Battle for Australia Day Commemoration
On the first Wednesday of September, we commemorate the Battle for Australia, reminding us of the sacrifices of those who served on Australia's home front and in crucial battles to the north during World War II.
The day reminds us of the sacrifices of those who served on Australia's home front and in crucial battles to the north during World War II and we honour the courage of all people who served at sea, on the mainland and islands, and in the skies to protect our nation and its territories.
This year the annual Battle for Australia Commemoration was held at the Shrine of Remembrance on 3 September with the additional recognition of being the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. Brigadier John-Paul Ouvrier AM was in attendance as the principal guest along with Battle for Australia Foundation Patron Mr Steve Moneghetti AM and members of the Battle for Australia Foundation Board. The Hon Ted Baillieu AO gave the keynote address.
Four students representing Glen Waverley Secondary College, Goonawarra Primary School, Holy Cross Primary School and Craigieburn South Primary School gave poignant readings based on actual experiences during the war:
- ‘Women at the WWII Home-Front’ - presented by Pratiti Sarker, Glen Waverley Secondary College
- ‘Soldier on the Kokoda Track New Guinea’ - presented by Leela McMahon, Goonawarra Primary School
- ‘Sailor aboard HMAS Canberra’ - presented by Vitale Van Der Merwe, Holy Cross Primary School
- ‘RAAF 76 Squadron Pilot, New Guinea’ - presented by Nicholas Georgiou, Craigieburn South Primary School
Guests and students from the four schools also laid wreathes in honour of the service and sacrifice of Australians and their allies.
Above: Brigadier John-Paul Ouvrier AM with Battle for Australia Foundation Patron Mr Steve Moneghetti AM (R).
Above: Students and invited guest laid wreathes at the Eternal Flame in honour of the service and sacrifice of Australians and their allies.