Local spirit part of free Anzac exhibition

Victoria Crosses, a World War One bugle and a tribute to local diggers lost in The Great War will be among Newcastle's own memorabilia on show as part of the travelling exhibition Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience.

The award-winning showcase -- Australia's largest travelling exhibition -- will call the Newcastle Entertainment Centre later this month on the penultimate stop of a 23-leg national tour.

Newcastle Museum's own miniature VC and citation will be exhibited together with Christ Church Cathedral's Clarence Jeffries VC and invaluable Book of Gold remembering all the Hunter Valley residents who lost their lives in the Great War, as part of this free exhibition from 29 March to 4 April.

It will be the first time the four items have been viewed together and help make Newcastle's Community Stories section one of the best supporting collections on the Spirit of Anzac tour.

"This travelling exhibition is a free, once-in-a-lifetime chance to reflect here in Newcastle on Australia's incredible contribution to World War One," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"From a population of less than 5 million, 417,000 Australians enlisted, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. It was incredible.

"I know that a number of local schools are making the most of the chance to see the exhibition and given the growing crowds at our Nobbys Dawn service each Anzac Day, I wouldn't be surprised if Newcastle Entertainment Centre is full to capacity throughout the exhibition."

The Spirit of Anzac is an Australian Government initiative commemorating the Anzac centenary and has won awards for experiential design, innovation and technical achievement.

More than 21,000 people will be able to see it free of charge over seven days in Newcastle.

Boasting the best in technological design and interactive environments, the experience immerses the viewer into a sensory journey with more than 200 artefacts from the Australian War memorial.

Newcastle Museum was asked by the touring company, on behalf of the Australian War Memorial, to coordinate local content.

Other local items include a replica sheepskin vest like those made in Australia and sent to Europe for the diggers to wear; a video clip highlighting the Museum's prized World War One bugle; images of World War One postcards; and a projected list of the names of Hunter area soldiers who died in action.

Newcastle will be the 22^nd host of the traveling exhibition as part of the Anzac Centenary.

Sydney's new International Convention Centre from 15-27 April is the final showing.

Media are invited to attend a Press Briefing for the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience tomorrow.

When: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 11:30 am – 12:30pm

What: Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience Press & Community Briefing

The Book of Gold will be available to media. Made of donated melted gold, some of which is from wedding rings of war widows, the book contains the names of all the soldiers from the Hunter Valley who lost their lives in World War One.

Who: Major General Brian Dawson (Retd) Australian War Memorial

Where: Warriors Chapel, Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral

52 Church St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Media resources:
Photo Gallery

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ooxli8xcr4a121c/AACP-byJkQvtjq-

3rZyKRg9Ta?dl=0

Video Footage

Exhibition Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvOHK40Ezqc

Link to Download Footage: https://global-imagination.sharefile.com/ds0ea3b42b4174d489

Behind-the-scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USVCIjsGk-Y