Events
The Sir John Monash Centre regularly invites our partners to present their sites and the Australian history connected to them during workshops and presentations.
Find out about upcoming events now!
Temporary exhibition: The Australian Army from Gallipoli to the Western Front
When Britain entered the First World War in August 1914, Australia quickly launched an appeal for volunteers. They formed the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), which was incorporated into the newly formed Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in Egypt. Little did they know they would leave a lasting mark on Australian and New Zealand military history on 25 April 1915 at Gallipoli – a day still remembered to this day as Anzac Day.
This exhibition explores the formation of the Australian Imperial Force, the challenges of the Gallipoli campaign and evacuation, the restructuring of the AIF and its transfer to the Western Front, where new turmoil began.
The Sir John Monash Centre exhibition guides you through their journey, providing background and insights into what Australian soldiers experienced before reaching the Western Front. Visitors will not only learn about these events but also handle replica items carried by Australian soldiers in 1915 and 1916.
The exhibition will be open from June 2026 through to February 2027.
A story that shaped a nation.
Conference: “The French Army in the Battle of the Somme 1916”
We are delighted to welcome members of Le Souvenir Français – Amiens Métropole to the Sir John Monash Centre for a special talk entitled:
“The French Army in the Battle of the Somme 1916”
Join us to explore this lesser-known chapter of the Battle of the Somme and learn more about the role, actions, and achievements of French soldiers during more than four months of intense fighting.
Sunday 18 October at 3pm
At the Sir John Monash Centre– Patrick Simon AO room
Free conference in French
Booking here
Remembrance Day – Wednesday 11 November 2026
Special Screening – “1914–1918: The Forgotten Treasure of Antoinette and Louis”
On Remembrance Day, the Sir John Monash Centre invites you to discover a passionate documentary directed by Anne Mourgues, co-written with Jean-Yves Le Naour and produced by Complices Films:
“1914–1918: The Forgotten Treasure of Antoinette and Louis”
In Vignacourt, behind the front lines, farmers Louis and Antoinette Thuillier set up an improvised photography studio in their farm’s courtyard.
Civilians and soldiers passing through came to have their portraits taken—perhaps sometimes their last—before sending them to their loved ones.
After the war, more than 4,000 photographic glass plates were stored in the attic… and forgotten for almost a century, until their rediscovery in 2011.
Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 2:30pm
At the Sir John Monash Centre – Patrick Simon AO Room
Free screening in French
Bookings here
Remembrance Day Service at the Australian National Memorial
The town of Villers Bretronneux will hold a commemorative service on Remembrance Day at the Australian National Memorial, at 9:45am.
A second service will take place at the Monument to the dead of Villers Bretonneux at 11:45am.
Attendance to both those services is free.
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