The Mandurah Community Museum’s ANZAC display for this year is now in place, with an almost exclusively community-fed collection highlighting the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
The exhibition has been built from local residents’ collections, especially those who either served, or had family serve, in Vietnam.
“We've been trying to put on a different display every year for Anzac Day, especially with the 100th anniversary of the First World War,” curator Nicholas Reynolds said.
“So we often get left scratching our heads for ideas around this time.
“There's so many ways we can go, because there's so many different kinds of input - there's a lot of people with collections that are ready and willing to help us out.”
Mr Reynolds said commemorating the Battle of Long Tan would be fitting, as since there is a large number of Vietnam veterans in Mandurah, the connection to the event is particularly strong.
“So we thought it would be a great idea to get the members of the Dawesville RSL involved. Everything you see in this room has been provided by them,” he said.
“We've been really pleased with the input the community has had. We've really tried to build this place around community participation, so I'm very happy that trend has continued.”
Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone said the events taking place this year once again show how passionate the community is about remembering the ANZACs.
“Anzac Day is one of Australia's most important national commemorative occasions,” Ms Vergone said.
“It’s a time to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have helped protect our country and those who continue to do so today.
“ANZAC day also provides an opportunity to reflect on what is so great about our country, our lifestyle and the importance of good mates.”