Published on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at 9:07:01 AM
Many hands make light work and members of the community will be able to get hands on at Princess Royal Fortress this school holidays to help restore one of the site’s heritage coastal guns to its former war-time state.
The collaborative community project has been made possible by the Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism program, with the project aiming to recreate the community support involved in the war from 1939 to 1945.
Sessions will guide visitors in creating their own sandbags and camouflage netting defences, with the community’s handiwork to be included in the A2 coastal gun emplacement’s permanent display.
Originally instated in 1942 to disguise the weaponry from the threat of attack and possible invasion on Australia by the Japanese, the recreation of the sandbag and netting is being guided by an old photograph showing these defences in place.
Princess Royal Fortress Curator David Theodore said the project was a perfect school holiday activity for families to get first-hand experience of what it was like to get the gun in a state-of-readiness during the Second World War.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors of the Princess Royal Fortress to carry out the same work that was done during World War II,” he said.
“This hands-on experience allows visitors to contribute to the Princess Royal Fortress museum and leave a lasting impression in Albany’s most historic military location.”
Visitors can join the sessions between 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the April School Holidays, with no bookings required.
For session dates, head to www.nationalanzaccentre.com.au/events
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