Sydney Wednesday 1 September 2021 - Battle for Australia Commemoration, Sydney
I regret that due to the COVID-19 environment in NSW, the Battle for Australia Association (NSW) has been unable to conduct our annual commemoration service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place in on 1 September 2021.
Nevertheless, I am pleased to advise you that we have been able to produce an online service. We are privileged to have Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) deliver the address.
Please use the buttons below to download the prayers composed by the Rev Geoffrey Usher and delivered eloquently by the Rev Bob Durbin at the service, and the speech by Sir Angus Houston.
My best wishes to all during this difficult time and hoping you may stay safe.
David Ross
President
BFAA (NSW)
1 September 2021
Sydney Wednesday 17 February 2021 - Battle for Australia Oration by Professor James Curran
The 2021 Battle for Australia Oration was delivered at the ISC Room of the Royal Automobile Club of Australia Sydney on Wednesday 17 February 2021 1000 to 1200. The Oration is held in the third week of February each year to mark the occasion when Prime Minister John Curtin coined the phrase "Battle for Australia". PM Curtin first used the term in a press statement released on 16 February 1942 when he communicated to all Australians the dangers that lay ahead for our nation following the Fall of Singapore and Timor-Leste the previous day.
Eminent historian, Professor James Curran, delivered the 2021 Battle for Australia Oration addressing the topic Australia's Fear of Invasion: 1942 and Today.
Dr Curran is Professor of Australian History at the University of Sydney. He is a frequent commentator across print, radio and television on Australia's foreign relations, particularly with the United States and with China, bringing a deep knowledge and understanding of Australia's twentieth century history to public debates on our contemporary international experiences.
The Oration gave a fascinating insight into our nations constant fear of invasion since the 1930s and how successive politicians have attempted to deal with the threats real and perceived.