A combined community effort has transformed the Southern Cross Retirement Village’s foyer into an Anzac Day display that has been described as nothing short of moving.
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It’s the facility’s way of honouring the 100 years of the Anzacs and taking part in the commemorations.
Volunteer Helen Waugh - who was among those involved in its setup - said the display also gave residents the opportunity to revive old memories.
While this weekend’s 100th anniversary marks Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in World War I, the volunteers used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of residents to wartime efforts in World War 2.
“We have five residents who were in the second world war,” Helen said.
“Their families have generously put together posters detailing where they were in the war.”
The posters featuring five local veterans - Frank “Digger” Shelley, Keith Jones, Terry Powderly, Eric Smith and Max Holmes - adorn the windows, alongside histories of Gallipoli and the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
Digger Shelley - now 96 - has on display a special frame containing his army photo, five medals, two ties, the Rising Sun Badge and a gold plaque detailing his service.
Max Holmes, 91, served as a pilot, based in England and his memories of home ignited every time he flew over the White Cliffs of Dover.
Keith Jones, 92, spent five years in conflict in the 13th Battalion as an infantry soldier.
He was involved in the 12-day Battle of El Alamein, travelled to New Guinea and finished up in Borneo when the war finished in 1945.
“I lost a brother there (El Alamein), I carried him out,” Keith said.
Also included in the display are historic army uniforms from Richard Gordon, a helmet from the Darwin bombings, paper poppies made by volunteers, and posters and cards from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“The library also printed off a number of articles from The Young Witness covering the Second World War, from when it started and on the local Land Army Girls,” Helen said.
“A lot of people contributed, a lot of work went into it actually, it’s nice to see.
“The staff have spent hours reading it, it’s very meaningful to everyone.”