A new year begins

Image courtesy of Kym Wallis

What’s on at the Shrine

New calendar of events to June 2017

Explore the Galleries with our curators, enjoy a garden tour with Devonshire tea, or attend a screening of The Odd Angry Shot (featuring a Director’s Q&A session). In February, we have a unique opportunity to hear the story of a Papua New Guinean who assisted Australians on the Kokoda Track—Havala Laula, one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, will be visiting from the village of Kagi. Other program highlights include a regional lecture in Maryborough and the return of the much-loved RAAF Jazz Band, who will be bringing some winter cheer to our Auditorium with their swinging compositions inspired by the Second World War.

General admission to public programs is $5 per person. If you know a military history enthusiast or veteran, consider a Friends gift voucher. Along with a range of other benefits, Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free.

Ceremonies

2/22nd Battalion Lark Force Association

Sunday 15 January, 12 noon
Wreath laying in the Sanctuary

The 2/22nd Battalion was raised in 1940 and arrived on New Britain in 1941. After the Battle of Rabaul, a large number of personnel from Lark Force died in Japanese captivity, including those who perished in the Tol Plantation Massacre and the sinking of SS Montevideo Maru.

Full list of ceremonies

AWM004914

Shrine Monthly Memorial Service

Wednesday 25 January, 11.30am
Wreath laying in the Sanctuary

In the month of January we commemorate the capture of Rafa by the Light Horse (9 January 1917), the Battle of Bardia (3–5 January 1941) and Operation Crimp, Vietnam (8–14 January 1966).

Full list of ceremonies

 

Australia Day Salute

Thursday 26 January, 12 noon
Artillery Salute on the Forecourt

Australia Day celebrates diversity and tolerance in Australian society. It is commemorated annually with a 21-gun salute fired from the Shrine’s Lower Forecourt by the Royal Australian Artillery. The salute is extremely loud and it is recommended visitors with small children or pets maintain an appropriate distance from the guns.

Full list of ceremonies

Talks and Events

Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person.

Curator Tour: Australia’s Field Marshal

Thursday 19 January, 11am
Meet at the Shrine Visitor Centre

Join Neil Sharkey on a curator tour exploring the life and military service of Sir Thomas Blamey, one of the most controversial figures in Australian military history.

Book now

Floor Talk: Dear Laura

Wednesday 1 February, 12.30pm
Meet at the Shrine Visitor Centre

The Stafford family recently discovered a collection of First Wold War silk-embroidered postcards sent to Laura Brooks in Coburg from her brothers, uncle and future husband. David Stafford will share some of the personal stories behind the Dear Laura exhibition which is on display in the Shrine Visitor Centre until 26 March 2017.

Book now

Ryokuin: Green Shadows

Saturday 11 February, 12 noon

At the forefront of the Kokoda campaign, Papua New Guineans carried much needed supplies and delivered wounded Australians to safety, earning the appreciative nickname Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Join Kokoda historian David Howell in conversation with special guests: Kokoda veteran Bill Stuart of the 39th Battalion and Havala Laula, one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

Book now

Exhibitions

Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support the Shrine Education Program.

Remembrance Day Posters

11 November 2016 – 26 February 2017
Shrine Visitor Centre

See the colourful and emotive student artworks shortlisted for the 2016 Remembrance Day Schools Poster Competition. The entries of all finalists are on display in the Shrine Visitor Centre until the end of summer.

More information

Dear Laura: Postcards from the First World War

29 October 2016 – 26 March 2017
Shrine Visitor Centre

Dear Laura presents First World War postcards sent to Laura Brooks between 1915 and 1918 by her future husband Alan Ferguson, her brothers Ernest and Arthur, and her uncle Charles Newman. These men enlisted and served overseas in the Australian Imperial Force.

More information

The ‘Blood Tub’: Australians at Bullecourt 1917

15 October 2016 – 1 October 2017
East Gallery, Galleries of Remembrance

In early 1917 Australian soldiers fought two battles at Bullecourt in France. So ferocious were they that Australian soldiers renamed the town ‘The Blood Tub.’ The first action fought on 11 April was a complete disaster, the second (3 – 17 May) a hollow victory at best.

More information

School Holiday Program

Dogs, Dolphins and Donkeys

Monday 23 January – Friday 27 January 2017
Daily sessions at 10.30am

Animals have shown great skill and bravery in wartime. What amazing things can your favourite animal do? Join us for this hands-on play and craft session to explore the world of service and mascot animals. This 1-hour program has been designed for children aged 4 to 10 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Book now

Retail

The Purple Poppy 

The purple poppy commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australian animals. To be worn alongside the traditional red poppy, the purple poppy reminds us of how animals worked together with our diggers in times of conflict and peacekeeping, and continue to do so. The purple poppy range includes a pin, key rings, children’s picture book and poppies on flexible stems.

Visit the Shrine Shop or call 03 9661 8119 to order

Recommended Read: 
Victory at Villers-Bretonneux by Peter FitzSimons

On Anzac Day 1918, when the town of Villers-Bretonneux falls to the British defenders, it is the Australians who are called on to save the day, the town, and the entire battle. Not for nothing does the primary school at Villers-Bretonneux have above every blackboard, to this day, ‘N’oublions jamais, l’Australie.‘ Never forget Australia.

Visit the Shrine Shop or call 03 9661 8119 to order.


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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

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