Overview
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Post Office Gallery 51-67 Pall Mall, View Street, BENDIGO VIC 3550 |
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| 11 Dec 14 - 21 Jun 15 | |
| FREE |
The First World War is said to be the single most defining event in modern history.
From 1914 to 1918, Australian men and women contributed to the war effort at home and abroad. Recruiting stations were dotted across the country; Bendigo’s Town Hall on Hargreaves Street was the main recruitment station for the area. Enthusiastic volunteers heeded the patriotic call, with up to 4000 Bendigo men recruited – most becoming soldiers of the 6th, 7th, 14th, 38th and 57th Battalions, but also integrated into other battalions. The casualty rate was enormous. Of the Australian troops fighting in the war, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner. Families and communities grieved the loss of so many of their young men. Women were often required to take on the physical and financial burden of caring for families.
To commemorate the centenary of the Anzacs, this exhibition explores Bendigo’s stories through text, objects and photographs to give visitors a more personal account of the battles and tales of its community. The essay by Dr Ross McMullin, renowned author of Pompey Elliott, looks at the impact of their involvement on the home front including family life and will touch on some of the names synonymous with Bendigo: Edwards, Elliott, Turnour, Edwards, Dyett and Symons among others.
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