THE exhibition Bendigo enlists: the First World War 1914-18 at Post Office Gallery will finish tomorrow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This exhibition was curated and exhibited to commemorate the centenary of the Anzacs – in particular, to pay homage to Bendigo’s local stories.
From 1914 to 1918, Australian men and women contributed to the war effort at home and abroad. Recruiting stations were dotted across the country; Bendigo’s Town Hall on Hargreaves Street was the main recruitment station for the area. Enthusiastic volunteers heeded the patriotic call, with up to 4000 Bendigo men recruited – most becoming soldiers of the 6th, 7th, 14th, 38th and 57th Battalions, but also integrated into other battalions. The casualty rate was enormous, with fewer than half of these men returning. Of the Australian troops fighting in the war, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.
Families and communities grieved the loss of so many of their young men. Women were often required to take on the physical and financial burden of caring for families.
This exhibition explores Bendigo’s stories through text, objects and photographs to give visitors a more personal account of the battles and tales of its community. The accompanying essay by Dr Ross McMullin, renowned author of Pompey Elliott, looks at the impact of their involvement on the home front including family life and touches on some of the names synonymous with Bendigo: Edwards, Elliott, Turnour, Edwards, Dyett and Symons, among others.
You can visit Post Office Gallery daily from 9am to 5pm at 51–67 Pall Mall Bendigo, in the same building as the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre. Entry is by donation.
We are also almost into the last week of Imagining Ned at Bendigo Art Gallery.
This Bendigo Art Gallery Foundation Exhibition has proved very popular with visitors of all ages!
Ned Kelly remains a highly mythologised character in Australian history. Some say he was a murderous villain and outlaw, while others proclaim him a misunderstood folk hero – an Australian Robin Hood.
The story of Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang has captured the imaginations of Australian artists and writers over the last century, inspiring masterpieces such as Sidney Nolan’s Kelly Series.
Imagining Ned explores the history and legend surrounding the Kelly gang through original artefacts such as Kelly’s famous armour, letters, weaponry, associated ephemera and other historic items. The exhibition also features a selection of Sidney Nolan’s important works alongside those of other artists such as Arthur Boyd, Juan Davila and Norman Lindsay. Literary references will also be explored in the exhibition including significant works by Peter Carey, among others.
Visit Bendigo Art Gallery on Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Buy your ticket at reception on arrival, $10 adult/$8 concession, primary students free. This is the only venue for this outstanding exhibition, so don’t miss out!