Remembering life on the homefront

WORLD War I was arguably the last war to be considered “an adventure” by the (mainly) young men who left Australia’s shores to fight for King and Empire.
And so wrote Mrs Martin, of the Cooroy Patriotic Committee and wife of Methodist Minister Bert Martin, in March, 1916: “Remember while away fighting, we, your mothers, sisters, and sweethearts are at home sewing, knitting and praying for your safe return”.
This sentiment, and much more in the way of memorabilia, forms the “Noosa’s War Front” exhibition to be held at Noosa Library from Remembrance Day 11 November.
The exhibition will feature information and photographs, as well as treasured memorabilia from local residents’ private collections and the Noosa Museum.
Heritage librarian Jane Harding said while the politics of war, military strategy and battlefield horrors are well-documented, lesser known is what life was like for those at home.
Ms Harding, Noosa’s War Front curator Joe Hextall and a group of volunteers spent eight months researching and interviewing to create the exhibition.
“What we discovered is that those left at home were involved in a constant round of farewell and welcome home functions, tireless fund-raising and (other) patriotic efforts,” Ms Harding said.
In those war years, Noosa raised more than 27 thousand pounds – an enormous sum back then – and hosted at least 250 events.
Almost one-fifth of Noosa Shire’s then-2200 residents enlisted; more than 90 did not return.
The exhibition will be on show until 28 November before being moved to the Cooroy Library for exhibition in 2016.