ANZAC Day

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1182047581838303232

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AWM --> Bequest enables art commission exploring Vietnamese–Australian perspectives of war

The Australian War Memorial has unveiled two commissioned artworks created by Vietnamese-born artist Dr Dacchi Dang, highlighting the underrepresented wartime experience of Vietnamese–Australians.

The development of the artworks was made possible through a bequest by retired Major John Milton Gillespie, a Vietnam veteran and immigration consultant.

In recognition of this significant gift and Major Gillespie's life and work, the Memorial chose to use the bequest to commission work that acknowledges and responds to the Vietnamese–Australian experience of the Vietnam War.

The works represent the first substantial acquisition for the Memorial's collection from the Vietnamese–Australian perspective on the Vietnam War. These include the first hand-drawn animation in the collection, featuring an estimated 1.5 million drawing marks across 120,000 frames.

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson said bequests such as Major Gillespie's allowed the Memorial to bring focus to stories and experiences that have previously been overlooked.

"It is vital that we acknowledge all perspectives on the war, and it is thanks to Major Gillespie's generous bequest that the Memorial has been able to commission Dr Dang to create artworks responding to this important but relatively little-known aspect of Australian history," Dr Nelson said.

Dr Dang said he wanted to concentrate on the relationship between Australians and the South Vietnamese, and in 2016 began interviewing veterans who served in the war with Australian or South Vietnamese forces.

"Since their resettlement in Australia, Vietnamese veterans' stories have largely been silent in Australian communities," Dr Dang said.

"My aim is to create a new understanding of, and a relationship to the representation of, the memories and experiences of the Vietnam War through the tales of Australian and Australian–South Vietnamese veterans."

These stories have informed the creation of two major artworks, a series of lacquer panels and a video artwork. Dr Dang used traditional Vietnamese lacquer to create a tangible connection with the subject (a short documentary about the project and the creation of the lacquer panels can be found here). The video is a hand-drawn animation that explores Dr Dang's personal experiences of the war, while also drawing from interviews with 17 veterans of the South Vietnamese and Australian forces.

Memorial curators worked in partnership with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, a national organisation promoting the work of Asian and Asian–Australian artists, to research and identify contemporary artists working with Vietnamese–Australian stories.

Dr Dang's artworks will be on display for six months in the Captain Reg Saunders Gallery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

About the artist

Dr Dacchi Dang (b. 1966) spent his childhood in Ho Chi Minh City, and his experiences of the war came from the media and the streets. In 1982, at the age of 16, he and his siblings fled Vietnam, enduring a traumatic sea voyage in a fishing boat, spending nine months in the Pulau Bidong camp in Malaysia before being accepted as refugees to Australia. Dr Dang learned English, obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales, and a PhD from Griffith University. His research-based practice has focused on the Vietnamese diaspora and the experiences and sense of identity of refugees. His work has been exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally.

About the art collection

The Memorial holds one of the world's most extensive and important collections of war-related art. It comprises almost 40,000 works of art in all media, dating from the late nineteenth century to the present day. The collection focuses on work that depicts and interprets the Australian experience of war and its legacies for Australian society. It includes commissioned and non-commissioned work by historically significant artists including Arthur Streeton, George Lambert, Nora Heysen, Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington-Smith, Albert Tucker, and Sidney Nolan, as well as work by contemporary artists such as Julie Dowling, Shaun Gladwell, Tony Albert, Tom Nicholson, and Ben Quilty. A partial catalogue of the collection is available online at: https://www.awm.gov.au/#search-awm/collections.

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http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/10/23/ipswich-to-be-home-to-the-office-for-veterans

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Ipswich to be home to the Office for Veterans

Queensland's new Office for Veterans will be based in Ipswich.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said after extensive lobbying by Jennifer Howard, the Member for Ipswich, the office will be established in the region.

"Jennifer made it quite clear to me that there are advantages to having the Office for Veterans in Ipswich," the Premier said.

"Ipswich is a well-established defence hub and home to Australia's largest RAAF base and Rheinmetall Defence Australia's new headquarters, making it an ideal location to lead whole-of-government coordination on veterans' matters.

"I've listened to Jennifer and I'm pleased to say the Office for Veterans will be located in Ipswich."

Ms Howard said the move made sense.

"We're a growing region and we need this kind of support from the government," Ms Howard said.

"Around 5000 people are employed at Amberley airbase and this will allow greater support for our growing defence community."

The Office for Veterans will continue and expand the Veterans' Employment Pathways Program which, over the last year, has been supporting the employment of veterans within the Queensland public service.

The Palaszczuk Government's Veterans' Employment Pathway Program has been an overwhelming success, with 388 veterans employed in the Queensland public service since the program began in July last year with nine of those positions in Ipswich.

The Office for Veterans will be a single point of contact for veterans' organisations wishing to communicate with the Queensland Government and will also support a range of commemorative activities.

And the Office for Veterans will continue to deliver the Queensland Veterans' Memorial Grants Program, which provides funding to restore, conserve and create monuments, memorials and other sites that acknowledge the contribution of our veterans.

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MELBOURNE, VIC, 1915. A MOBILE OPERATING THEATRE, BUILT BY THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C202957




MELBOURNE, VIC, 1915. INTERIOR OF A MOBILE OPERATING THEATRE BUILT BY THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C202952

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A very special recording by John Schumann and the Australian Army Band performing "I Was Only 19."
The clip was a PTSD15 and Stand Tall initiative produced in conjunction with John himself.

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https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1193434133692702720.html

Thread by @ozbob13: "New recruits waiting at railway station at Casula, N.S.W. - WW1 flickr.com/photos/7099484... Departure of Australian soldi [...]" #WeWillRememberThem #slqdigital

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Some examples of Hospital trains WW2

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1253201254844522496

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Rocky Creek Military Medical complex and the 4th Australian Ambulance train

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Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO

This Anzac Day will be different for all of us, but its purpose does not change.
Today in my Anzac Day message I have asked our people to find their own ways to commemorate the day.

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1253709885004320769

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1253786994661941248

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[techblitz]

Amazing bit of history on the real stalag13 and undercover work (of hogans heroes fame).

https://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/stalag_13.html

https://www.antiaircraft.org.au/take-post/take-post-articles/rol-tonkin-undercover-pow

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1013976

Tonkin spent over three years in Stalag XIII C passing information back to military intelligence in England that could be used in the bombing campaign against Germany. Messages were sent via letters written in a special code and reported on German military and industrial sites around Hammelburg. This included the ball bearing factories at Schweinfurt which were targeted because bearings were essential in the manufacture of tanks, planes and vehicles. The destruction of the factories was seen as vital in the endeavour to hamper German industry and its war effort. They also intercepted bogus parcels sent by British military intelligence which contained escape equipment for the camp.

Group portrait of Australian Prisoners of War at Stalag XIIIc in Hammelburg am Main, Germany. Tonkin is standing far left and Rolling is standing third from right

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Bless ... R. I. P. Dame Vera ...

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RAAF squadrons in Vietnam [No 35 Squadron and No 9 Squadron RAAF]

AWM

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VP Day  75 years

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1295429583605387264

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1295526628915679234

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1300094817628639234

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Had a walk and a picnic lunch at White Rock Conservation Area today. Information >...

Posted by Robert Dow on Monday, 7 September 2020

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1322398930726838272

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1326231273325563904

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In 1921 an 'Avenue of Honour' was created in Emerald to commemorate the memory of 32 young local men who lost their lives in WW1.

Thirty-two trees were planted each with a memorial plaque. These plaques were rescued when the trees were cut down due to road widening in the 1950s.

In 2014, the Emerald RSL set about bringing the Avenue of Honour back to life with an Anzac Walk.

On 11 March, 2015 the Governor General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove officially opened Anzac Walk as part of the centenary celebrations for Anzac Day.

The Anzac Walk is a series of timber bollards. At each of these bollards is a brief audio description of the soldiers and their service to the country is explained.

When visiting the Walk you can listen to the Audio Trail via your Smart Phone by first downloading the QR Reader Code from the App Store.

The QR code is then scanned with the QR code reader. This code is located on Anzac walk on either Stop 1 or Stop 9 on the bottom right hand corner of the plaque.

The Anzac Walk is approximately 1.5km in length starting outside the National Australia Bank in Emerald near the Cenotaph located in Main Street and finishing at the RSL Clubrooms in Memorial Avenue, Emerald and at the statue of the Unknown Soldier.  The trail is accessible to all.

The Anzac Walk is open 7 days a week.

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This is very disturbing to say the least.  Serving and former members of the Defence Force have generally served with compassion and within the rules of engagement.  A few outliers does not make the rest of the force part of that abberant culture. The procedures being followed will in time hold to account those who have failed in their duty.

Afghanistan Inquiry

https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/resources

https://twitter.com/murpharoo/status/1329221779198414848

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https://twitter.com/ChiefAusArmy/status/1329237748549517312

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1333572647427338240

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https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1385018173955608577

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https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91939

Queensland Government to take over the care of Anzac Square

22nd April 2021

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

The Palaszczuk Government will take over the responsibility for the care of Anzac Square from Brisbane City Council, to continue safeguarding Queensland's pre-eminent State War Memorial for all generations.

The announcement comes in the week before the full return of traditional Anzac Day commemorations after COVID-19 curtailed last year's services.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the transfer of governance of Anzac Square from Brisbane City Council is expected from July next year, under legislation introduced into Parliament today.

"The City Council is currently the trustee of Anzac Square, but my Government will take over that crucial role via a new Queensland Veteran's Council," the Premier said.

"We will embrace the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Shrine of Remembrance, the memorial galleries and the parklands.

"This revered space is too important not to guarantee its oversight in memory of those who died.

"It continues the commitment we showed with our contribution of more than $14 million to the 2019 Anzac Square restoration when the heritage sandstone was enhanced, historic statues and trees were protected, ponds were repaired and undercroft galleries were upgraded.

"I encourage those who are able to attend the dawn service this Sunday at Anzac Square or elsewhere, with restrictions now eased for public gatherings.

"Whether it's Lighting Up the Dawn at home, or attending services and marches around the state, Anzac Day 2021 will be a day to honour those who served."

Minister for Education and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said Anzac Square was a treasured place in the centre of Brisbane to commemorate all Queenslanders who served.

"Queenslanders rightly expect the Square to be maintained with all due care and the Palaszczuk Government willingly accepts that essential task," Ms Grace said.

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans' Affairs Bart Mellish said the new Veterans Council would also have responsibility for the Anzac Day Trust, including payments to organisations to assist ex-servicemen and women.

"The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment at the last election to provide an additional one million to the Trust for a new grants program to ensure Queensland veterans affected by COVID-19 can access financial support and ex-service organisations can stage COVID-Safe commemorative events," Mr Mellish said.

"That's in addition to the ongoing annual Anzac Day Trust grants program, which last year provided 204 not-for-profit organisations with reimbursements totalling $1.49 million so they could continue to deliver their welfare services for veterans and their families.

"Applications for this year's annual funding, and for the extra COVID support, will open soon.

"As well as taking responsibility for the Trust and for Anzac Square, the Veterans Council will also advise Government on veterans' matters."

ENDS

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1386025648045498375

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https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1386032245748666372

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https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1427761250352521225

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Please spare a thought for all who served in Afghanistan......including translators......some of them actually saving infantry lives in the line of fire.
Many now condemned.......along with many women/children.
Its absolutely tragic..

https://www.evacuateourallies.org/media

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https://twitter.com/AWMemorial/status/1433233254287609861

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https://twitter.com/ww1australiamap/status/1436766456692322308

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https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93550

Premier announces annual War Widows Day for Queensland
19th October 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

War Widows Day will be celebrated annually in Queensland on the 19th of October from next year – a first for Australia.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 19th of October was the birthday of Mrs Jessie Vasey, who started the first Queensland branch of the War Widows Guild in Toowoomba in 1947.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate next year's 75th anniversary of what is now Australian War Widows Queensland than to formally dedicate this day as an annual recognition of the people left behind by those who have served Australia.

"Queensland will be the first to do this, to honour the widows and widowers of members of the Australian Defence Force."

Attorney-General and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman, said the widows and widowers of members of the Australian Defence Force bear their sacrifice with dignity and fortitude.

"From 2022 onwards, War Widows Day in Queensland will honour the resilient families in our communities who have faced enormous grief," Ms Fentiman said.

"The day will further highlight Australian War Widows Queensland's stated aim to empower, support, inspire and celebrate war widows, carers and families affected by defence services."

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans Affairs Bart Mellish said there are 10,908 war widows in Queensland today.

"2,201 of them are members of the organisation, and many attend the 28 sub-branches and social groups across the state," Mr Mellish said.

"It provides support, friendship and comfort, built on a wonderful historical foundation, and War Widows Day will be a fitting annual acknowledgment."

Australian War Widows Queensland President Jenny Gregory said Jessie Vasey lost her husband, Major-General George Vasey, just four months before the end of the Second World War.

"Mrs Vasey worked to ensure that war widows were recognised by governments in Australia and given the financial support and services that they needed," Mrs Gregory said.

"We are delighted that the Premier is declaring Mrs Vasey's birthday as a special day for us to acknowledge the sacrifice of widows from all conflicts whose loved ones gave their lives for their country.

"War Widows Day will remind Queenslanders of the loss felt by many people across our communities, and it will also raise awareness of the network of resources and support available to war widows and widowers."

ENDS