The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience – the largest free travelling exhibition ever featured by the Australian War Memorial - will be on display at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from September 2-11.
The exhibition allows visitors to journey through the nation’s footsteps into the First World War in new and engaging ways and offers access to historical objects, such as the last shell fired by the Anzacs at Gallipoli, rarely seen outside the National Capital.
North Queensland, and particularly Townsville, has a long and rich military history that survives to this day. In total, 57,000 Queenslanders voluntarily enlisted in the First World War and 172 men from Townsville were killed in the war.
Major General (retired) Brian Dawson from the Australian War Memorial announced the visit.
“This is a free exhibition to mark the Anzac Centenary, 1914 to 1918, and will only visit Townsville once,” Major General Dawson said.
“The response from Queenslanders so far has been tremendous, so I urge visitors to book their free place at the Townsville exhibition quickly to avoid disappointment,” he said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of Townsville to learn of the ways in which the sacrifice of our service men and women has shaped, and continues to shape, Australia as a nation.”
More than 200,000 Australians have already been through the exhibition in its first 13 locations and the response has been overwhelmingly positive with locals saying it is "brilliant", "amazing", "a must see" and a "mammoth task executed perfectly.”
The Experience brings to life an infant Australia still finding its feet on the eve of war.
It follows in the footsteps of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses throughout the campaign, including a commemoration of Australia’s century of service.
Driven by more than 200 artifacts from the Australian War Memorial, the Experience also integrates interactive environments and special effects to tell Australia’s story in new and engaging ways.
The exhibition will be open from 9.00 am – 5.30 pm daily. Free tickets for the exhibition can be booked at www.spiritofanzac.gov.au