New education digi book, reflections on enlistment in WW2, animals in WW1

Sharing our military and service history through the experiences of Australian veterans

Look through the Anzac Portal to uncover the experiences of the people who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The hardship of overseas service extends to the family and friends they leave behind. We commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Forward

The Lovett family story

Feature

Our new digibook shares the story of a family’s military history. The Lovetts are Gunditjmara people from Lake Condah in Victoria. We explore their service experience in a format for primary students. Read the book online.

Cheryl Pearce: her story

Veterans’ stories

Cheryl joined the Army as an 18-year-old in 1985. In 2018, she was appointed United Nations Force Commander in Cyprus. She reflects on her deployments and service, including the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch Cheryl tell her story.

Free copy of teaching resource Shifting Tides

Education

Shifting Tides: Australia and the Pacific in the Second World War introduces students to the Allies’ experiences in Asia and the Pacific and the affect of war on Australia. Email us at education@dva.gov.au and we’ll post your copy.

Last chance to enter our schools’ competition

Your school could win up to $5,000. Show us how your school is commemorating Australian peacekeeping. It’ll help students connect with veterans and their service experiences. Entries for the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards close on 30 June 2022. Submit your entry.

World War II veterans talk about enlistment

Resources

A virtual lesson in our education series In Their Own Words. Australian veterans discuss their personal experiences of enlistment. Work through the activities with students. Watch the short oral history videos.

Special roles of animals in World War I

Commemoration

Animals had a unique ability to do tasks that were difficult for humans during the war. They also provided companionship for our service men and helped find people and save lives. Learn more about animals in the war.

New veteran biographies

What’s new

Biographies of Australians who received the Victoria Cross for their actions:

Alexander Burton VC from Kyneton, Victoria, served in the Battle of Lone Pine.
Hughie Edwards VC from Fremantle, WA, was a pilot in Bomber Command.

Free books, teaching resources and videos

What’s popular

Some of your favourite resources on Australia’s military and service history:

Anniversaries and events

What’s on

Recognition of significant episodes in Australia’s past holds enormous importance to those who have served. We’ve listed official days of commemoration and other dates that your community may wish to observe. See our special days of commemoration.

Visit the Anzac Portal