Talks And Lectures

Warning: This podcast contains themes that may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.  The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects in the Galleries. In this episode, Major David Bergman explains his role in the recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Major Bergman was one of only five Australian Defence Force personnel embedded with the NYPD and other units who worked in the months after the attacks.  Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon    

The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor. In this episode, we delve into the story of Flight Sergeant Keith Meggs. Keith had a passion for aviation from an early age and in December 1950, he arrived in Korea to serve as a fighter pilot. Over the course of his service, he was involved in two very close calls. Listen as Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey uncovers these stories and the peculiar way Keith got his hands on an American survival vest.  Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon 

The Shrine Stories podcast takes you on a deep dive behind the objects on our gallery floor.   In this episode, we uncover the story behind the song, Dream of Australia, which plays in our galleries. Petty Officer Ted McHaffie wrote it in 1936 during a particularly lonesome and frustrating time in his service.   Tragically, five years later, Ted was one of the 645 Australian soldiers killed when HMAS Sydney II was sunk by a German raider, and so the song was never recorded.   That was until Ted’s nephew, Dr Robert Hoskin, decided it was time that this tune had an audience. Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon   

  This podcast was recorded during the 2023 Midsumma Festival and explores stories of LGBTQ+ service.  Chaired by Midsumma Chief Executive Karen Bryant, listen as current and ex-service members share their experiences in the ADF.  Content warning: Parental guidance is recommended: this audio program contains adult themes and concepts and occasional coarse language. Support: If this program raises any issues for you, feel free to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Qlife on 1800 184 527. Or please scroll down for additional support services. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and not necessarily the views of the Shrine of Remembrance. Speakers: Midsumma Chief Executive Karen Bryant, Yvonne Sillett, Felix, DEFGLIS Vice President Flight Lieutenant Nathan Howarth, Professor Noah Riseman, Defending with Pride curator Kate Spinks-Colas. Recording: McLean Sound Music: Across the Line - Lone Canyon  Support: If this podcast raises any issues for you, support is available

Entertainers have performed in war and peacekeeping zones for decades, but what does it take to get them over there? And what happens if things don't go according to plan?  In this podcast, Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Langley shares a peek behind the curtain of a Forces Entertainment concert from recruiting to the curtain call. Listen as he unpacks stories of escorting comedians, musicians and performers to gigs all over the world.  Image: Cold Chisel's Ian Moss with WO1 Mark Langley in East Timor. Music: Sylvester Subconscious Cast Of Characters Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance.

Australian entertainers have performed for troops in war zones and peacekeeping operations since the Vietnam War. Their talent and celebrity have lifted spirits and brought a slice of home to service personnel abroad. In this podcast, hear first-hand the trials and tribulations of entertaining on the front line with host Merrick Watts in conversation with Tom Gleeson, Charlie Pickering, Little Pattie and Normie Rowe.  This podcast was recorded live at the Shrine in November 2022 to mark the opening of Tours De Force: Entertainers on the Front Line. Listen to part one here. Content warning: This podcast is not suitable for children. It contains adult themes and occasional coarse language. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance. Audio recording: McLean Sound Audio mastering: Kris Keogh Music: Explorations by Reveille Special thanks  To all the comedians and performers for their time and generos

Australian entertainers have performed for troops in war zones and peacekeeping operations since the Vietnam War. Their talent and celebrity have lifted spirits and brought a slice of home to service personnel abroad. In this podcast, hear first-hand the trials and tribulations of entertaining on the front line with host Merrick Watts in conversation with Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, Nick Cody and Ami Williamson. This podcast was recorded live at the Shrine in November 2022 to mark the opening of Tours De Force: Entertainers on the Front Line. Listen to part two here. Content warning: This podcast is not suitable for children. It contains adult themes and occasional coarse language. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance. Audio recording: McLean Sound Audio mastering: Kris Keogh Music: Explorations by Reveille Special thanks  To all the comedians and performers for their time and generosity.  For

Corporal Ronald Schultz has been in the Air Force for more than two decades, spanning a variety of roles and serving both in Australia and overseas. He now works in Indigenous recruiting, helping other First Nations people across Australia enter the Defence Force. In this podcast, guest host and acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux yarns with Ron about his entry into the defence force, the highlights of his service and his hopes for the future of First Peoples in the ADF.  Credits: Speaker: Corporal Ronald Schultz Interviewer: Tom Molyneux Editor: Laura Thomas Music: Title: Emu and Brolga Composer: James Henry Performed by: Air Force Band Wind Quintet This song was debuted at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service. Audio Mastering: Kris Keogh Special thanks: Megan Spencer, for her keen ear and feedback on this podcast. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembr

Phil Neil, a former Leading Aircraftman with the RAAF, was one of the five members of the Gay Ex-Services Association (GESA) who tried to unsuccessfully lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day in 1982. GESA formed after inflammatory and homophobic comments were made in the media about gay service people by then RSL president, Bruce Ruxton. On a cold and rainy 25th of April, 1982, Phil Neil, Mike Jarmyn, Terry Yates and two other gay ex-servicemen walked the steps of the Shrine to try and lay a wreath in the name of their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”, who had always been a part of the Australian defence forces. On that day, they were turned away. After the passing in 2018 of GESA founding member Max Campbell, a former RAAF Warrant Officer, it was thought that there were no surviving members of the association. As luck would have it, Phil Neil was found alive and well living in regional Victoria during the making of ‘The Power of the Wreath’, one of the podcast episodes that acco

When the Taliban entered Kabul on the evening of 15 August 2021, Western troops and embassy staff scrambled to flee a country of which its government had lost control. To the world, Kabul in August looked like Saigon in 1975.  Andrew Quilty was one of a handful of Western journalists who stayed as the city fell. His book, August in Kabul: America's last days in Afghanistan is a first-hand account of those dramatic final days told through the eyes of Afghans whose lives have been turned upside down.   In September 2022, Andrew sat down in front of a live audience at the Shrine of Remembrance to discuss his book with journalist Tracey Curro. Listen as Andrew reveals what life was like in Kabul and shares stories from the weeks and months after it fell. 

Bridget Clinch is a change maker. A former captain in the Australian Army, in 2010 she challenged the Australian Defence Force over its ban on transgender service - and won. It was a hard-fought battle that paved the way for other transgender ADF service members to be able transition and to continue serving after her. High profile former Lieutenant Colonel and Group Captain Cate McGregor, was one of them. Born in Sydney in 1979, Bridget Clinch’s military story began in Victoria as an Army cadet in the mid-90s, at the boys’ secondary college, Melbourne High School. She joined the Army in 1999, and went into officer training at Royal Military College Duntroon. Bridget spent 15 years serving in the Australian Army and had a busy infantry career - in her words, she “crammed a lot in”, especially in her 20s. A combat leader, she deployed to East Timor twice on peacekeeping missions, first in 2003 then in 2008, receiving medals for her service. Amongst it all she commanded platoons, abseiled down mountains, did com

The Beaufort Bomber was colloquially known as the workhorse of the RAAF during World War Two and played a key role in Australia's defence. In this podcast, convenor of the Beaufort Squadrons Reunion Tony Clark unpacks the story behind the plane. Hear why they were built on home soil, how women played a pivotal part in the construction and what happened when the plane was retired. Voiceover: Keith Tucker and John Lloyd-Fillingham conducted interviews with many of the Beaufort aircrew veterans and former DAP factory workers at the 2014 Beaufort Squadrons Association reunion. The sentiments and words these individuals shared about their experiences were incorporated into an audiovisual on display at the Shrine of Remembrance. The audio from this project can be heard throughout the podcast.  Music: Some Smoke by National Promenade Band Fading Light by Josh Lim  Image: Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial 

The story of defence couple, Carole Popham and Christina Dennis, started over 50 years ago in the Women's Royal Australian Air Force. Both born in the '40s, without knowing it they grew up within 350kms of each other in northern Queensland: Carole in Townsville and Christina in Cairns. Coming of age in 1960s Australia - a time of limited work and education opportunities for women - in 1963 and ’64 respectively, Carole and Christina each jumped at the chance to join up and serve their country. The WRAAF offered the women a chance to travel and see Australia, to meet other people from all walks of life and the opportunity to work in an interesting and challenging environment that home just couldn’t offer. After meeting in the service 1964, and developing a romantic relationship at the end of 1967, Carole and Christina’s Air Force careers were cut short by the prevailing conservative morals and military regulations of the day. To avoid persecution from within, in late 1968 Carole and Christina decided to out the

This podcast is part of a powerful two-part series that explores the history of LGBTIQ+ military service in Australia, produced by award-winning podcast maker, Megan Spencer. It begins in 1982 with the unsuccessful attempt of five gay ex-servicemen to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on Anzac Day, to honour their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”. Forty years later, on ANZAC Day 2022, the story comes full circle with the annual Rainbow Wreath-laying service by DEFGLIS uniformed members and allies, in the Shrine’s hallowed Sanctuary. In between these two landmark moments, the story of LGBTIQ+ service unfolds through the voices and lived experience of current and former ADF service members, pre- and post- the 1992 ban on “homosexual service” in Australia’s military. The Power of the Wreath podcast accompanies the Shrine’s new exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service, on from August 1st 2022 - August 2023. Content warning: Parental guidance recommended: this audio program

This podcast is part of a powerful two-part series that explores the history of LGBTIQ+ military service in Australia, produced by award-winning podcast maker, Megan Spencer. It begins in 1982 with the unsuccessful attempt of five gay ex-servicemen to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on Anzac Day, to honour their “fallen gay and lesbian brothers and sisters”. Forty years later, on ANZAC Day 2022, the story comes full circle with the annual Rainbow Wreath-laying service by DEFGLIS uniformed members and allies, in the Shrine’s hallowed Sanctuary. In between these two landmark moments, the story of LGBTIQ+ service unfolds through the voices and lived experience of current and former ADF service members, pre- and post- the 1992 ban on “homosexual service” in Australia’s military. The Power of the Wreath podcast accompanies the Shrine’s new exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ service, on from August 1st 2022 - August 2023. Content warning: Parental guidance recommended: this audio program

This episode of For Kin and Country Yarns was recorded during Reconciliation Week following the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service (May 2022). In this podcast, guest host and acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux yarns with Ngarigo Dunghutti veteran Rex Solomon about family connection to service, experience in the forces and reflections on how First People's service is commemorated today. Credits: Speaker: Rex Solomon  Interviewer: Tom Molyneux  Editor: Laura Thomas  Music:  Title: Emu and Brolga Composer: James Henry Performed by: Air Force Band Wind Quintet This song was debuted at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.  Audio Mastering: Kris Keogh  Special thanks: Megan Spencer, for her keen ear and feedback on this podcast.   Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shrine of Remembrance. Support:  If this interview raises any issues for you, please contact: Lifelin

Take a peek behind the curtain of the 'Between Two Worlds' exhibition with veteran artists Ben Pullin and Sean Burton as they discuss their art and inspiration.   The exhibition is on display until the end of July 2022.  For more information about the Between Two Worlds exhibition, click here.  Learn more about Sean Burton here. Learn more about Ben Pullin here. Learn more about Rory Cushnahan here.  Credits Music: 'Our Bar' by Sam Barsh 

Uncle Frank Lampard OAM is a proud Ngarrindjeri Kaurna man and elder and one of the thousands of young Australians called up for national service during the Vietnam War. Training as a medic in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, he was posted to Victoria for two years and served from 1967 to 1969. Listen as Uncle Frank unpacks his experience of national service, shares stories from his time living in Melbourne and away from country and gives powerful insights into recognition and acknowledgment of First Peoples' military service. Credits This podcast has been produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the exhibition For Kin and Country: First Peoples in the Australian Defence Force, 20 April 2022 – April 2023. Speaker: Uncle Frank Lampard, OAM (Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna) Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer Archival audio: “Vietnam Lottery (ABC News, 1965)”. Australian Broadcasting Corporation Library Sales. “Minister for Army statement regarding the re-introduction of National Service, 1964”. Ac

Douglas Heywood OAM was just a teenager when he discovered hundreds of letters written by his father Scott to his mother Marge during the Second World War. Many of these letters were from Scott's time as a prisoner of war and recount in great detail exactly what life was like. Listen as Doug unpacks this incredible story of enduring love and what it was like to learn about his father through the letters.  

Lust, Love, Loss: Conversations is a three-part series produced by renowned broadcaster Megan Spencer that delves deep into stories of Australian wartime relationships. This episode follows the story of Julia and Jai Michel, who in the nine years they've known each other have spent three and a half living in the same place. Julia has navigated the trials and tribulations of organising a wedding, buying a house and weathering a pandemic all with limited communication to her husband. Listen as she unpacks life as a contemporary defence partner and explains how she kept her relationship going despite the distance while helping others do the same.  Credits  This podcast has been produced for the Shrine of Remembrance to accompany the Lust, Love, Loss exhibition (1 December 2021 – 1 November 2022). Speaker: Julia Michel Actor: Jai Michel Interviewer/Producer/Sound: Megan Spencer  Archival sound 'Children's Christmas party and messages to Vietnam 1968', Australian War Memorial Collection, Accession No. Accession No