Swan Hill remembers

The Swan Hill Regional Library has been successful in a $9000 grant from the 75th Anniversary of End of World War Two Grant Program.

Grants are for activities recognising the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two (WWII) and generating greater awareness about WWII history.

Swan Hill Regional Libraries Manager, Camille Cullinan said the library is making a film titled ‘Swan Hill remembers’.

“We are making a documentary-style film to honor men and women from our municipality who participated in World War Two.

“The film will be prepared by filmmaker Kristie Dean, maker of the WW1 documentary-style film, Beyond the Battle, which was produced by Gannawarra Shire to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1.

“We are delighted that local playwright, Andrew Kelly has agreed to narrate the film,” Ms Cullinan said.

Ms Cullinan said information for the project is being gathered by the library and members of the project steering committee along with the Swan Hill Genealogical & Historical Society, the Swan Hill and Woorinen RSL, the Lake Boga Lions Club, Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum and the Swan Hill Guardian.

“We are also aiming to have an exhibition of WW2 memorabilia and artifacts from August 19 – depending on Covid-19 restrictions.

“Our film will be launched at the opening of the exhibition,” she said.

Ms Cullinan said the library is calling on the community to bring in any World War Two memorabilia, war records, documents, photographs, postcards and letters written to loved ones whilst overseas.

“The film will pay tribute to our local connection to WWII and also give us an opportunity to greater capture information that can be scanned and copied for inclusion in our Local History collection.

Ms Cullinan said the project team was keen to find information on locals who were in the navy during WWII or information about anyone who was an army nurse at that time.

“We would like to hear from anyone with local WWII history but we are specifically seeking information regarding the Navy and Nursing area, we would welcome any contact.

Ms Cullinan said information needs to be supplied by Monday, 22 June.

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