Tuesday, 16 September 2014 

EXPERTS DISCOVER GALLIPOLI BATTLEFIELD CLUES

A team of eminent archaeologists, historians and researchers from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey have uncovered more than 14 kilometres of trench – much of it in the original frontline – leading to rare insights into the often forgotten struggles of those who fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula 100 years ago.  They have also found evidence of ancient Roman occupation.
The Joint Historical and Archaeological Survey (JHAS) study used non-invasive, advanced mapping, and GPS technology which records positions accurate to within 15 centimetres.

Click Here to Read More: VA073 Experts Discover Gallipoli Battlefield Clues.

Sunday, 14 September 2014  

COMMEMORATING AUSTRALIA’S PEACEKEEPERS

Today, Australian Peacekeepers Day, is a time to acknowledge the men and women who played an important role in restoring peace and harmony in areas affected by conflict around the globe.

Since Australia’s commitment to the first United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in September 1947, Australian military, police and civilians have been undertaking peace operations worldwide. More than 30,000 Australians have served on more than 60 United Nationsand other multilateral peacekeeping operationssince 1947.

Australia’s peacekeeping efforts have been ongoing since 1947.  More than 3,500 Australians are currently serving in peace and security operations, including our continuous participation in the Middle East and Cyprus.

Click on the following Link to Read More:  VA071 Commemorating Australia’s Peacekeepers

Thursday, 11 September 2014

  REMARKS AT THE BITA PAKA COMMEMORATIVE EVENT

One hundred years ago, the land on which we stand was a possession of the German Empire, a possession that was won and lost in war.
It was a sign of the times that this far-flung colonial outpost, of questionable strategic importance to the land war raging on the other side of the world, was to be the first place where Australians would fight and die during the First World War.
Those who came ashore here 100 years ago today could not have imagined the horror of war.

Click on the following Link to Read More: MINVA051 20140911 REMARKS AT THE BITA PAKA COMMEMORATIVE EVENT – RABAUL, PNG

Thursday, 11 September 2014

  AUSTRALIA’S FIRST ACTION OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR REMEMBERED

Today we mark the centenary of Australia’s first campaign of the First World War and remember in particular the six men who fell in the brief but bitter encounter at Bita Paka in German New Guinea.

The Battle of Bita Paka was fought on 11 September 1914.  Five Australian sailors and one soldier, a medical officer, lost their lives.  We remember those who were killed, and we remember those who were left behind to mourn their loss. These men paid the ultimate sacrifice in a successful campaign to prevent a German fleet from dominating the Pacific and threatening Allied shipping.

Click on the following Link to Read More: VA068 AUSTRALIA’S FIRST ACTION OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR REMEMBERED

Thursday, 11 September 2014 

AUSTRALIANS SHARING COMMEMORATIVE EXPERIENCES ONLINE

  Today, I am pleased to launch the Anzac Centenary Facebook Photo app to help Australians to get involved in the Anzac Centenary from anywhere in the world.

During the Centenary of Anzac, we mark a century of service and sacrifice, encompassing all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australians have been involved.  The Centenary will be the most significant period of commemoration in our nation’s history and the Government is committed to providing opportunities for all Australians to participate.

Click on the following Link to Read More: VA069 AUSTRALIANS SHARING COMMEMORATIVE EXPERIENCES ONLINE

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY 2014

Each year, on the first Wednesday in September, we commemorate Battle for Australia Day, marking the defeat of Japanese forces in the Battle of Milne Bay. We remember those who fought and died defending our nation during the Second World War.

This day of remembrance recognises the sacrifice of those who served on the home front in Australia, and of those who fought on land, air and sea in battles in the Coral Sea, Papua and New Guinea between 1942 and 1945.

Click Here to Read More: VA065 Battle for Australia Day

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

REMEMBERING OUR MERCHANT MARINERS

Today, on Merchant Navy Day, we remember the largely unsung heroes of war, the Australian Defence Force personnel and civilian seamen who served in Merchant Navies across the world.

Their service during the Second World War is especially significant today as we also mark the 75th anniversary of the start of Australia’s involvement in the war.

Click Here to Read More: VA066 Merchant Navy Day