Systems and Programs to Enhance Spirit of Nationhood

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1 Systems and Programs to Enhance Spirit of Nationhood Department of Veterans Affairs Australia Kel Pearce Deputy Director Office of Australian War Graves Department of Veterans Affairs, Australia International Workshop on Veterans Affairs Seoul, Korea 4-5 Sept

2 Road to nationhood Indigenous history and English settlement European cultural, political and social foundations Federation Nationhood Baptism of fire Maturity as a nation Merging of cultures The Australian Context Enhancing the Spirit of Nationhood Unity, symbols, community, cultural heritage, opportunity, and shared vision 2

3 National Approach No agency has the single responsibility of promoting, developing, protecting and sharing our worth as a nation Crosses across government and through the community - encompassing However DVA has a principal role in supporting and preserving key parts of our nationhood those that relate to our veterans, their feats and their sacrifices Complements our other national treasures 3

4 Mission DVA To support those who serve or have served in defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice We provide support and information for: The Government and our Minister Veterans and their dependants Australian Defence Force personnel War widows/widowers Members of the Australian Federal Police, and Students, teachers and historians 4

5 Outcomes Outcome 1: Maintain and enhance the financial wellbeing and self-sufficiency of eligible persons and their dependants Outcome 2: Maintain and enhance the physical wellbeing and quality of life of eligible persons and their dependants Outcome 3: Acknowledgement and commemoration of those who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations through promoting recognition of service and sacrifice, preservation of Australia s wartime heritage, and official commemorations 5

6 Australian War Memorial National place of commemoration for those who have served the nation World-renowned collections and displays Wreath Laying Historical Research Roll of Honour Commemorative Roll Remembrance Book 6

7 Hallmark Events Commemorative Events Anzac Day (Gallipoli, Villers Bretonneux and elsewhere around the world) Commemorative Missions Korea 2012 Singapore, Bomber Command, North Africa, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea Community Events Schools, Ex Servicemen s Organisations Community initiatives 7

8 Education - Valuing Our Veterans Resources Targeted audience Curriculum based Many multi-media Grants & Scholarships Anzac Day Awards Long Tan Bursary National History Challenge Simpson Prize Competition 8

9 Saluting Their Service Grant Program Public displays Commemorative events Publishing unit wartime histories Schools initiatives Significant unit reunions Community war memorials Commemorative plaques and honour boards Community Support 9

10 Official Commemorations Office of Australian War Graves Role To maintain war cemeteries and individual war graves in Australia and the region To commemorate eligible veterans who died post-war and whose deaths were caused by their war service To build and maintain national memorials overseas 10

11 Official Commemorations Individual Official Commemorations War Dead World Wide 103,000 Within Australia 13,000 Located in 890 sites including Commonwealth 72 war cemeteries Includes recent conflicts Post War Commemorations Within Australia 300,000 Located in 2,000 sites 11

12 Official Commemorations 12

13 Anzac Centenary 2014 identifies Centenary of Service. 25 April 2015 centenary of the Anzac landings Demonstrates the formal relationship between governments and community; education and business; military and youth Multi year program that targets both the tangible and intangible artifacts of cultural heritage 13

14 Anzac Centenary Youth Group State, Territory and Local Government Group Anzac Centenary Advisory Board Ceremonial and Commemorative Group Military and Cultural History Group Education and Curriculum Group Business Group 14

15 Youth are engaged through: Curriculum Youth organisations that often relate to community service and may allow for national representation Public events Public places Community groups, activities and symbols Support groups such as Legacy, RSL, Department of Defence and military associations Youth Engagement 15

16 Inspiring Youth The Kokoda Experience Example to typify Australian character under adversity Physical challenge to develop personal qualities and promote individual achievements Model of selflessness, determination and inspiration Catalyst for changing youth at risk Isurava Memorial Isurava Memorial Courage, Endurance, Mateship & Sacrifice 16

17 Veterans and Nationhood Other forms of recognition Parks, roads, public places Community monuments Sporting teams and community organisations Embedded in daily life as well as commemorative events 17

18 Summary 18