More than 17,000 schools, ex-service organisations and community groups have been sent Anzac Day commemorative packs to help ensure Australians never forget the extraordinary sacrifice by our servicemen and women.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the annual materials are provided free by the Australian Government to support Anzac Day commemorations around the country.
“Anzac Day is one of our most significant and sacred national days and we are committed to ensuring schools and other groups in our community have easy access to resources to help mark it in an appropriate way,” Gee said.
“Our nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to all those who have served our nation, and those who have given their lives in defence of Australia, our freedoms and our values.
“It is vital that, as the years pass, we take on the responsibility to repay that debt by honouring them and ensuring younger Australians know and understand the sacrifice of those who have gone before them.
This year’s packs include a range of materials, including posters commemorating our Anzacs and recognising the 30th anniversary of the Australian peacekeeping mission to Somalia.
New online resources are also available, including the latest instalments in the series Expressions, which helps students understand commemoration through art, and Great Debates, which examines the role of the Australian media in the Vietnam War.
“We are also including resources which highlight the role and the stories of Indigenous personnel who served during the First and Second World Wars, and additional information about the service of Australian women in the Second World War, from the Australian War Memorial,” Gee said.
“With Anzac Day approaching, I encourage all Australians to learn more about our nation’s proud tradition of service and sacrifice.
“I hope that all schools, teachers and community groups make full use of these informative and interactive resources to help all those eager to gain a deeper appreciation of service for our country.”
Resources have been sent to thousands of recipients and are also free and available to download on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/…/mailout-anzac-day-2022.
Nicola Riches