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.