Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA096
Thursday, 2 October 2008
RECORD ENTRIES FOR VICTORIAN VETERANS’ COMPETITION
More than 700 entries were received in the 46th annual Victorian veterans’ Story Writing and Art
Competition, up from less than 600 in 2007, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said
today.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition of the works, Mr Griffin encouraged Victorians to visit
the exhibition, which is an important part of Victoria’s ex-service community activities.
“The competition provides veterans with the opportunity to express their thoughts and
experiences and get together with mates to research or share wartime stories.
“As we are increasingly focused on effective rehabilitation of ex-service people and veterans,
creative outlets like this are a great way for veterans to express their experiences.
“I hope many people take the opportunity to view the veterans’ work,” Mr Griffin said.
2008 entries covered a variety of subjects using mediums such as Chinese brush works, oil and
acrylics, watercolour and pastel. There were also various craft items including woodwork and
ceramics, needlework and photography.
The competition began in 1962 as therapy for returned soldiers at the Heidelberg Repatriation
General Hospital and has since grown to include poetry, art, craft and photography.
47 entries were received in a special writing category themed ‘The War to end all Wars’ to
commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
The Government contributes more than $50,000 to support the competition, a joint initiative of
the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Victorian ex-service organisations and the Heidelberg
Repatriation Hospital.
The exhibition at the Red Cross Centre, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Waterdale Road,
Heidelberg West, is open to the public from 10am to 3pm until 12 October. Entry is free.
For more information on the exhibition: George Drakos on 1300 132 133 or 133 254.
Media inquiries for Minister Griffin: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
