served in the war, and the year of the battle of Long Tan. Australia felt the heart of the Cold War and the throes of a youth revolution, in the year the first baby boomers came of age. Fifty years on, this exhibition tells the story of a year that changed Australia and the world.
The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm and will be on display until July 2017.
Wednesday 20 April 2016
Presenter: Dr David Holloway
The 4th Light Horse Regiment was Australia’s only unit to fight on all three fronts during the First World War. They served dismounted at Gallipoli before being divided between France and Palestine. Their legendary attack at Beersheba on 31 October 1917 saw the Regiment, armed only with bayonets, capture enemy trenches at the gallop.
Tuesday 5 April
Presenter: Ross McMullin
Ross McMullin’s presentation illuminates the life, creativity and humour of the conspicuously talented, remarkably versatile and internationally acclaimed Ballarat-born artist-writer Will Dyson, who depicted Australian soldiers with profound empathy and sympathy as our first official war artist. Dyson drew endurance and resilience, grit and grief.
Sunday 10 April 2016
Presenters: Jack Caple, Ron Williamson, Bob Semple, and Heather MacFarlane
Meet veterans Jack Caple, Ron Williamson and Bob Semple some of the few surviving Rats of Tobruk in conversation with Heather MacFarlane. Hear about their battle experiences, living conditions and the camaraderie which was shared by the Rats during the long siege of 1941. This mateship continues today in the Rats of Tobruk Association, supported by a broad network of friends honouring their efforts and contribution. This talk preceded the Siege of Tobruk 75th Anniversary Commemoration with the Rats of Tobruk Association and the 2/4th Australian General Hospital Association.
Wednesday 9 March 2016 - Peter FitzSimons AM
On 19 July 1916, 7,000 Australian soldiers – in the first major action of the AIF on the Western Front – attacked entrenched German positions at Fromelles in northern France. By the next day, there were over 5,500 casualties, including nearly 2,000 dead. Yet the sad truth is that, nearly a century on from those battles, Australians know only a fraction of what occurred. With his extraordinary vigour and commitment to research, Peter FitzSimons shows why this is a story about which all Australians can be proud. And Angry.
Wednesday 24 February 2016
Jeff Maynard
A mystic explorer, George Hubert Wilkins, was appointed the official photographer under Charles Bean at the Western Front during WWI. Author Jeff Maynard discovered Wilkins’ lost records in the USA in 2014 and uses them to illustrate the remarkable story of the man who put a face to the Anzac legend. Peter Wolfenden also provides a demonstration of a 1912 Thornton Pickard full plate camera similar to the one used by George Wilkins and Frank Hurley on the Western Front.
Friday 19 February 2016
John Thompson-Gray
Drawing on five years of research and interviews with centenarian airmen, Cambridge scholar and author John Thompson-Gray reveals untold stories of love, luck and grand larceny during the strafing at Broome in 1942. Discover the truth behind the disappearance of 30,000 Amsterdam diamonds from a plane shot down near Broome on 3 March 1942, a mystery which has baffled historians for decades. This talk followed the Darwin Defenders commemorative service.
Thursday 21 January 2016 - Kerryn Taylor
Wish You Were Here: Textile Artists Honour a Century of Service is on loan to the Shrine courtesy of the Wangaratta Textile Association. Join contributing artist Kerryn Taylor as she shares the origins of the exhibition. Learn more about the themes behind the works and discover the family stories hidden within the threads.
A special presentation by Leslie Bunn Glover ('Bunny") as part of the Sandakan Mebourne Cup display at the Shrine of Remembrance during this year's Spring Racing Carnival. Commemorating the 2,500 Australian and British men who dies as prisoners of the Japanese on Borneo. The Sandakan Cup (1942) and the Emirates Melbourne Cup (2015) were featured on stage during the program.
In May 1942, Bunny was among hundreds of Australian prisoners moved to a forced-labour camps at Sandakan, Borneo, after the fall of Singapore. Happy memories of his time in captivity are few but a clear example is the running of the Sandakan Melbourne Cup in November 1942.
Jim Claven MA, Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, will recount the often forgotten role that the Greek Island of Lemnos played in the Gallipoli campaign. Lemnos was the forward base for the campaign and the location of soldiers’ rest camps and field hospitals. There were 148 diggers buried amongst the over 1,200 other Allied graves on the island. Lemnos is also the location for the armistice which ended the First World War in the East.
Lambis Englezos AM discusses the search for the missing men of the Battle of Fromelles. A team’s tireless search and advocacy over many years led to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since First World War. This search has led to the creation of the first new Commonwealth War Cemetery since World War II and has connected hundreds of families with their military heritage.
This recording is part of the Shrine of Remembrance Regional Lecture series. The lecture was held on Monday 14 September 2015 at Ararat Regional Art Gallery, Ararat, Victoria, Australia.
Wednesday 3 Jun, 12.30pm Dr Michael Lawriwsky
At Courtney’s Post on the Turkish Gallipoli Peninsula in May 1915 Albert Jacka was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery. He was Australia’s first recipient of the award during the First World War and soon became one of Australia’s most well-known soldiers. Join Michael Lawriwsky, author of Hard Jacka and Return of the Gallipoli Legend, as he discusses Albert Jacka’s brave actions.
Tuesday 19 May, 12.30 Dr Michael Lawriwsky
Gallipoli, most well-known for the landing on Anzac day, was also a place where our ANZACs distinguished themselves. 10 Victoria Crosses alone were awarded to the Australian and New Zealanders in the 8 months that the ANZACs were on the peninsula. Dr Lawriwsky, author of Hard Jacka and Return of the Gallipoli Legend: Jacka VC, joins us to discuss the Gallipoli VCs on 100th anniversary. The 19th of May was the day that first VC was awarded to Albert Jacka VC.
Friday 8 May 2015 - Christopher Wray
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Second Battle of Krithia, Christopher Wray will speak on the events of the fateful afternoon of 8 May, 1915. The 2nd (Victorian) Brigade commanded by Sir James McCay took part in the final attempt to reach and break through the Turkish lines at the village of Krithia, 4 miles north of Capes Helles. Christopher, author of Sir James Whiteside McCay: A Turbulent Life, will discuss the devastating battle where McCay’s brigade lost nearly a third of its strength.
Wednesday 6 May - Panel Discussion in partnership with the University of Melbourne
The Anzac battlefield: landscape of war and memory, a major archaeological survey of the Gallipoli battlefields on display at the Shrine from 14 April 2015 - 31 August 2015, reveals the brutal realities of daily life in the trenches for both the allied and Turkish sides. This discussion explores what the survey reveals about the nature of the First World War, the way in which different combatants understood their role and the meaning of the Dardanelles Campaign.
This event is part of the University of Melbourne ANZAC Centenary Lectures, presented in partnership with the Shrine of Remembrance.
Thursday 30 April 2015 Peter Rees
Charles Bean was Australia's greatest and most famous war correspondent. He is the man who told Australia about the horrors of Gallipoli and the Western Front, created the Anzac legend and was central to the creation of the Australian War Memorial. Yet we know so little about the real man. Peter Rees gives us insight into a key figure who helped shape the emerging Australian identity.
Thursday 16 April 2015 Peter FitzSimons
Now approaching it’s centenary, the Gallipoli campaign, commemorated each year on Anzac Day, reverberates with importance as a symbol of what it truly means to be Australian. However, the facts of the battle – which was minor against the scale of the First World War and cost less than a sixth of the Australian deaths on the Western Front – are often forgotten or obscured. Peter FitzSimons, with his trademark vibrancy and expert melding of writing and research, recreates the disaster as experienced by those who endured it or perished in the attempt.
Tuesday 3 March 2015 Dr Bart Ziino
Join Dr Bart Ziino as he examines the private experience of the Great War in Victoria, drawing on personal letters and diaries to tell a story of the war as an individual, familial, and communal trial. Through an examination of anxieties over loved ones at the front, and tensions over who was bearing the greater burden. This talk offers new ways of understanding the costs of the war, the capacities of Victorians to meet and endure its demands, and its increasingly corrosive social effects within their communities.
Wednesday 25 February 2015 - Dr Mark Johnston
Australian soldiers praised stretcher-bearers on every battlefield of both world wars. From the landing at Gallipoli to the last campaigns of 1945, in desert, jungle, mountains and mud, Australian stretcher-bearers routinely risked their lives to save others. To win that praise, all bearers paid a high price. Their job was intensely dangerous and no category of Australian soldiers saw more of war’s suffering. In this talk Dr Mark Johnston, author of a new book on stretcher-bearers, explores their life-saving work.
Wednesday 11 February 2015 - Mr Barrie Cassidy
Barrie Cassidy shares his dad’s experience as a POW for four years in World War II. His father, Private Bill, participated in his first conflict on Crete in May 1941, during the largest parachute invasion in wartime history. Just four days later, he was wounded and taken prisoner. Join us as Barrie shares of his father’s escape attempts with horrific consequences, the courageous support from fellow prisoners and the return home to his new wife, Myra.
Thursday 6 November 2014 - Bob Semple and Ron Williamson
Meet our Rats of Tobruk, Ron Williamson and Bob Semple, as they share their recollections of the siege of Tobruk 73 years ago. Hear about their battle experiences, living conditions and the camaraderie which was shared by the Rats, as they were to be forevermore named. This mateship continues today in the Rats of Tobruk Association, supported by a broad network of friends honouring their efforts and contribution.
Wednesday 1 October 2014
Dr Mark Johnston
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings on 6 June 1944, Dr Mark Johnston discusses the largest seaborne invasion in history. Involving more than 150,000 Allied troops, including 3,000 Australians, the invasion of Normandy began the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe and contributed significantly to Allied victory in the Second World War. General Rommel, commanding German forces in France, prophesied that the day of the invasion would be ‘the longest day’, and as this talk will reveal, it was indeed a day of great stress, conflict and achievement.
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Professor Bruce Scates, Dr Michael McKernan and His Excellency Jean-Luc Bodson
Two of Australia’s renowned military historians will be joined by the Ambassador to Belgium to discuss the outbreak of the First World War which, in its time, was considered to be the war to end all wars. Not only focusing on the Australian perspective and contribution, this talk will provide an international perspective to the War which so many felt the cost of.
Tuesday 16 September 2014 - Mr Tim Smith
One hundred years ago at the outbreak of the First World War, Australia had the most technologically potent submarine capability in the southern hemisphere: the E-class submarines. Tragically in September 1914 AE1 went down with all hands. AE2 rallied and led the charge to be the first submarine in history to penetrate the Dardanelles military defences in Turkey on 25 April 1915. Join maritime archaeologist and Executive Director of Heritage Victoria, Tim Smith, as he presents an illustrated talk on the fate of these submarines and their legacy.
Thursday 19 June 2014 - Mr Tim Whitford
Join Tim Whitford, Shrine of Remembrance Education Officer,
as he discusses the search for the missing men of the Battle of
Fromelles. Tim’s tireless search and advocacy over many years led
to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since the
First World War. This search has led to the creation of the first new
Commonwealth War Cemetery since the Second World War and
has connected hundreds of families with their military heritage.
Tuesday 20 May 2014 - Mr Patrick Lindsay
The Anzac spirit forms the bedrock of the Australian and New Zealand national characters. It was forged from a mateship which grew into something greater than the shared experiences of brothers-in-arms.
The Gallipoli Campaign was a kind of crusade and a national rite of passage for three of the countries involved: Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. Each emerged from the devastating losses with an enhanced international reputation and its image clarified in its national consciousness.
Patrick Lindsay is one of Australia’s leading non-fiction authors. He spent 25 years as a journalist and TV presenter before he began writing full-time in 2001.
Since then he has written 20 books, including the best-sellers, The Spirit of Kokoda, The Spirit of The Digger, The Spirit of Gallipoli, Fromelles, Our Darkest Day, Cosgrove …Portrait of a Leader, The Coast Watchers and True Blue.
Much of his work explores the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that makes up what it means to be an Australian. He sees the Anzac Spirit as a key piece of the puzzle.
Wednesday 30 April - Professor Joan Beaumont
For many Australians the First World War is the event that defined our nation; larrikin diggers, trench warfare, and the landing at Gallipoli have become part of the Anzac Legend. But it was also the families at home which made the war effort possible with their resilience in the face of hardship, a stoic acceptance of enormous casualty lists and the belief that their cause was just. Join Joan Beaumont, internationally recognised historian and author of Broken Nation, as she brings these war years to life.
Tuesday 15 April 2014 - Susanna de Vries
Join us for this compelling lecture recounting the lives of eight remarkable nurses whose resilience, courage and skill took them from Australia to Gallipoli, Lemnos and the Western Front. These women, represented in Susanna de Vries’ reprinted publication, Australian Heroines of World War One, had the courage and strength for which the Anzacs are renowned and the compassion and tenderness that only a woman can bring.
Tuesday 8 April 2014 - Ashley Ekins
As another ANZAC Day approaches, the story of the Gallipoli landing and the eight month long campaign that followed will be retold. Most accounts will dwell on stories of the Anzac spirit: reckless courage, endurance, humour in adversity and above all, mateship. Yet how well do we Australians actually know the history of Gallipoli that has become a central part of our national foundation story? The Gallipoli story, especially as it is widely understood, is riddled with paradoxes and misconceptions. I this talk, Ashley Ekins will bring fresh findings and some revealing observations to these important issues.
Wednesday 2 April 2014 - David Howell and Reg Yates
Following a telegram from Britain a few days after the outbreak of war in 1914, the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) captured the German wireless station at Bita Paka in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. The Shrine’s David Howell will be joined by Reg Yates who recently uncovered the original foundations of this wireless station. Together, they discuss this important but little known campaign of the First World War.
27 March 2014 - Chris Masters
Discussing his publication, Uncommon Soldier, Chris Masters, one of Australia’s foremost investigative journalists, turns his attention to the modern Australian soldier. Moving away from our ongoing fascination with Anzac story, he looks at the rich and illuminating present to write a character study of the modern Australian soldier—war fighter, peacekeeper, street-level diplomat, and aid worker.
Having been taken into their ranks in a way rarely before afforded an outsider, Masters gives heart and shape to the contemporary digger: how they are selected, how they are led, and how they are transformed from civilians to disciplined professional soldiers.
And in asking if they are unique, he examines what it is that allows these young Australians to lend moral authority to communities teetering on the precipice of violence in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
25 March 2014 - Professor Bruce Scates
In the lead up to the Centenary of the Great War, the Australian and New Zealand governments will embark on a great initiative, one destined to change the way that conflict is remembered. ‘Project Albany’ will involve the digitisation of tens of thousands of repatriation files, charting what happened to the diggers who came home. What became of the casualties of war: the gassed, the blind, the crippled, the insane? Who cared for them? How did they cope with the trauma of war? And did Australian servicemen and women return to the ‘Land Fit for Heroes’ they were promised? The digitisation of service records will open a new chapter in our understanding of war. Thousands of Australians, young and old, have consulted War Service Dossiers on the National Archives Website but this new resource will enable families to chart the life of a relative through the post war period – and to see his battle didn’t end when the guns stopped firing.
Join historian Professor Bruce Scates on a journey through one of the richest historical records available for World War One. Professor Scates leads the 100 Stories Project at Monash University. He wrote the history of the Shrine, A Place to Remember, and is currently researching the history of Soldier Settlement and the history of Anzac Day. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the National Archives of Australia.
Dr Heather Sheard- 19 March 2014
By 1914, a small number of determined women had been graduating from the Melbourne Medical School for 23 years and there were almost 130 women registered as medical practitioners in Australia. From the declaration of war in August 1914, the male medical fraternity enlisted enthusiastically across the country and women doctors were just as keen to offer their skills and experience.
Their attempts to enlist, however, were met with firm rebuttals by military authorities in Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada and America. This lecture narrates the little known story of the more than twenty Australian women who sidestepped the barriers to work as surgeons and medical officers on the battlefields of France, Serbia and Galicia and military hospitals in Britain.
Thursday 13 March 2014 - Dr Kathryn Spurling
Boxing Day 1944, six Australians aged between 20 and 25 should have been standing in an Aussie backyard drinking a cold beer and burning sausages on the barbeque. Instead these young men were at RAF Binbrook being briefed for an operation to bomb rail yards at Cologne, an operation from which they did not return. By war’s end, thousands of Australian aircrew would lie in European cemeteries or would never be found. Join Dr Kathryn Spurling as she discusses the service and sacrifice of these men which has resonated for generations.
Professor William Logan - 18 February 2014
Most cultural heritage is difficult to protect and with Australia’s war heritage lying mostly overseas, the conservation and management of significant sites and related artefacts is even more difficult. Using illustrated examples from both World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam War, this lecture discusses the delicate international negotiations which have enabled this heritage to be recognised and protected for current and future Australians.
4 March 2014 - Helen Raw and Avis Quarrell
The involvement and role of Australian women in wartime is many and varied. Come and listen to two Australian women share their story. Helen was ten year’s old when the Second World War was declared and one after the other her four brothers enlisted to serve. Helen was one of the many who sent comfort packs and helped with raising funds for the war effort. At the same time a young twenty year old Avis was learning many new jobs as part of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS).
Dr Jennifer Lawless - 27 February 2014
Despite the focus on the Gallipoli campaign, little is known about the experiences of the Australians who were captured and imprisoned in Turkey. Based on ten years of research in the Australian, British and Turkish archives, this presentation examines the identity of these men and their various experiences in Turkey whilst challenging some of the myths that developed.
Tim Whitford - Thursday 13 March 2014
In March 1942, Australia was on its knees. The Japanese were swarming southward, Darwin had been bombed, and the vast majority of Australia’s best troops were overseas fighting the Germans. Fear of invasion was very real…
Then ships arrived at Port Melbourne bringing the first of hundreds of thousands of American troops to Victoria. It was a friendly invasion. They arrived like the cavalry in the old Hollywood western movies; “Just in the nick of time”. The “Yanks” came to train to fight the Japanese. They brought with them a boiling desire to “avenge Pearl Harbour” but also new things like swing music, coca cola, nylon stockings, and a whole different version of the English language. They even brought their own serial killer. The “G.I.’s” hated our food, were puzzled by our language and money, but loved our people.
Join The Shrine’s Tim Whitford as he explores the impact the fresh faced “Yanks” had on the “Home Front” in Victoria and the lasting effects Victoria had on them.
Ross Coulthart
As an investigative reporter for the Seven Network's Sunday Night program, Ross Coulthart was part of a team that discovered a massive collection of thousands of First World War glass plate photographic negatives, which had lain hidden in a French farmhouse attic for nearly 100 years. The stories behind some of these pictures formed the basis of Ross' best-selling book, The Lost Diggers. Join Ross for a glimpse into the lives of these men whose stories have been brought to life in the light of this remarkable discovery.
Chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence AO (Retd), Veterans, Peter Isaacson, Jack Bell and Maurice O'Keefe
Join us for a special panel discussion on the experiences of Bomber Command members during the Second World War. Chaired by Shrine of Remembrance Chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence AO (Rtd), the discussion will explore the experiences of a number of veterans, including Shrine Life Governor, Wing Commander Peter Isaacson AM, DFC, AFC, DFM and provide insight into the service of the more than 10,000 Australians who served with RAF Bomber Command.
Peter Rees
More than 10,000 young Australians served in Bomber Command during the Second World War, flying raid after raid over Europe knowing the odds were against them. More than a third died in the air.
In his new book, Lancaster Men: The Aussie Heroes of Bomber Command, Peter Rees describes the bravery shown, which he claims has never truly been recognised.
Ted Graham AM and Kim Kirsner
In 2008 the finding of HMAS Sydney, sunk by the German Raider HSK Kormoran on 19 November 1941, touched the heart of the nation and brought a measure of peace to the families of the 645 Sydney men who were killed. This talk tells of the Finding Sydney Foundation (FSF), from its inception to success, and the research that predicted the position of the raider Kormoran and provided accurate and efficient search boxes for both wrecks.
Michael McKernan- Wednesday 16 October 2013
Join Michael McKernan, a historian working in the field of Australian social and military history, to hear of his most recent project which focuses on the history of Victoria in the First World War, commissioned by the State Library of Victoria. Learn about how the State of Victoria adapted to the rapidly changing nature of life, as men and women committed themselves to seeing through the war.
Thursday 10 October 2013 - Graham Wilson
One of the most well-known actions involving the AIF during the First World War is the so-called “Battle of the Nek”. Unlike much larger actions involving the AIF later in the war, the action at The Nek is fairly well-known to the average Australian with any sort of an interest in Australian military history. Not the least of these reasons is that the charge of the 8th and 10th Light Horse Regiments features as the climax of Peter Weir’s 1981 film Gallipoli, starring a young Mel Gibson alongside Mark Lee. Gallipoli repeats a number of myths associated with the battle, including the well-known “fact” that one of the reasons for the bloody failure of the assault was that there had been a deadly seven minute delay between the end of the preparatory bombardment and the launching of the first assault wave. This deadly hiatus, we are told, gave the Ottoman defenders more than enough time to re-man their trenches and lay in wait for the doomed Australians. While this is the accepted story, however, dating back to the first publication of the relevant Official History volume in 1924, the facts, as revealed by the contemporary records―made at the time and on the spot―show the deadly delay to be non-existent. My talk with discuss and demonstrate this.
Rosebud Regional Lecture- Michael Veitch Tuesday 24 September 2013
Over the course of three years and two books, author, broadcaster and performer Michael Veitch sought out and interviewed over sixty former airmen of Second World War and recorded, largely for the first time, their stories of flying, combat and survival.
As Michael soon discovered, every man who flew in combat in Second World War has at least one extraordinary story to tell. Stories such as that of Lancaster pilot Bruce Clifton, shot down after a navigational error led he and his crew astray over neutral Sweden. His aircraft exploded in a massive fireball and Bruce was blown mid-air but remained totally unharmed and parachuted to safety.
Or Barney Barnett, Hurricane pilot pounced on by Japanese Zero fighters while on escort duty over Burma. Barney bailed out but was forced to elude the searching Japanese for days, hiding for his life amid the mangroves until a chance reunion with an outpost of the Indian army saved his life.
Michael Veitch will be speaking about some of these remarkable men, their stories, and the privilege he felt at being the receptacle of such priceless information.
The Hon. Ted Baillieu, Professor Robin Gerster, Professor Rae Francis and Professor Bruce Scates - Thursday 26 September 2013
Australians have been making pilgrimages to the battlefields and cemeteries of the Second World War since the 1940s. From the jungles of New Guinea and South-East Asia to the mountains of Greece and the deserts of North Africa, they travel in search of the stories of lost loved ones, to mourn the dead and to come to grips with the past. A team of researchers from Monash University retrace the history of these pilgrimages and see how HMAS Sydney, Bomber Command and the historic battles of the 2nd AIF have loaned new life to the Anzac legend.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence, Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley, Wing Command Peter Isaacson - 4 October 2013
Air Force Bomber Command implemented Britain’s strategic bombing campaign against Germany and German allies during the Second World War (1939 - 45). Over 10,000 Australians served, flying raid after raid over Europe alongside servicemen across the Commonwealth.
Bomber Command aircrews suffered extraordinarily high casualties; German air defences were strong and Luftwaffe pilots and aircraft proved highly formidable opponents. This Shrine exhibition tells the story of the Australian airmen who, whilst amounting to less than 2 percent of Australia’s Second World War enlistments, accounted for almost 20 percent of Australian combat deaths.
Australian Nurses of 1915 - 12 September 2013, Katrina Hedditch
The history of Australian nurses during 1915 in Egypt, on hospital ships at Gallipoli and under canvas on Lemnos Island, was forgotten for two generations despite being one of the dramatic epics of the First World War. A handful of brave women sailed to Anzac Cove for the Landing on April 25, and following the August Offensive another 130 nurses, a quarter of them from Victoria, arrived on Lemnos where they found hundreds of wounded men lying on a rocky hillside without equipment, food or water. Some nurses carried grief for brothers, cousins and friends killed and maimed on the peninsula and most were laid low by disease but they worked valiantly to save the shattered young Anzacs they called ‘our boys’. During their tour of duty, the nurses drew on deep reserves of training and discipline, courage and fortitude to alleviate suffering and bring order out of chaos. Their story is a tale of the power of the human spirit as well as an important chapter in the Anzac tradition.
Wednesday 21 August 2013 - Aaron Pegram
3,848 Australians were captured by the Germans during the First World War. Instead of dwelling on the personal, subjective nature of captivity, this talk looks at the value of Australian prisoners as intelligence sources for the German Army. Hear about German interrogation methods, AIF counter-intelligence training and the experiences of Australian prisoners, including the stories of two Australian soldiers who willingly disclosed information about the AIF and its operations.
Wednesday 14 August 2013 - Gary Barker
Join the Chief Executive of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum to hear about how, over a 20 year period, a Land Rover and trailer evolved to become a National Museum and the spiritual home of Vietnam veterans. The National Vietnam Veterans Museum tells a story about the people involved throughout a divisive era of Australian society.
Wednesday 7 August- Dr Rosalie Triolo
The School Paper was compulsory reading for decades of Victorian state school children. During the First World War, almost all articles either told teachers and children exactly what was expected of them to help win the war, or subtly conveyed the same messages through stories, poems, songs and pictures. This presentation will discuss the power and enduring consequences of such wartime readings.
Tuesday 23 July 2013- Dr David Holloway
Dr David Holloway, author of Endure and Fight: A History of the 4th Light Horse Regiment, will follow the regiment across all three major fronts involving Australian troops in the First World War: from Melbourne to Gallipoli, to the Western Front and Palestine. This story is replete with tales of individual soldiers, many from Mildura and surrounding district.
Helen Stitt - Wednesday 10 July 2013
This illustrated talk will reveal some moving tales of the active involvement of the RACV in supporting the Australian military. Beginning in 1908 with the initiative of Automobile Club of Victoria Foundation Member, Colonel Harley Tarrant, the RACV’s involvement has included novel fundraising motor gymkhanas, the promotion of alternative fuels during petrol rationing and since the 1920s, valued contributions to ANZAC Day
Dr Janet Butler 3 July 2013
In July 1915, newly enrolled army nurse Sister Kit McNaughton stepped onto a troopship and embarked on the first stage of her journey to war. In doing so she was stepping out of place, away from the woman’s role of quiet waiting on the home front. That day she would begin a diary that she would continue throughout the First World War. Kit’s diary allows us to see the new experiences of the voyage through her eyes, and reveals how those experiences began to change the way she thought about herself, and her world.
Thursday 20 July 2013. Shepparton Regional Lecture. Tim Whitford and John Gribben
Tim Whitford and John Gribben take their presentation on the road to visit the community of Shepparton. During the Second World War thousands of Prisoners of War, ‘enemy aliens’ and Australians of German, Japanese and Italian descent found themselves imprisoned inside a huge POW/Internment Camp complex in farmland in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. In the years that followed there were murders, escapes, riots and intrigue. There was also much humour, compassion and demonstrations of the better parts of human nature. John and Tim talk about this little-known aspect of Australian History and shine a searchlight on some of the incredible characters in the drama.
Denis Baguley and Ian McDougall- Wednesday 5 June 2013
As Australia approaches the Centenary of Anzac, the Shrine of Remembrance will continue to grow as a place of commemoration and pilgrimage. Underpinned by a history that has shaped the nation, the Shrine and what it stands for in the local and wider community continues to grow. Join the Shrine’s Chief Executive Denis Baguley and architect Ian McDougall from Ashton Raggatt McDougall, for a detailed presentation of how the Galleries of Remembrance will contribute to the ongoing role of the Shrine in the future.
Susan Gordon-Brown
Almost four decades after the Vietnam War, many former service men finally feel comfortable enough about their service in this controversial war to share their stories through the medium of photography and conversation. For many of the veterans, the process of being photographed and of telling their story was an act of catharsis. Join professional photographer Susan Gordon-Brown to hear about the journey made by these remarkable Australians and some of the scars, both physical and mental, which these men still carry.
Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Catherine McCullagh
On 14 May 1943, a brightly lit vessel cruised north, a floating beacon against the blackened sea. Heading for New Guinea to take on casualties at Port Moresby, the 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship Centaur carried a total of 332 passengers: 76 crew and 256 medical staff, including 12 nurses. There was no doubt as to the nature of the target when, at 4.10 am on the morning of 14 May, a torpedo hit the Centaur. Catherine discusses the horrifying attack and the aftermath that ensued.
Tuesday 23 April- Birger Stichelbaut and Jean Bourgeois
The Western Flanders region of the Western Front is indelibly linked with Australians at war and Anzac. Ghent based Belgian researchers, Birger Stichelbaut and Jean Bourgeois will talk about the application of large numbers of historical aerial photographs in Great War conflict archaeology. Their research is based on the interpretation and mapping of more than 20,000 unique aerial photographs originating from collections all over the world including Australia. The presentation will provide visual introduction to Great War aerial photography and conflict archaeology in Belgium.
Thursday 18 April 2013- Dr David Holloway
Dr David Holloway, author of Endure and Fight, an History of the 4th Light Horse Regiment, will speak about the regiment, unique in the AIF as the only unit to fight on each of the three major fronts involving Australian troops.
In describing how this came about, Dr Holloway follows the regiment from Melbourne to Gallipoli, it being divided thereafter so that two squadrons went to the Western Front whilst the reinforced remainder served through much of the Palestine campaign, notably at Beersheba and the fall of Damascus.
The story is replete with tales of individual soldiers, many of whom came from Warrnambool and the surrounding district and who will be mentioned during the talk.
Pattie Wright- Ray Parkin was a sailor first and foremost. He then found himself a POW on the Thai Burma railway and in Japan. From those harrowing experiences came the highly regarded wartime trilogy Out of the Smoke, Into the Smother and The Sword and the Blossom.
Pattie Wright, interviewed Ray and accessed his diaries and extensive archive to write his recently published biography, Ray Parkin’s Odyssey. In this lecture Pattie speaks on this chronicler of HMAS Perth, his beloved ship and those who did and did not return.
Tim Whitford and John Gribben-
During the Second World War, thousands of Prisoners of War, ‘enemy aliens’ and Australians of German, Japanese and Italian descent found themselves imprisoned inside a huge POW/Internment Camp complex in farmland in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. In the years that followed there were murders, escapes, riots and intrigue. There was also much humour, compassion and demonstrations of the better parts of human nature. John and Tim talk about this little-known aspect of Australian history and some of the incredible characters in the drama.
Learn about the experiences of prisoners of war and civilian internees in Victoria during the Second World War (1939-45) and discover a little known aspect of Australia’s history. This exhibition explores the impacts on prisoners of war and internees who lived and worked in camps. Between 1939 and 1947 rural Victoria hosted eight internment and prisoner of war camps from the network that was scattered across Australia. The camps operated as communities and incorporated canteens, hospitals, dental and recreational facilities and schools.
By 1947 almost 26,000 prisoners of war and 15,000 internees had experienced the camp system, living in tin huts behind barbed wire. They were known as the ‘enemy’ or ‘enemy aliens’. The notion of nationality became a divisive issue of war on the home front and the experience of internment would have a lasting impact on Australia’s migrant and wider community.
Dr Richard Reid-
Dr Richard Reid from the Department of Veterans Affairs discusses the work currently being done on the Australian Remembrance Trail on the Western Front. The Remembrance Trail has seen the Office of Australian War Graves begin working with local communities and regional authorities to establish improved visitor facilities at former Australian First World War battlefields in Belgium and France. Dr Reid discusses the Trail and what it hopes to achieve for the thousands of Australians who visit annually.
Professor Paul James
Evidence of our commitment to peace is frequently overshadowed by the emphasis given by the media to reports of conflict. What is peace? This talk examines international, national and local efforts that seek to ensure stability and opportunities for creative collaboration in our world. Australia’s role in peacekeeping in recent decades and in international initiatives for peace, contribute to the narrative. Peace cannot be taken for granted, and it seems, demands our eternal vigilance.
Pattie Wright
Many would call these two men heroes and they would be right. Sadly, only one returned. Hec Waller was an RAN Captain and Weary Dunlop, a lieutenant Colonel, a doctor and POW. What are the odds that two of Australia's greatest came from what was then a small town by a river in northwest Victoria? Pattie Wright, author of The Men of the Line and the just published, Ray Parkin's Odyssey, will speak on the history of these two Benalla heroes.
Consul General to Malta, Charles Mifsud
During the two world conflicts, Malta gave its valued part in defeating the enemy. In this context, the connection with ANZACs is hardly ever observed. The connection started in World War I, whereby Malta served as the nurse of the Mediterranean, seeing to injuries of ANZACs and allied soldiers during the Gallipoli Campaign and then continued on until the 1950s.
Mr Tim Whitford and Mr Lambis Engelzos AM
Join Lambis and Tim from the Shrine of Remembrance as they discuss the search for the missing men of the Battle of Fromelles. Lambis and Tim's tireless search and advocacy over many years led to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since World War I. This search has led to the creation of the first new Commonwealth War Cemetary since World War II and has connected hundreds of families with their military hertiage.
Major General John Cantwell
Exit Wounds is the compassionate and deeply human account of one man’s tour of the War on Terror, the moving story of life on a modern battlefield: from the nightmare of cheating death in a minefield, to the poignancy of calling home while under rocket fire in Baghdad, to the utter despair of looking into the face of a dead soldier before sending him home to his mother. He has hidden his post-traumatic stress disorder for decades, fearing it will affect his career.
Colonel Marcus Fielding
Colonel Marcus Fielding will provide a unique and fascinating insight into the significant contribution by the Australian soldiers embeded in various Coalition headquarters. In telling his own story, Fielding provides interesting and fresh perspectives on Australia's involvement.
There have been many books written on Kokoda in the last twenty years and most mention Bert Kienzle in passing. To quote Alan Poweel, author of The Third Force- "No man on the track did more to ensure the Australian victory than Lt. Bert Kienzle." But Bert's story is more than just about wartime Kokoda. From birth to death, his was an extraordinary life.
Mr Leslie Bunn Glover- Leslie Bunn Glover, one of the last men standing of the POWs who survived the atrocities of the Death Camps of Sandakan and Kuching under their japanese Captives, will be sharing his life story. In his recently published memoirs, Leslie aged 92, recalls the horros he faced as a POW slave labourer for the Japanese.
Professor Joy Damousi- A group who are often forgotten in our commemoration of war, mothers gave their sons in large numbers during the Great War. The ways in which mothers mourned, the sacrifices they made and the ways in which the government authorities attempted to publicly recognise their grief will be the subject of this lecture.
David Smith. Documentary film maker Dr David Smith and his father, searchlight operator Gordon Smith of the 67th AASL, visit RAAF Landing Ground Truscott for the 50th Anniversary of the completion of Australia's secret World War II airbase. Truscott was a crucial departure point for heavy bombers making sorties over South East Asia and critical in the defence of Australia following the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
John Hamilton: John's new book, Price of Valour details the life of Hugo Throssell, Victoria Cross recipient. The book was launched by former Prime Minister John Howard at the Shrine of Remembrance on Thursday 23 August 2012.
Terry Smith tells the little known story of the Australia Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). In 1972, 64 Australians, who never numbered more than 30 at any one time, helped to train light infantry battalions of the Cambodian Amy. A total of 13, 6000 officers and men were trained in Phuoc Tuy Province of South Vietnam between January and November 1972.
Patrick Lindsay. Since 2002, Patrick Lindsay has established himself as one of Australia's leading non-fiction authors, having written 17 books. Patrick will explore the Spirit of Kokoda, looking at how it was created on the Kokoda Track in Australia's darkest days in 1942 and why it is still relevant and inspiring Austrailans 70 years on.
Nigel Buesst. No man better personified the archetypal Australian of the early decades of the last century than Albert Jacka. His heroic feats captured the imagination of a generation. Join director Nigel Buesst for this special screening of his documentary on Jacka, the first Australian Victoria Cross recipient of World War I. Please note: this file only includes audio discussion and does not include the documentary.
Dr Peter Pederson. Much has been written, particularly in recent years, about the costly attack at Fromelles on 19 July 1916. If some have called it the forgotten battle, an epithet which was never really merited, they can hardly do so now. This talk will analyse various facets of the planning and execution of the attack and set them within the context of the tactical doctrine that guided the operations of the British Expeditionary Force at the time.
Alasdair McGregor. Arguably best remembered for his photographs of Douglas Mawson and Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expeditions, Frank Hurley was also a renowned war photographer and cine cameraman. He saw service with the AIF from the horrific battles of Flanders in World War I to the Desert Camplaign of North Africa in World War II.
Join the Shrine's Manager of Exhibitions and Collections, Jean McAuslan, on a specual Curator's Tour of the award winning travelling exhibition, 'Indigenous Australians at War: from the Boer War to the present'. Jean will uncover the individual and family stories of service and sacrifice of the First Australians.
Jen Hawksley. Join war historian, Jen Hawksley, from the University of Wollongong, to discuss aspects of her research into Australian parents who were institutionalised after losing thier son/s during the First World War and returned soldiers who were treated in hospitals for shell shock and other war-related psychological conditions. Jen will conceptualise an unprecedented national trauma at the microcosm of the individual patients, their families and the doctors who tried to treat a generation permanently scarred by war.
Peter Rees. By the end of the Great War, forty-five Australian and New Zealand nurses had died on overseas service and over two hundred had been decorated. These were women who left for war on an adventure but were soon confronted with remarkable challenges for which their civilian lives could never have prepared them. Peter Rees takes us into the hospital camps, the wards and the tent surgeries on the edge of some of the most horrific battlefronts of human history.
Join Associate Professor, Glen Stasiuk, from Murdoch University, for the screening and discussion of his documentary 'The Forgotten'. Glen explores the role played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in European and American wars and Australia's peacekeeing missions. These proud 'Black Diggers' have continued a warrior tradition that stems back through the ages. Aboriginal soldiers have replaced the spear with the gun. the kangaroo hide with the khaki uniform, the boomerang with the grenade. They were warriors then and warriors still. Please note this file is audio only and does not include the documentary.
Ross McMullin. Pompey Elliott was a charismatic, controversial and outstandingly successful Australian commander. He was significant in such major battles of the Great War as Fromelles, Polygon Wood and Villers-Brettonneux. An accomplished tactician and remarkably brave, he was renowned for never sending anyone anywhere he was not prepared to go himself. His tempestuousness generated numerous anecdotes that amused his men and disconcerted his superiors. Historian, Ross McMullin, has written an award-winning biography of Pompey Elliott.
An historian from the Sea Power Centre - Australia, discusses the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. That year is remembered in Australia's history as being amongst the darkest days of World War II. Australia's mainland came under attack within months of Japan entering the war. Securing Australia's sea lines of communications was pivotal to keeping Australia in the fight. The Battle of the Coral Sea was one of several important naval battles and the precursor for the Battle of Midway.
Ross McMullin. In evaluating the impact of the Great War, Australians have tended to focus on the collective impact of all the casualties. there has been less focus on the individuals of exceptional talent and potential who did not return. Australians today don't know the stories of these special identities whose loss was a national deprivation. Historian, Ross McMullin, biographer of Pompey Elliott, has been researching Australia's lost generation for his latest book.
Daniel Reynaud joins us from the Avondale College of Higher Education Lake Macquarie, NSW, to discuss the fascinating interacting development of the ANZAC Legend and Australian War Cinema. Associate Professor Reynaud is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Theology and is and authority on ANZAC cinema, having published a number of scholarly articles and a book.
Antonio SagonaDespite the centrality that the Gallipoli peninsula and the 1915 campaign have in the psyche of many Australians, the Battlefield itself has not bee physically studied in great detail. This illustrated lecture will report on the first two seasons of archaeological fieldwork conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the ANZAC Battlefiled. Join Professor Tony Sagona from the University of Melbourne to discuss the discoveries made on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Brian Tate. Born to a samurai clan mother and Australian father, Harry Freame's remarkable life and mysterious death are the stuff of adventure novels. Clipper ship sailor, adventurer, soldier of fortune, crack pistol shot and Gallipoli hero. Following the outbreak of the Second World War and anticipating Japan's inevitable march through the Pacific, Freame was recruited from his apple orchards into the world of mirrors as an undercover agent for the Australian Military Intelligence. Join author Brian Tate as he discusses the amazing and mysterious life of Harry Freame.
When the Chief of British Intelligence told Australia's First Official War Correspondent, CEW Bean in October 1914 that war reporters were a 'dying profession', Bean recorded in his diary that, on the contrary, he thought it was the beginning on a new era. Bean proved prescient. This talk examines how wars have been reported over time, censorship and the ANZAC legend. Dr Fay Anderson from Monash University reveals the challenges, fears, regrets, successes, and personal dangers experienced when reporting war.
Peter Grose. For Australians, wars are fought in that mysterious land called "overseas". Few Australians are aware of the bitter battles on their own soil. There were 97 Japanese air raids on Northern Australia, including Darwin, which remains the worlst single event in Australian history with as many as 300 dead. A midget submarine attack inside Sydney Harbour led to 21 Allied sailors killed. Sydney and Newcastle were shelled. Peter Grose, author of 'An Awkward Truth' and 'A Very Rude Awakening', talks about the only war that is truly ours.
Cameron Forbes. The Korean War had a profound impact on the world and the great ideological confrontation that was the Cold War. It also gave shape to Australia's strategic alliance with the United States and set the pattern for our involvement in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Multi-award winning journalist and author Cameron Forbes will talk both about the giants of history - Mao, Stalin and Truman - and about the marvelous Diggers in an Australian force wich punched above their weight.
Pattie Wright. 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Perth I and USS Houston in the plucky Battle of the Sunda Strait on 1 March 1942. Pattie will discuss the men's attempts to survive, escape and the POW years on the Thai Burma Railway and in Japan.
Anthony Cooper. In 1943, a small band of inexperienced Australian and British fighter pilots fought an ongoing air battle in defence of north western Australia, flying against a formidably skilled and proficient opponent. The air raids on Darwin during 1942-43 constituted the only sustained and intensive direct assault on Australian mainland territory in the whole of World War Two. Anthony Cooper, a Brisbane school teacher and author of Darwin Spitfires tells this little known story, and in so doing, recovers this important aspect of Australian History.
Garth Pratten. The fall of Singapore is widely regarded as one of the allies' greatest military disasters of the Second World War. Central to British strategy in Asia and the Pacific, Singapre was touted as an impregnable fortress, home for a mighty fleet and yet it was conquered by the Japanese in a week. This presentation will examine the reasons for that calamitous defeat and also address some of the many myths that, 70 years later, still bedevil Australia's understanding of it.
Rosalie Triolo. No one emerges unchanged from war and Victoria's First World War teachers were no different. For some, there was no return to the classroom. For those who did reenter the workforce, some battled, briefly or for decades, with physical or psychological challenges. Others, however, managed to salvage something positive from their experiences, finding what their director knew they must find:'some soul of goodness in things evil. Join Monash University historian, Rosalie Triolo, as she follows teachers into very different post war lives.
Ian Pfennigwerth. This year marks the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy. Join naval historian, Ian Pfenningwerth as he discusses the important and often overlooked role of the Navy during the First World War. Hear about the significant role this new Australian fleet had in persuading the German Navy to leave the Pacific.
Panel Discussion. The original purpose of military uniforms was identification but through the years, uniforms have evolved in response to changes in warfare, fashion and technology. Join this panel discussion on the evolution of twentieth century military uniforms, with particular reference to the uniforms featured in the Shrine's anniversary exhibitions, 'Pride of the Nation:Centenary of the Navy' and 'Greece, Crete and Syria' and also the ManStyle lexhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Stephen Dando-Collins. 'Crack hardy' was a saying used in the First World War trenches. It meant 'grin and bear it, put on a brave face'. The Searle boys had to crack hardy as they fought in one gruelling campaign after another. One brother was killed at Gallipoli, another on the Western Front and one came home a decorated hero. Join award winning author Stephen Dando-Collins, the great nephew of the Searle brothers, as he shares his family's story.
Jean McAuslan, Manager of Exhibitions and Collections at the Shrine of Remembrance, will share her insights into her recent tour of First World War (1914-18) sites of commemoration in Gallipoli, Belgium and the Somme Valley. Jean accompanied year 9 and 10 recipients of the 2011 Spirit of ANZAC prize. At Gallipoli they shared the chill conditions experienced by the original ANZACs on 25 April 1915 and the Dawn Service at Villers Brettoneux in France. Jean will speak about the enriching experiences of this special trip in which all learnt under the guidance of Professor Bruce Scates and through the eyes of young Australian secondary students.
Mark Johnston. Australian airmen engaged the Japanese on the first and the last days of the Pacific War, as well as most of those in between. By 1945, the RAAF had grown from a numerically and technologically inferior force to the fourth largest in the world. Using the testimonies of the airmen themselves, Mark Johnston traces the inspiring but bumpy journey of the RAAF in the Pacific from defeat to victory.
Jamie Parsons and Neil Sharkey. In the lead up to the 2011 AFL Grand Final, the Shrine's Manager of Education and Community Programs, Jamie Parsons, and Exhibitions Curator, Neil Sharkey, discuss the intersection of sport and war in Australian society and how both have informed notions of Australian national identity.
Paul Ham. The ten year struggle in the rice paddies and jungles of South Vietnam unleashed the most devastating firepower on the Vietnamese nation and visited terrible harm on civilians and soldiers. Paul Ham is the author of 'Vietnam: The Australian War'. Join him as he reflects on the Australian experience of the war which sealed the fate of 50,000 Australian servicemen and women.
Wain Fimeri. The horrors of the battle of Pozieres were like a stone thrown violently into a pool. The ripples spread outwards from the tiny French village to the homes and hears of those who endured, suffered and lost. After Pozieres, Australia was never the same. Join writer and director Wain Fimeri for a discussion and screening of his one hour special feature 'Pozieres'. Please note, this file only contains audio.
David Howell. Captain 'Uncle" Sam Templeton was amongst the first Australian soldiers to engage with the Japanese in the early stages of the Kokoda campaign. Was he killed in action? Was he captured by the Japanese? Did he provide his captors with misleading information that changed the course of the campaign? Join historian David Howell as he explores the mystery surrounding Sam Templeton's disappearance. David will also be joined by original 39th battalion veterans.
Michael Molkentin. When the First World War began, aeroplanes were barely a decade old. Despite this, Australia was one of just a few nations outside of Europe to establish a military flying school and corps. Join historian Michael Molkentin as he explains how the young volunteers were pioneers in a new dimension of warfare, who struggled to control the skies over the Western Front and Middle East.
Dennis Smith. Join the writer and director of 'Kapyong' and explore one of the most significant battles of the Korean War. This documentary includes archival imagery, maps and film, plus commentary by military historians from both sides of the conflict. Dennis Smith will discuss the research and development of 'Kapyong' as well as screening excerpts of the documentary. Please note this podcast only includes audio.
Documentary Screening
'The Lost Diggers of Fromelles' was screened on national television in the lead up to Anzac Day. The screening at the Shrine included an extended version of this documentary, including additional footage, interviews and a discussion with the makers. This is the behind-the-scenes story of the largest excavation of fallen First World War soldiers in modern times.
Please note, this file only contains audio.
Lambis Englezos AM and Tim Whitford. Take this opportunity to attend the inaugral Shrine regional lecture. Lambis Englezos and Tim Whitford discuss the search for the missing men of Fromelles. Lambis' tireless research led to the discovery of a distinctive medallion at Pheasant Wood. That medallion belonged to Tim Whitford's great uncle and provided the first clue that the burial site had at last been found.