Goulburn 1939-1945: A memoir of service and the home front opened at Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum on Friday 16 December, 2022.
The exhibition features objects and related materials that explore the diversity of local stories and memories of WW2 – a war to which Goulburn made a substantial contribution both locally and in battle across Europe and the Pacific region.
"The new exhibition allows visitors to view detailed plans of the HMAS Goulburn – a Navy Corvette constructed by Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co Ltd in Sydney and launched on 16 November 1940." Said Museums Coordinator, Kerry Ross.
"You can also take the opportunity to reflect on letters and postcards sent from Changi to loved ones – and on the hardships suffered by Prisoners of War.
The display on Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital is fascinating, evacuated of all staff and patients in a single day to be taken over by the Army from 1942 to 1946. It was the largest evacuation in Australia's history until Cyclone Tracey hit Darwin in 1975.
On the home-front look at Legacy, the Land Army and a range of other volunteer organisations that were active in Goulburn and surrounding districts during the war years.
It also looks at children including those who sought refuge in Goulburn. Stories of patriotism are reflected in the display of Australian Women's Weekly from the period - the content of which shifted as the war progressed.
A timeline of articles from the Goulburn Post captures the mood of people and authorities as it pinpoints key moments from 1939 to 1945.
Read the memories and stories of personal experiences during a war that impacted Australian soil and seas more than any other." Ms. Ross continued.
The Museum is open on Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. It is also open every day during school holidays except for Christmas Day, and by appointment at other times.
