NSW Premier Mike Baird will be in Nowra on Sunday to visit the Shoalhaven Historical Society’s Not Forgotten exhibition at the Nowra Museum.
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The exhibition coincided with the centenary commemorations of Gallipoli and featured compelling and poignant stories of men and women from the Shoalhaven who served in World War I.
The exhibition took 12 months to curate and gives an incredible insight to the lives of the servicemen and women.
For life member and well-known local historian Robyn Florance, who was one of the exhibition organisers, the visit by the premier is superb recognition of the local project.
“Apparently the premier’s team saw articles about the exhibition on the internet,” Mrs Florance said.
“The premier likes to get out and visit grassroots people and organisations and that’s definitely what we are.
“It is great recognition for our organisation, members and the Shoalhaven that he wants to come here and look out our exhibition and learn about the stories of the area.
“It’s not our job to tell the story of the war but we tell the stories of those who went to the war and commemorate their lives.”
Along with Mrs Florance, members Keith Patterson and Bruce and Geraldeen Walker, worked tirelessly to bring the exhibition together.
Mrs Walker said the visit by the premier was recognition for the work the volunteer members do.
“We are just a small museum and it is a huge thing for us to have been chosen for such a visit,” she said.
She said the response from the public to the exhibition had been wonderful.
“We’ve had lots of visitors, particularly those with family members who are part of the exhibition,” she said.
“For many of them it is very emotional. We’ve had a few have to come back a second time to complete the exhibition. It’s overpowering for them.”
Official records show 380 men from the area went to war.
Soldiers whose stories are featured in the exhibition include well-known local names such as Hyam, Watt, Lamond and Walsh.
“There are 14 full histories of locals who went to war,” Mrs Florance said.
“There is a very interesting section on brothers, cousins and pals.
“There were five Braithwaite brothers, five Lamond brothers, three Shadel brothers, two Coultharts, two McPhersons and the Herne connections.”
There are sections on each stage of the war, including the Waratah recruitment march.
Items on display include old photos, postcards, notes and letters, medallions and even shrapnel.
A special booklet has been produced to coincide with the exhibition, while Shoalhaven Remembers Heroes of the Dardanells, honouring those who served from the Shoalhaven District, tells the story of the 380 men from Nowra and surrounding areas, along with three medical doctors and three nurses who enlisted in The Great War, many who served at Gallipoli.
Mr Baird will be at the museum on the corner of Plunkett and Kinghorne streets, Nowra from 4pm.
The State Emergency Services will also hold a free barbecue for visitors and members of the public are invited to attend.