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National Servicemen`s MemorialPrint Page Print this page

National Service Memorial : 07-December-2011
National Service Memorial : 07-December-2011

Photographs supplied by Graeme Saunders / Ballarat City Council

The monument commemorates those who undertook national service in the Australian Defence Forces from 1951 to 1972.

Between 1951 and 1959, 500,000 18 year olds registered for National Service, with around 227,000 of those subsequently trained and serving in the army for three months, or the navy and air force for six months. 

National Serviceman were restricted to operations within Australia, but it was different with Vietnam once the Government realised they wouldn`t have enough regular soldiers to meet their objectives. National service was extended from three months to two years, limited to the army and included service overseas.

Between 1965 and 1972, all 20 year olds had to register, totalling around 800,000 men; of those, 63,000 were conscripted through a birthday date ballot. A total of 19,000 were sent to Vietnam, making up just under half of the Australia Army presence of 42,000 personnel.

Location

Address:Sturt & Dawson Streets, Ballarat, 3350
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -37.561511
Long: 143.853689
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:Multiple

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Sunday 3rd February, 2008
Back Inscription

This memorial commemorates the sacrifice and service of those men from Ballarat and District conscripted for National Service during the years 1951 and 1959, and 1965 and 1972.

Unveiled by the Hon Tony Robinson MP Minister assisting the Premier on Veterans` Affairs 3 February 2008.

Erected by the Ballarat and Districts sub-branch of the National Servicemen`s Association of Australia.

Service to the nation

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au