Victor Dominello med rel: 100 YEARS ON: FIRST NSW TROOPS EMBARK FOR GERMAN NEW GUINEA OPERATION

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello has today paid tribute to the first NSW troops deployed for operations in German New Guinea, marking 100 years since the start of Australia’s involvement in the First World War.

A ceremony was held at Cockatoo Island where the Naval and Military Expeditionary Force departed on HMAS Berrima. The NSW Government initiative included a re-enactment march along Macquarie Street to Circular Quay involving 90 cadets from Sydney Church of England Grammar School, City of Bankstown Squadron and the Reliance Flotilla.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on the Centenary of Anzac David Elliott joined other dignitaries on board a ferry from Circular Quay to Sutherland Dock, Cockatoo Island where the commemorative service was held.

“NSW contributed over 160,000 enlistees to the war effort and today we remember the contribution of the first troops who departed our shores bound for Rabaul where they successfully occupied New Guinea and protected its ports against German naval forces.

“The Australian force was made up of over 1,000 men who enlisted in Sydney between 10 and 18 August 1914, 500 naval reservists and 500 men from Queensland’s Kennedy regiment.

“In September 1914, following several contacts with Australian troops on land and at sea, the German Administration surrendered part of New Guinea. Rabaul eventually became an Australian-mandated territory and was a key battleground during the Second World War.

“Today in Sydney we marked an early milestone in the four year commemoration of Australia’s involvement in the First World War.

“The NSW Government is supporting a range of projects including the $38 million Anzac Memorial Education and Interpretation at Hyde Park and the 2015 Gallipoli School Tour, enabling 100 students to travel to Turkey for the Anzac Day Centenary Dawn Service.

“There are also grassroots initiatives such as United We Stand, Wartime Legends and Joining Forces which encourage local organisations including sports clubs, councils, schools, universities and volunteer groups to participate in commemorative activities.

“The key to our commemorations will be research, respect and remembrance at the grassroots level.

“It is about conducting research about local diggers and family members who served and working with local veterans groups on initiatives and events which allow us to appropriately remember them and pay our respects”.