Date: 18 January 2021
Media Release
CELEBRATE MARYBOROUGH’S MILITARY GREATS!
“The Maryborough Mural Project is delighted that together with members of the Butchulla community, the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum, and TOC H Australia, we will be holding a celebration of Maryborough’s Military greats at 10.00 am on Thursday 25th February 2021,” advised Elizabeth Lowrie a co-founder of the project.
“The project in conjunction with its community partners have now completed its mural program for the Museum”, said Deborah Hannam, the other co-founder. “Murals have now been completed for:
- Indigenous soldier Wilfred Walter Reeves who completed active service in the 39th Infantry Battalion on the Kokoda Trail in PNG in 1942;
- Reverend Philip Thomas Byard Clayton, CH, MC, DD, an army chaplain, who founded the TOC H movement during WW1;
- Frank Lawrence DFC DFM RAAF is Maryborough’s most decorated WW 2 veteran.”
“These three murals complement MMP’s first military mural for the museum – the Long Tan Mural which already graces one of the museum’s walls.
“Having Uncle Wilfie`s image on the Military Museum wall is something that none of our family, the Wondunna`s, believed would ever happen. We thank John Meyers and the Mural committee for their support and belief that Uncle Wilfie`s war service, and achievements as the author of the first ever book of Aboriginal stories, authored by Aboriginal people, in Australia, should be recognized,” added a thrilled Glen Miller of the Butchulla community.
“The Toc H mural is the only one of its kind in the world. It commemorates the life and work of “Tubby” Clayton. He helped thousands of young men of all ranks serving on the Western Front in World War 1, and people in all corners of the globe in peacetime, through the Toc H Movement” added Ray Geise, his ADC for many years and currently the Director of Toc H Australia Northern Region.
“The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum is honoured to be included in this wonderful mural project that has been the brainchild of Liz and Deb for a number of years. Our compliments to these ladies on their efforts in making it all happen. It is noted that many visitors to Maryborough, with the use of the mural map, walk the circuit and view them all. Also, our thanks to the Fraser Coast councillors who have contributed towards the cost of the murals from their discretionary funds,” complimented John Meyers, Director of the Museum.
Invitations will be sent out through email and posted on Facebook. Everyone is welcome, though there is limited attendance because of Covid restrictions.
