Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

Visit the Australian War Memorial website for more information.

A Proud Tradition

The Memorial's collection began with writings, photographs and everyday items gathered by Charles Bean from First World War battlefields. Bean realised early on that such words, images and objects would tell a powerful story. He sought donations directly from soldiers. Still on display today is the 1916 mud-spattered uniform worn by Private G J Giles, 29th Battalion, AIF, after a week in the lines at Morlancourt.

Today the Memorial sends official artists, photographers, curators and film makers on short deployments to record people, places and events. But it is you, the service personnel on the ground, at sea and in the air, who know what life is really like.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are making today's history. The Memorial's curators need to talk to you.

If current or former ADF personnel would like to know more about donations please email the Australian War Memorial at donateitems@awm.gov.au.

Note: This video is hosted on YouTube. Department of Defence users will not be able to view this video on the Defence Restricted Network (DRN).