Honour, history and heritage uncovered at Coalface Gallery
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Preserving the stories of bravery through collecting military memorabilia has been a long running passion for one Moranbah local.
Anzac Day 2023, an eclectic mix of military memorabilia, is back on display at the Coalface Art Gallery for the third year running.
The exhibition is curated by local military historian Dave Law, with assistance from Andrew Tomlinson of the Moranbah RSL Sub-Branch,
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the exhibition is a remarkable tribute to commemorate our nation’s brave soldiers who put their lives on the line.
“What became known as the Anzac legend became an important part of the identity of Australia and New Zealand, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future,” Mayor Baker said.
“It is a real credit to Dave and Andrew for creating this tribute to honour the history and heritage from the battlefields.”
An array of servicemen and women uniforms will be on display, including the uniform of an Australian soldier in 1943, to uniforms worn by soldiers serving in the British occupational Force in Japan, the Korean War, Vietnam War, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some of the items were collected by Mr Law during visits to the battlefields of Gallipoli, Flanders Fields and the Somme, or donated to him by ex-veterans to preserve their stories.
To honour the Anzac spirit, there will also be a selection of New Zealand Defence Force uniforms.
Mr Law’s interest in collecting and preserving military memorabilia was fostered by his family’s long history of military service during the two World Wars and the Korean War.
“‘I am passionate about ensuring our youth understand the services rendered by our men and women in uniform during periods of conflict and during peacetime, and the debt we owe to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Law said.
The exhibition has also been supported by ESS Support Services Worldwide and The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.
Anzac Day 2023 runs until Friday, 9 June 2023 at the Coalface Art Gallery, Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 5pm. The exhibition will be available for viewing following Anzac Day services on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 between 6am and 7am and between 11am and 12pm.