Miles to gain Anzac artefacts

THOUSANDS of war artefacts of national historical significance will be unveiled by the Miles and District Historical Society today as part of its What war meant to Miles project.

The Military Museum, located within the Miles Historical Village Museum, underwent extensive renovations and now includes a visual exhibit that commemorates Miles’ military history.

Miles and District Historical Society president Kylie Bourne said war had a significant impact on the town.

“World War I, and every overseas war after that which Australia was involved in, had a significant impact on the Miles community with a majority of our men heading to war,” Mrs Bourne said.

“So it is important that the community sacrifice and heroic efforts of our Miles servicemen and women are remembered.

“Through the use of text, graphics, video and audio, the exhibition takes the visitor on a soldier’s journey, from enlistment date, to deployment, and then to the horrors of the battle front, delivering stories in an emotional, impactful and personal way.”

Using audio-visual technologies, museum visitors will be guided through the journey that Miles servicemen and women took when answering the call of their nation.

The Military Museum contains the largest collection of war artefacts in Western Queensland including memorabilia, priceless personal effects, letters and local stories, which retell the trials and tribulations experienced at home and abroad during times of conflict.

Mrs Bourne said the exhibit was made possible by a $55,461 grant from the Queensland Government.

For more information on the exhibit, which opens today, visit the Miles Historical Village Museum website at mhv.org.au.