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 180^th 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 9^th 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 biographer Ross 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 

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:

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 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.

 

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.

 

 

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 25^th 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 Afghanistan is 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 

Image 

Walkom Photography

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 1^st 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 Captain 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, 25^th April 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance.

Music:

Didgeridoo: Bunurong man Eric Edwards. Live recording from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service 31^st 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: “40^th 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 1^st 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 Captain 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, 25^th April 2022, recorded by the Shrine of Remembrance.

Music:

Didgeridoo: Bunurong man Eric Edwards. Live recording from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service 31^st 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: “40^th 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). 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.

--

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.

 

--

 

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 Centaur is 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/

Just after 0400 hours on 14 May 1943, the 2/3 Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, sailing off the coast of Brisbane, was torpedoed by Japanese submarine 1-177. Centaur sank within three minutes. Hundred of personnel were trapped inside.

 

In these historical interviews, survivors of the sinking recount their memories of the night and ensuing 35 hour wait for rescue.

 

00.00–07.22 Sister Ellen Savage GM

07.23–10.03 Chief Pantryman Ronal Moate

10.04–14.36 Engineer Steward Alec Cochrane

14.37–18:02 Frank Reid

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 Line is available for purchase through the Shrine Shop.

For more stories from our military, past and present, check out the Shrine's Remembrance magazine.

 

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. Resistance is 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 Remembrance magazine 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.

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.