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Developments in Commemorations

The Department continued its focus on commemorating significant anniversaries in Australia’s wartime history and raising awareness among young Australians through its innovative and successful education program linked to schools’ curricula. The death in May 2002 of Alec Campbell, our last Gallipoli veteran, signified the end of our living link with the Anzac legend. The strong public response to news of Mr Campbell’s death highlighted the continuing community interest in Australia’s wartime heritage.

To ensure that the nation does not neglect that heritage, the Department is focusing on the identification, preservation and display of the memories and memorabilia of our veterans. This is exemplified by DVA’s partnerships with Screensound Australia for The People’s Voice, the History Trust of South Australia with Sharing Their Legacy and enhancements to the Australians at War website. These programs will continue in the future with the History Trust program being used as a model for other States to emulate.

A pilot project was undertaken by Michael Caulfield of Mullion Creek Productions, the series producer of the acclaimed television documentary series Australians at War, to develop the framework for a film archive of veterans from all wars and conflicts since World War I. The archive would provide a unique, national collection of veterans recounting their wartime experiences, emotions and memories, for use by film makers, historians, researchers and the community. A decision on proceeding with the project will be made in the light of available funding.

The defence of Australia was chosen as the commemorative theme for 2002, marking the 60th anniversary of war coming to Australia’s shores in 1942. The Anzac Day education resource, sent to all schools in Australia, addressed this theme. The Minister led a commemorative mission to Singapore in February to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battles of the Malayan campaign and the Fall of Singapore. The Minister also participated in ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Substantial financial and in-kind support was provided to the Darwin City Council for a series of events to mark the occasion. Support was also provided to commemorate the 60th anniversaries of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour.

Commemorations Branch further strengthened its links with the ADF through its partnership in commemorative activities. This partnership will continue to commemorate the significant anniversaries of the defence of Australia to ensure that all Australians, especially young people, acknowledge the debt we owe to those who served and died 60 years ago when the nation faced the gravest threat to its existence.

Work progressed on the development of a nominal roll of all Australians who served during World War II. The nominal roll is planned to be developed on the Internet as a virtual memorial to Australia’s WWII service.

The Office of Australian War Graves provided additional facilities for the 2002 Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site at Gallipoli. To assist visitors, additional lighting was placed on access routes. For those placed to the rear of the large crowd, a new video screen and sound system, strategically placed to provide both visibility and a broadcast of the proceedings, were much appreciated. Toilet facilities were much improved, with additional toilets provided to supplement those purchased and stored the previous year. Additional stands were also constructed at Lone Pine Cemetery to provide extra seating for the large crowd and relieve pressure on the cemetery grounds.

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