Redland City Council today celebrated the launch of a First World War commemorative book developed through Redland Libraries with Queensland Government support.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the book launch of Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands was a culmination of years of work and research.
“The Centenary of Anzac is one of the most significant commemorations in our nation’s history, as we reflect on the service and sacrifice of thousands of Australians,” Cr Williams said.
“This book is a wonderful partnership project, made possible through Queensland Government funding and collaboration between Redland Libraries and many community members.
“This book documents the stories of our local community members and their experiences of the war and will ensure that the contributions of these brave Redland citizens are honoured, valued and remembered for generations to come.
“As we lead-up to Anzac Day, I hope many in our community will have the opportunity to read through the pages of this book, and hold these brave individuals close to their hearts across Redlands on 25 April.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Lance Hewlett, who officially launched the publication, said Remembering them brought local history to life and gave the opportunity to look into the faces of these servicemen and women, and remember they were real people with real hopes and dreams.
“Through photographs, letters, postcards and archival documents, it also allows us to reflect on the devastating impact of the war on the lives of the families at home,” Cr Hewlett said.
“It also tells some less well-known stories of the time, such as the sacrifices of our Aboriginal Redlanders, many of whom had to lie about their heritage in order to fight for this country.”
Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands is a limited-edition book, with copies to be available for borrowing through Redlands Libraries. An e-book copy of the book will also be available via the Redland Libraries website redland.qld.gov.au/library and through the State Library of Queensland.
Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands was produced by Redland City Council with contributions from several community members and organisations.
The project was made possible by $26,889.82 of funding provided by the Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program which supported the research, editing, design, advertising and printing of the book.
The Queensland Government is proud to support this Anzac Centenary project which commemorates the role played by Queenslanders in Australia’s military history.
There are hundreds of projects across Queensland keen to share their work and would welcome your support.
To stay informed of upcoming Anzac Centenary projects and special Remembrance Day events near you go to www.qld.gov.au/anzac100 or like the facebook.com.au/AnzacCentenaryQld page.