Presentation on Women in War mural, Violet Town – Dr Kirsty Harris

To commemorate International Women’s Day, one of Australia’s leading women-in-war historians, Dr Kirsty Harris, will give a presentation on the history behind Violet Town’s new impressive Women in War mural.

The talk will occur from 11.30 am on Saturday, March 2 at the Community Complex in Cowslip St, Violet Town. Morning tea will be served from 11.00 am followed by the presentation.

Erected by the Violet Town RSL Sub Branch, the mostly black and white mural represents women who served in or supported Australia’s defence forces in time of war.

Dr Harris highlighted that International Women’s Day was the ideal time to reflect on those women who had supported or fought for their country.

“The common refrain that women replaced men so that they could fight is long gone with female members of the military now commanding ships and flying planes,” she said.

“But it is important that we understand the work their forebears did, and the role they played in creating a permanent place for women in Australia’s military and workforce.”

The mural, painted by recognised mural and silo artist Tim Bowtell, tells the story of local women connected to Violet Town and district who served, but set in a national context. It is 17 metres long and nearly 2 metres high.

While there are about 20 local women who have been identified serving in the Australian Army, Navy, and Airforce or on the home front, they served only in World War I and World War II.

From this starting point, the project team created a mural to represent those who served across the spectrum – from the Anglo-Boer War to the present as well as those who helped on the home front.

The mural features portraits of both local military women and women at work on the land, the stage and in factories.

The Community Complex is opposite the Ellen Frances – Violet Town Hotel/Motel.

For catering purposes, RSVP by 27 February 2024 to the Violet Town RSL at president@violettownrsl.org.au