By CASEY NEILL
AN ARMY-ISSUE biscuit sent home from Gallipoli is on display at Springvale and District Historical Society.
New exhibition On Parade: Australian Defence Force – Sudan to Afghanistan also features artefacts from the first and second world wars and uniforms dating back to 1885.
“It’s mainly the Australian army from uniforms and from 1885 through to present day, including women’s service from the Boer War through to present day,” society president Colin Robinson said.
“I’ve got letters sent home from Gallipoli, uniforms from Gallipoli.”
Mr Robinson said he’d purchased some items over the years but most had been gifted.
“People don’t know what to do with their family stuff, so they give it to me to display,” he said.
He said exhibition visitors could learn a lot about the conflicts.
“There’s a lot of material there that hasn’t been seen before,” he said.
“There’s stuff the National War Museum hasn’t got. And there are write-ups with each item.
“Plus, I’m there to explain it to them. I can answer more questions.”
Mr Robinson has always had an interest in military uniforms and Australian Army, navy and air force history.
“I’m very happy to be able to do it (the exhibition),” he said.
“It’s quite a lot of stuff. Most of it’s packed away all the time.
“It’s good to see it out.”
The exhibition is on at 7 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale, from 1pm to 4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until the end of April.
Call 9547 6460 to make a group booking for another time.
