Mercury (Hobart)

How character is coined

- LISA MAYOH

A COIN in your pocket can get you through the hard times. It is a source of strength — a reminder of what you can achieve. A reason to keep trying.

These were the solemn words of advice offered to the country’s youth by Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson as he unveiled News Corp’s commemorat­ive Anzac Spirit coin collection in Canberra yesterday.

“One of the things you learn in life is what’s important; and what’s far more important than anything else — than rank, power, money, influence, looks, and intellect — is character,” Dr Nelson said.

“If you’re a young person today, and you look at social media , you would be forgiven for thinking that maybe success in life is going to come through mistrust, cynicism, impatience and materialis­m.

“Instead, young people need to be given and look for values that build a life of value and substance. “When I look at the coins, I ask myself — do I continue to be an Australian who is worthy of the sacrifice that had been made by that remarkable generation. “Any young Australian that wants to be reminded throughout his or her life, of what really counts — get the coins and keep them,” he said. November 11 marks the centenary of Armistice Day, and the end of World War I .

As the significan­t anniversar­y approaches, News Corp — in partnershi­p with Westpac, Legacy, and the Royal Australian Mint — unveils a limited-edition 15-day coin collection for readers.

The first of 15 coins — “United” — together with a unique collector’s album, will be free with your

Mercury tomorrow. After that, starting with the Sunday Tasmanian, a different coin will be released daily for two weeks, costing $3 with the paper.

 ?? Picture: GARY RAMAGE ?? THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Sisters in Arms military singers Samantha Morley, Elizabeth Smith, Leigh Robke with Monty and Edie Smith at The Australian War Memorial with the commemorat­ive Anzac Spirit coin collection.
Picture: GARY RAMAGE THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Sisters in Arms military singers Samantha Morley, Elizabeth Smith, Leigh Robke with Monty and Edie Smith at The Australian War Memorial with the commemorat­ive Anzac Spirit coin collection.

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