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And now there's no one left...

With few exceptions, the proper place for wartime memorabilia such as that described in this booklet is within the family, provided the items are cared for and looked after.

Sometimes, however, there is no-one left in the family to receive the items or, for whatever reason, the desire to keep the pieces has faded. Where this is so, the memorabilia ought not to be simply thrown away. All too often there are instances where a veteran, for example, has passed away and, in clearing out his or her effects, family members have unthinkingly discarded medals, diaries and papers that would be of interest to historians.

Should you decide you no longer wish to keep your memorabilia items, the Commemorations Branch at the Department of Veterans' Affairs can assist in arranging for their presentation now or at some time in the future to a suitable collecting institution, museum or historical organisation.

If you wish to retain your items for the time being, but would like them eventually to pass to a museum or heritage collection, you may need to include instructions to this effect in your will. If you are unsure, consult your legal adviser.

There is no guarantee that State and national collections will accept or display any particular item offered to them as they may already hold similar pieces. However, these institutions could be offered 'first refusal' of the memorabilia items which, if declined, then may be passed to a regional or local community museum. Many smaller museums would be pleased to care for and look after this material, especially where there is a local link.