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Donate your time

The Anzac Memorial depends on support from the community to assist us in preserving the memory of those who have served in war through remembrance and interpretation by volunteering their time. Anyone aged 18 years or over interested in the history of the Anzac Memorial and the involvement of New South Wales citizens who served their country in war or in peace keeping activities can apply to be a volunteer.

Please note that we are only able to accept volunteer applications when roles are advertised. Unfortunately we are unable to take on new volunteers in response to individual requests. However we would love to let you know when volunteer roles become available so please register your interest by emailing manager@anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au.

On this day

On this day
16 February

1942— BANKA ISLAND MASSACRE. Following the sinking of the SS Vyner Brook, many of the survivors, including 22 Australian nurses, reached the shore of Banka Island. Realising that their position was desperate, an officer from the ship set out with most of the women and children to surrender the group to the Japanese. The officer returned with 20 Japanese soldiers who ordered all the men capable of walking to move to hidden part of the beach and killed them. They then returned to the beach and ordered the 22 nurses and 1 British civilian woman to walk into the water. They were machine-gunned in the back. All the immobile survivors were then killed. Sister Vivian Bullwinkle pretended to be dead and was the only survivor