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This
exhibition records the history of the military and defence industries
in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
**If you click on this image you will open a small
interactive that looks at one of the display cases in the exhibition.
This interactive was made by Joseph Patrolla a year 10 student at Copperfield
College. Joseph was on work experience placement at the Living Museum
in September 2004 when he made this interactive.**
It is the story of scientific invention, warfare, human interest, work
environments and the plethora of information about the Ordnance Factories,
the Ammunition Factories, the Explosive Factory. The “ammo”
works.
The exhibition shows the role of the region in the building of the Australian
Nation, and the significant reminders of the sacrifices made by ordinary
people to the defence of Australia. The exhibition has involved local
people in all stages.
It tells the story of Australia’s Arsenal, in equipping the Australian
Defence Forces, and its colonial history. The role of those who worked
in the background, supplying the arms, equipment and horses. Oral history
interviews of past workers and veterans from all aspects of the war
effort, including memories of the remount depot, making cordite at the
Explosives Factory, filling the bullets at the ammo factory, weaving
the uniform cloth at the Port Phillip Mills and machining the tank parts
at the war time factory annexes.
The project will have enduring value in demonstrating the significant
heritage of Australia’s defence industries and identifying regional
heritage.
The Living Museum and others are currently working to establish a permanent
exhibition about the munitions industry in the Maribyrnong region, ideally
on one of the former munitions sites.
Australia's
Arsenal was commended 'Best Exhibition/Display' at the Victorian Community
History Awards 2002.
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