STUDENTS at Patterson River Secondary College enjoyed the sights and sounds of an Anzac Day “community roadshow” on Tuesday.
It was all part of the Anzac Centenary – Victoria’s Journey of Remembrance which included a visit by Premier Denis Napthine, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Damian Drum and Carrum MP Donna Bauer. Actors dressed as soldiers brought the flavor of the era into the classroom.
The roadshow is an important part of the state government’s commemorations to mark 100 years since the start of World War I.
It will travel to communities across the state throughout the year.
The event includes a video presentation, live theatre performance, guest speakers and a centenary commemorative information pack which includes information about the Great War and replicas of the Peace Medal issued to school children to mark its end in 1919.
College principal Maree Vinocuroff said the students enjoyed watching videos of war scenes of the time and sketches of young soldiers bidding farewell to loved ones. The focus was on the young ages of the soldiers 100 years ago. Many were only 14 – the same age as many of the students.
“The students were attentive,” she said. “They thought it was a great presentation.”
The Premier said every soldier, nurse and civilian who devoted themselves to the war effort helped shape Australia’s character of resilience, strength and mateship. “Now is the time to share their stories,” he said.
Carrum MP Donna Bauer is encouraging “everyone to take part in the roadshows which are a great way for the whole community to come together and honour the sacrifice of the Anzacs.”
They aim to inspire people to explore their connections to those fighting in World War I. This struck a chord with Ms Vinocuroff, who has since discovered she had a relative in the fighting.
Victorian Anzac Centenary Committee chairman Ted Baillieu said the roadshow would include day-time shows for secondary school students and evening events for local communities. “We encourage all Victorians to find their connections with our original Anzacs,” he said.
“Victorians recognise and relate to the principles of courage, mateship, determination and initiative that are represented by the Anzacs and by those Australian men and women who have fought in wars since World War I.”
Activities to mark the start of the Anzac Centenary on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August – the anniversaries of the declarations of war in Great Britain and Australia – include:
– 2pm Monday 4 August – a public wreath laying ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance;
– 6pm Monday 4 August – a free public event at the Melbourne Town Hall to commemorate a rally supporting enlistment 100 years ago; and
– 11am Tuesday 5 August – a commemoration of the first shot fired in the British Empire by gunners at Fort Nepean, Portsea, at the German ship SS Pfalz.
For more information on these and other activities for the Anzac Centenary visit www.anzaccentenary.vic.gov.au
