$3000 GRANT RECOGNISES NEW GUINEA VOLUNTEER RIFLES

The Australian Government would provide a grant of $3000 under the Saluting Their Service commemorations program to help fund the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles Museum in Wacol, Brisbane, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today.

“Brave Australians who served in the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles during World War II deserve recognition for their sacrifice and service and this museum, housing wartime memorabilia, will serve as a memorial to these men,” Mr Billson said.

“Funding will help the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles & Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles Ex-Members Association display and preserve a wide range of wartime photographs, documents and equipment in a permanent museum at the former Wacol Army Camp.

“The Queensland National Servicemen’s Association and members of the Volunteer Rifles Association have done an excellent job in working together to develop this important museum, which is now a permanent fixture of the National Service Heritage Precinct in Wacol,” Mr Billson said.

“The New Guinea Volunteer Rifles was raised in 1939 and comprised people from all walks of life, including public servants, businessmen and miners.

“Volunteers fought the Japanese in the critical defence of New Guinea.  Some defended Rabaul, where many were captured and died as prisoners of war; others operated behind enemy lines, conducting guerrilla warfare and rescuing downed airmen,” Mr Billson said.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting important community efforts to preserve the memory of our wartime history and those who served our nation.”

The Minister will officially open the museum today as part of activities to mark National Service Day.

“National servicemen have made a significant contribution to Australia’s proud military history with almost 300,000 men performing national service in the Navy, Army and Air Force from 1951 to 1972 to supplement the regular defence force.

“More than 200 lost their lives while serving their country and it is important that their ultimate sacrifice is honoured, especially on National Service Day,” Mr Billson said.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442