Battle for Australia Foundation (Vic.) Shrine of Remembrance Commemoration MEDIA RELEASE

Battle for Australia Aboriginal Enlistments 1941-1945 'War in the Pacific'

Shrine of Remembrance Commemoration

Wednesday, 2 September 2026 at 11.00am

Four Victorian school students will tell the stories of Aboriginal Australian Service personnel, many whom served with distinction, including Aboriginal Women who provided critical intelligence gathering during ‘War in the Pacific’ 1941-1945.

Keynote Speaker: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph West, CEO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans.
Guest of Honour: Brigadier John Holloway, Director General Land Manoeuvre Systems

Student Commemorative Speeches (each approx. 1 min).

Aboriginal Enlistments:

Mitchell Le Grand Year11 Highvale Secondary College.

Aboriginal Pilot Commissioned:

Milan Grancaric, Year 11 Highvale Secondary College.

Aboriginal Surveillance:

Karla Staebe, Year 11 Highvale Secondary College.

Enemy Attacks Strikes Fear:

Nisinu Gedara, Year 9 Lakeside College.

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For more information, interviews and pictorial opportunities, contact:

Peter Meehan OAM Governor Shrine of Remembrance and ‘Battle for Australia’

Foundation (Vic.) Student Script Writer and Media Coordination.

Mobile: 0412 334 415 or E-mail: [email protected]

Contact details:

Peter Meehan OAM Governor Shrine of Remembrance and ‘Battle for Australia’

Foundation (Vic.) Student Script Writer and Media Coordination.

Mobile: 0412 334 415 or E-mail: [email protected]