PRESERVING the history of regional Australia’s involvement at war is the basis of a special project at the University of New England.
In August, it will be 100 years since World War I began.
In memory of Australian experiences, both on the front and for those left at home, the UNE is playing a lead role in commemorating regional experiences during the war.
UNE is leading the co-ordination of a series of local activities.
Centrepiece activities will include the Regional Australia at War public conference, and the Booloominbah Red Cross Convalescent Home public exhibit.
Both of these events will be hosted by UNE during New England History Week, which will run from 11-17 August to coincide with the centenary of both the start of recruitment for the Australian Imperial Force, and the launch of the Australian Red Cross.
Nathan Wise, lecturer in public and applied history, said New England History Week was designed to include and engage the whole local community.
“We invite and encourage individuals, educational institutions, businesses, organisations, and groups from across the New England region to contribute by creating local historically-themed activities during this week,” he said.
UNE will co-ordinate community activities through its Frontline: New England website.
The site will provide information on local commemorative events as well as detailing how people can contribute their own family’s history to join the broader community story.
UNE will also work towards preservation of important documents and images, offering scanning and archiving of family items such as letters and photographs.
For more information, go to www.frontlinenewengland.org.au
