Heritage Leaders Workshop: World War One and ANZAC Centenary Commemorations 1-4 April 2014

I have attended a number of conferences in my life but our recent WWI Heritage Leaders Workshop was right up there with the best of them.

The event commenced with a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday 1 April with speeches by the State Librarian Janette Wright and the Honorable Glen Elmes MP. The welcome to country by Turrbal Song Woman Maroochy Barambah was very moving. Musician John Thompson of Cloudstreet read from the Gallipoli letters of Padre Green of the 2nd Light Horse and sang a haunting medley of songs relating to the Great War.

What followed was three incredible days (Wednesday 2 April – to Friday 4 April) of workshops and keynotes facilitated by Dr Kate Evans (ABC Radio National) covering topics including:

• uncovering and connecting Queensland's Anzac stories
• conserving and digitising collections and memorials
• linking heritage content and curriculum
• creatively engaging new generations
• partnering locally, regionally and across Queensland
• funding opportunities for WWI centenary commemorations.

As Dr Evans said in her closing remarks on the final day, this was a conference that built in momentum through the week. The sense of shared endeavour and commitment from all attendees and presenters was a joy to be a part of.

For more about the QANZAC100 Project and how you can be involved please visit our website.

Simon Farley

Military Collections Curator - State Library of Queensland