AS ANZAC Day approaches, the Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) is asking Port Stephens residents if they know of any local men and women who served in the defence of Australia.

The group wishes to preserve the knowledge that is held around the service men, women and animals of the region.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“We’d love to hear about a family member or friend who should be recognised on Anzac Day,” said Doug Cross, Chairman of the TMA.

“We’d like to feature their stories each Anzac Day.”

The TMA is holding an exhibition at the Visitors Information Centre in Nelson Bay during April to showcase the part Port Stephens and Newcastle played in defending the area in WWII.

On Anzac Day (25 April) the exhibition will be open from 10am until 2pm so people can call in either before or after the Anzac Day Service in Apex Park adjacent.

It will feature memorabilia supplied by the families of prominent WWII military personnel including Catalina pilot Flight Lieutenant Donald Howard, and Lieutenant Mathieson, an army transport driver and CMF amphibious truck platoon commander who served in the Middle East and the Pacific; a fascinating collection of maps, compasses, belt buckles and buttons used by Allied personnel as means of evading capture by the enemy; a WWII Army uniform; and interpretive signage telling the story of wartime training and defences in the Port Stephens/Newcastle area.

“If you are in the area or attending one of the many Anzac Day services, this exhibition will complement the day that we pay tribute to those who served in all theatres of war or in peace-keeping missions,” said Doug Cross.

By Marian SAMPSON