Australia Calls exhibition

The theme for Whitehorse Heritage Week for 2015 was Australia Calls, looking at the way World War I affected those living in the Shire of Nunawading.
An exhibition, Australia Calls, was held at the Box Hill Art Space from 14 September until 14 October. It was supported by the Federal Government through the office of Veterans Affairs under the ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program. Whitehorse City Council received assistance to mount these initiatives through both Chisholm and Deakin electorates.

The exhibition included a collection of diaries, photographs, newspaper extracts, poetry, artefacts and memorabilia conveying accounts of those who fought abroad and those who contributed to the war effort back home in Australia.

Display boards recounted the stories of some of the soldiers from the area who fought overseas plus memories of the war of some of the current residents. There were also stories of how the local community participated in support of the war effort as well as debates about Australia's participation in the war.

According to Andrew Lemon, author of the book, Box Hill, - 
'About one in twelve of the population of the Shire of Nunawading enlisted for active service in the war of 1914-1918. Of these, one in six were killed.'
World War I therefore had a significant impact on the Shire of Nunawading (now the City of Whitehorse).

The exhibition panels were designed by Way Back When, consulting historians, with much of the initial preparation and general organisation undertaken by Julie Jones, Heritage Programs, Whitehorse Council.

Many local residents and organisations contributed to the exhibition.

A large scale photographic image of the Shire of Nunawading Honor Roll was on display in the exhibition space and also in the foyer of the City of Whitehorse council offices.

This project was a great contribution not only to Whitehorse Heritage Week but also to the national commemoration of the Anzac Centenary.