Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea is encouraging the community to visit NSW Parliament House as it marks the Centenary of the First World War with an exhibition titled, Politics & Sacrifice: NSW Parliament and the Anzacs.
Through a display of photographs, books, newspaper articles, propaganda and records from the Parliamentary and other collections, the exhibition explores some of the political aspects of the war; from the conscription referendum campaigns to the treatment of dissenters and so-called ‘enemy subjects’ living in NSW.
Mr O’Dea attended the opening of the exhibition with President of the Forestville RSL Sub Branch, Bill Hardman.
Mr O’Dea said, “The centrepiece of the exhibition is a feature in remembrance of Sergeant Ted Larkin (a former MP for Willoughby) and Lieutenant-Colonel George Braund.
“They were the only Parliamentarians in Australia to fight and die in the Great War, both giving the ultimate sacrifice on the ill-fated shores of Gallipoli.”
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Shelley Hancock said, “As the nation’s oldest Parliament it is appropriate that we host this exhibition to reflect on the events of a century ago.
“Our nation lost its sense of innocence along with the lives of many thousands of men and women.”
Mr O’Dea said, “The Centenary of the First World War provides us all with an opportunity to reflect and remember.
“I encourage the community to view this exhibition and learn more about the Great War from the unique perspective of the NSW Parliament.”
Politics & Sacrifice: NSW Parliament and the Anzacs continues until 30 April 2015. Entry is free, and doors are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The exhibition will be available for viewing on both the Australia Day and Anzac Day public holidays. For more information, visit www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
