Commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII at home

Victoria’s society and culture changed forever on 15 August 1945, the day that World War II ended.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is featuring key places that paved the way for modern Victoria, 75 years later to the day, by launching WWII At Home.

At 2pm on Saturday, August 15 an online panel will unveil WWII At Home, a demonstration of history reimagined through the latest technology. 

WWII At Home revitalises storytelling through an interactive website, featuring 18 significant Victorian places and demonstrating the transformative impact the Second World War had on this state.

The WWII At Home website, funded by the Victorian Government, is part of a state-wide program to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The website invites Victorians to explore, from the comfort of their own home, the impact of WWII on Victoria through three lenses: our local responses to the war effort, how we reflect and remember the sacrifices undertaken during the war, and the corresponding post-war rejuvenation and blossoming of modern society.

Through Virtual Reality, 360-degree photography and interviews with veterans and their descendants, visitors to the website can discover historic sites such as the War Cabinet Room and the Tatura Internment camp, both normally closed to the public.

This will provide a unique opportunity to reflect and connect with those who came before us.

Felicity Watson, Executive Manager, Advocacy for the National Trust Australia (Victoria), said the website invokes parallels between what Victorians have faced previously and the current COVID-19 situation.

“Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day is a time for reflection and remembrance of the sacrifices made by Australians abroad and at home, and time of momentous change for our state, explored in WWII At Home,” Ms Watson said.

“The stories portrayed through WWII At Home explore a pivotal moment in history and demonstrate Victorians working together to overcome a crisis, similar to what we are facing currently.”

“Victoria’s ability to adapt and transform in the past is a source of inspiration as we adjust to our new normal and come together virtually to support our fellow Victorians.”

The website features stunning and up-close aerial footage of the Shrine of Remembrance Forecourt, the story of a father who planted an avenue of 20km of Eucalypts to remember his fallen son and the Loveridge lookout with breath taking views over the water.

“The National Trust is honoured to be a part of the 75th anniversary program, creating a way for Victorians to thank and pay homage to our World War II veterans from home,” said Ms Watson.

This project provides an insight into the significant societal and design changes that occurred as a result of World War II and the flourishing of modern-day Australia.”

The WWII At Home website will be launched at 2pm on Saturday. The website can be explored wwiiathome.com.au.