HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Subject Index
House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-05-17 Daily Xml
Contents
Pdf Xml

BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE TRAVELLING EXHIBITION

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (14:31): My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Can the Treasurer tell the house about the Bravest of the Brave Travelling Exhibition?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:31): I can, and I thank the member for Taylor for the question and acknowledge her presence at the launch of the Bravest of the Brave Travelling Exhibition. It commemorates the eight South Australians who were awarded the Victoria Cross in World War I. The eight men were: Arthur Blackburn, Phillip Davey, Roy Inwood, Jorgen Jensen, John Leak, Arthur Sullivan, Lawrence Weathers and James Woods. Some were born or educated in South Australia, some enlisted here, while others lived here either before or after the war.

Prominent members of the veterans community were joined at the launch by, as I said, the member for Taylor, Mayor Brenton Vanstone from the City of Port Pirie, Mayor Lachlan Clyne from the City of Unley, and family members representing the South Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross. The exhibition tells the story of eight ordinary men who, under extraordinary circumstances, demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the service of their comrades and country. They were truly the bravest of the brave.

The Victoria Cross for Australia was created in 1991 but, prior to that, Australians were eligible for the Imperial Victoria Cross. Ninety-six Imperial Victoria Cross medals were awarded to Australians, most for acts of extreme courage during the First World War. The launch of this exhibition was the first ANZAC centenary commemorative event of its type to be launched in the nation. There is no doubt that the centenary of ANZAC, as part of the centenary of World War I between 2014 and 2018, will be memorable for Australia.

I would like to thank Margaret Anderson and her team at History SA for their hard work in putting this exhibition together. I also acknowledge the ANZAC Day Commemoration Council, where the idea for this exhibition originated, and the Veterans' Advisory Council for providing their valuable support. Bravest of the Brave will be available for libraries, museums, historical societies, ex-service organisations and schools throughout South Australia to borrow for periods of between one and two months. The travelling program will commence next month and be coordinated by History SA.

It is expected that in the first year the display will focus on areas associated with the VC recipients. It will then be made more widely available for other regions. I am honoured to have been able to launch this exhibition, which will educate the community about the heroism and sacrifices made in the service of our great country.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT