CITIZENS have gained a sneak peek into a project that will honour all Shire of Gannawarra residents who enlisted in World War One.
An update on council’s Beyond the Battle project occurred as part of Remembrance Day commemorations at Cohuna, with more than 60 people watching a preview screening of a short documentary at the Cohuna Memorial Hall.
Council received State Government funding last year to develop the program, which aims to recognise the more than 1100 servicemen and women whose names adorn the district’s honour boards.
“It is very important that we preserve the memories of those who served,” Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson said.
“Each person who enlisted felt they had to commit themselves to fight for their country in a land a long way away.”
Since the program’s inception in 2016, a dedicated group of volunteers have worked to collect artefacts from the relatives of those living in the area at the time of one of the world’s major military conflicts.
“I decided to join the committee to gain some insight into researching historical documents and learn more about my family’s history,” Kerang Technical High School year 11 student, Carmen Baulch said.
The Lake Charm teenager was inspired to take part after wanting to learn more about her great great uncle, William John Baulch, who died at the age of 36 at Pozieres on December 1, 1916.
“I believe this project is appropriate to the young people of the Gannawarra Shire, as it is clear we have a duty to honour them,” she said.
It is anticipated that a complete documentary will premiere at Kerang’s Remembrance Day commemorations in November 2018, with photos of the majority of those from the area who enlisted be sourced.
Once completed, the project will be a part of Gannawarra Library Service’s permanent collection for future generations to access.
People can add their relative’s stories to the project by phoning the Kerang Library at 5452 1546 or visiting www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au/Community-Services/Arts-Culture/Beyond-the-Battle
