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Remembrance and nature
The symbology of the Shrine gardens
As we observe the turn of the season, we invite you to embrace this beautiful time of year and attend the Shrine’s Autumn Gardens Tour. As you meander through the Reserve you will discover within this lush environment how the use of water is conserved by sustainable, water-wise plantings–a feature of this important place of reflection and peace.
The Shrine is home to over 250 memorial trees, the first plantings of which occurred on the 20 year anniversary of the declaration of war—4 August 1934—by politicians, generals, unit associations and some 3000 onlookers. With the reverence of a funeral, over 100 saplings were planted on the northern side, each dedicated to a Victorian unit. Many are frequented for commemorative services, over 80 years on, to honour those who served our nation, and continue to do so.
The inclusion of two contemplative garden courtyards provoke imagination through plantings associated with the theatres of war from the First and Second World Wars. Just outside the courtyard walls on the western bank resides the Post-45 Memorial Garden, which will be a focus in the upcoming Autumn Gardens Tour.
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Autumn Gardens Tour
Friday 22 March, 10.30am and midday
Tour includes a Devonshire Tea in the Visitor Cetnre |
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Services
All are welcome to attend the following commemorative services. |
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2/3 Machine Gun Battalion Association
Friday 8 March, 10am
Wreath Laying at Memorial Tree D35
Formed in June 1940 and raised in South Australia, the Battalion was made up of Company’s from across Australia including B Company from Victoria. In April 1941 they were united while on board the troopship taking them to the Middle East. This service commemorates the service and sacrifice of the Battalion. Students from St. Bernard’s College will be in attendance as part of the Shrine’s Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation program.
Full list of Services |
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14/32 Australian Infantry Battalion
Sunday 17 March, midday
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
Melbourne’s 14th Infantry Battalion and Footscray’s 32nd Infantry Battalion were both formed in 1921 and merged in 1942. During the Second World War, the 14/32 undertook garrison duties and long-range coastal patrols in Victoria and Western Australia, before serving two years in New Guinea and New Britain. The association will be joined by students from St. Michael’s Grammar School as part of the Shrine’s Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation program.
Full list of Services |
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Shrine Monthly Memorial Service
Thursday 21 March, 11.30am
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
This month we commemorate the following important dates:
17 March 1917 – The Capture of Bapaume
29 March 1941 – Battle of Matapan
21 March 1942 – Air Battle for Port Moresby
Full list of Services |
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Greek National Day
Sunday 24 March, 12.30pm
Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
This annual service is held to commemorate the involvement of Australian men and women serving in the Greek Campaign in the Second World War and the relationship with our Greek Allies.
Full list of Services |
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Talks and Events
Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person. Bookings essential. |
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Fearless in Serbia
Friday 8 March, midday
Auditorium
Approaching International Women’s Day, be inspired by the remarkable story of Melburnian surgeon Dr Mary de Garis. Mary was the Chief Medical Officer of a tent hospital for two years on the Eastern Front during the First World War. Discover Mary’s reasons for joining the Scottish Women’s Hospitals in 1916 and why her courageous service remains unknown in Australia. Dr Ruth Lee tells her story.
Book now |
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Autumn Gardens Tour
Friday 22 March, 10.30am and midday
Tour departs from the Visitor Centre
Join us as we explore the plantings reflecting Australian service in war and peacekeeping, and enjoy the beauty of the changing flora of the Shrine. Discover the creative vision and symbology behind our carefully landscaped gardens. The tour includes Devonshire Tea in the Visitor Centre.
Book now |
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Screening: Warsaw Uprising
Thursday 28 March, midday
Auditorium
Created from colourised archival footage of 1944, this special film screening transports you behind the lines of the Warsaw Uprising. Directed by Jan Komasa and colourised by Piotr Sobocinski Jr.
Book now |
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Purpose of Futility
Thursday 4 April, midday
Auditorium
Australia had the highest levels of public education in the British Empire at the outbreak of the First World War. From the midst of destruction came an outpouring of art and creativity. Discover our literary legacies from The Great War with Dr Clare Rhoden.
Book now |
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Exhibitions
Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support our education programs. |
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Flowers of war
Until October 2019
East Gallery
The appearance of cornflowers and poppies on battlefields at the end of the First World War symbolised for many the fragility of life and the hope of rebirth. This large sculptural steel wreath draws on stories of the First World War from local community archives and museums and considers the many ways people reflect upon the past.
More information
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Resistance
Until 4 August 2019
South Gallery
Many Australian service men and women gave aid to the resistance, other Australians owed their freedom and their lives to it. Uncover the stories of those who through accident or design found themselves battling the enemy using unconventional means.
More information
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For Humanity
Closing 24 March 2019
West Gallery
What does it mean to save lives as others are taking them? Medics on the frontline give gripping accounts of their experiences. Stories of immense trauma are offset against moments of touching humanity. Sometimes when the stakes are high it is these flashes of compassion and humanity that endure.
More information |
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Recent Conflicts
Permanent exhibition
Discover the human stories behind the headlines about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Find out what it is like to serve in war in the twenty-first century, and see the war through the eyes of some remarkable Australian service men and women as they fought a ruthless and elusive enemy.
More information |
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From the Shop
We ship worldwide. All proceeds support our education programs. |
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Monet poppies umbrella
$54.99
Protect yourself from the unpredictable Melbourne weather with this folding umbrella, featuring one of Monet’s most recognisable works—it is sure to brighten up a rainy day.
Visit the Shop |
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Poppies cup and saucer
$24.99
A beautiful item from our Ashdene Poppies Australian War Memorial range. Designed in Australia. Made from fine bone china and illustrated with Flanders poppies. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
Visit the Shop |
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Saving Private Sarbi
Sandra Lee
Allen & Unwin
$21.99
Trained as an Australian Army explosives detection dog, Sarbi went missing in action after an historic battle in 2008 between the SAS and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Thirteen months later she was found by an American Special Forces Officer while patrolling a village in a region known to be a Taliban stronghold. This is her remarkable story, told in a style perfect for adults and younger readers alike.
Visit the Shop |
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Greek–Australians in the Vietnam War
Steve Kyritsis
$24.99
In 2005, Steve Kyritsis began reading the Nominal Roll of the Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War. Among the 60,000 names, he founded many Greek-Australian surnames. Himself a Vietnam veteran, Steve decided to try and contact as many of them as possible to share their experiences. These are their stories.
Visit the Shop
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