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The Hon Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Minister for Defence Personnel

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 5 March 2020

 

COMMUNITY organisations, including schools and other educational institutions, will start receiving this year’s Anzac Day mail-out of educational material from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to ensure they are well-equipped to educate our next generation on the importance of commemoration.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the mail-out provides schools and community groups with engaging tools to assist them in observing this national day of commemoration and honour those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Anzac Day is when Australia comes together to recognise all those who have served our nation, and pay tribute to the sacrifice of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in the service of our country,” Mr Chester said.

“The Australian Government is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, veterans and their families and recognise the contribution our military families have made to our nation.”

The mail-out includes posters, essays, educational questions, classroom activities and teaching strategies, and engaging online and electronic resources, including videos and the Anzac 360 app.

“This year the pack includes resources commemorating the 50th anniversary of Operation Hammersley in the Vietnam War, the 25th anniversary of the Rwanda Peacekeeping Mission Operation TAMAR, the sinking of the Bartolomeo Colleoni by HMAS Sydney in 1940 and the origins of the word ‘Anzac’,” Mr Chester said.

“There is also a focus on the important role women have played during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. This is a significant undertaking, with a wide range of community groups and other stakeholders engaged, and is a key part of many communities’ Anzac Day preparations and ongoing education about our military history.”

All the resources are also free and available online at the Anzac Portal, anzacportal.dva.gov.au.

 

ENDS

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rachel Tharratt: 02 6277 7820

DVA Media: 02 6289 6466

Office of the Hon. Darren Chester, Canberra ACT.