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Veterans Affairs

‘Battle for Australia’ Commemoration

Battle for Australia Foundation (Vic.) < 1 min read

Shrine of Remembrance, Wednesday, 6 September 2023 at 11.00am

Pictorial and Interview Opportunities:
Four Victorian school students have been selected to take on the roles of WWII Australians who served during War in the Pacific ‘Battle for Australia’

The National Day of Commemoration ceremony will be conducted this week, on Wednesday, 6 September at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. The ceremony will pay tribute to the heroics and sacrifice of WWII Service men and women. 

1 Minute Student Tribute Speeches:

  • 39th Battalion Soldier Kokoda Track: Malia Durrant, Lilydale High School.
  • RAAF Airman Battle of Milne Bay: Finn Darley, Parkdale Secondary College.
  • Sailor who survived sinking of HMAS PERTH: Harry Dymond, Aitken College.
  • Nurse who survived sinking of CENTAUR Hospital Ship: Claudia Ridley, Christ Church Grammar.

Special Guest Speaker:
Mr David Howell, Kokoda Track Historian will reflect on the costly Australian battles that prevented the enemy advance towards Port Morsby.

Background: During War in the Pacific, particularly the dark and desperate years of 1942-1944, Australians and the Nation’s allies selflessly fought fierce land, air and sea battles, thousands of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. ‘Battle for Australia’ Commemoration attracts large public numbers and school students state-wide.


Contact details:

For more information, interviews and pictorial opportunities, contact:

SQNLDR Peter Meehan OAM (ret’d), Battle for Australia Foundation.

Mobile: 0412 334 415
Email: [email protected]

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