Finding your suburb’s local war history a click away
A new database of heritage places relating to Victoria's war history was today launched at Parkville's University High by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs Hugh Delahunty.
Mr Delahunty was joined by the school's recent recipient of the Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Prize, Martin Lee, to launch the new site to a class of enthusiastic students keen to find out more about Victoria's war history.
"This great new site is so easy to use – you can literally punch in your postcode and find out about the war memorials, avenues of honour, memorial buildings and defence-related sites in and around your neighbourhood," Mr Delahunty said.
"These sites remind us of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current serving personnel, and war memorials in particular have always been touchstones for families who have lost loved ones.
"This database is part of the Victorian Government's commitment to educate the community about the importance of our monuments and other places associated with Victoria's war history."
Known as the Victorian War Heritage Inventory, the searchable database lists war memorials in Victoria and provides information, images and location data about them. It can be found on the Victorian Veterans Virtual Museum at www.veterans.vic.gov.au
Mr Delahunty urged the students to get online to find out more about Victoria's rich wartime heritage.
"And while you're online, I encourage all Year 10 students to think about following in Martin's footsteps by applying for the 2012 Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Prize," Mr Delahunty said.
"I know Martin found the experience visiting the Western Front and Gallipoli extremely rewarding and I hope other students take advantage of this great opportunity.
"The Prize is open to all year 9 and 10 students in all Victorian secondary schools, and applications close in October."
The Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Prize is an annual competition held to select 10 students to participate in a study tour of important sites where Australians have served in war, centred on Gallipoli or the Western Front. The study tour will take place during the term one school holidays in 2012. Find out more at www.veterans.vic.gov.au
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