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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.

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  3. Returned soldiers employed building the Great Ocean Road

Returned soldiers employed building the Great Ocean Road

A brochure for the soldiers' memorial highway on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria.

Details

Learning resource record

Creator:

Prime Minister's Department

Date:

1921

Citation:

A457, D209/4

Keywords:

  • repatriation
  • Victoria

Transcript

[Main heading:] GREAT OCEAN ROAD

SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

(Being Built by Returned Men)

[dividing line]

[Secondary heading: BIG HILL]

EASTERN VIEW

LAND SUBDIVISION

(SEE PLANS AND VIEWS)

[dividing line]

“Here is a scheme worthy at once of the sentiment that prompted its inception, and of the National benefit its development will bring. A splendidly graded road passing through picturesque country, and, perhaps, through an avenue of fine trees, is, in itself, a thing of inconceivable beauty. It is enduring, and from its very nature admirably suited to recall to the minds of future generations the tragedy and the glory of Australia’s part in the greatest of all wars, and of the heroism of those who fought for the country through which the road passes.”

Vide page 6.

[dividing line]

With the Compliments of the

GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRUST.

GEELONG, 1921.

About this record

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria was built to provide returned soldiers with work and was paid for by public funds. Dedicated to the fallen, it became a form of war memorial. At 242 kilometres long, its construction continued from 1919 to 1932. Over 3000 returned servicemen endured harsh living and working conditions to complete the project. The Great Ocean Road was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2011 in recognition of its historic and natural significance.

Related themes

Theme

A ward for the totally and permanently incapacitated in an Anzac hostel.

First World War

From 1914 to 1918, over 324,000 Australians served overseas in the First World War, with two-thirds becoming casualties. Their experiences had long-lasting effects on them, their families and society.

Theme

The Sydney Opera House under construction.

Construction and manufacturing

The government has a role in encouraging and regulating the construction, mining and manufacturing industries. Discover some of Australia’s major projects including the building of Canberra.

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National Archives of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.

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