OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO TRAVEL ON ANZAC DAY.

In these times of constant criticism of youth it has been encouraging to hear of the number of young people developing an interest in travelling to various historic war-related sites of interest. World War 1 areas in France, Belgium and Turkey (Gallipoli) and World War11 sites at Sandakan and the Thailand Burma Railway (Hellfire Pass) have increased in popularity. Post-war theatres such as Vietnam have also aroused interest.

An enduring role in facilitating tours for High School students and other juniors has been provided by the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association, a group who have resolved to perpetuate the memory of the Burma Thailand Railway and the ordeal of Prisoners of War of the Japanese.

The Association conducts annual pilgrimages to Thailand in the form of Quiet Lions Tours (named for Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop. The tours have operated regularly since 1997 and the numbers of juniors have increased each year, partly due to a number of generous sponsors and contributing groups.

Foremost of these has been the Esperance Districts Senior High School but the following have been close behind: Carnamah District High School ( incorporating Three Springs, Mingenew, Coorow and surrounding areas), Manjimup Senior High School, Swan View Senior High School, Wongan Hills RSL, Mandurah RSL, Peel Health Campus, Wally Holding OAM and Wyn Holding, Neil MacPherson OAM, John Murphy (Sydney Barrister), the late Bill Haskell OAM, the late Edna Pratt of Darwin, the Extremely Disabled War Veterans Society, Fire and Emergency Services, Moora District High School chaplaincy, Highgate RSL (Carine High School students) and the Ex POW Association of WA per President Arthur Leggett OAM (Mount Lawley Senior High School students).

The latest to join the worthy sponsors are the Rotary Club of Karrinyup who, thanks to a generous benefactor, is sponsoring three students from Carine High School.

The Rotary Club of Karrinyup have been in a position to be able to sponsor young people to visit sites of significance in Australian

Military History.

Following a successful visit by two young people to a Rotary “International Peace Conference” in Turkey earlier this year they have followed up by sponsoring the three young people to visit the Burma Thailand Railway sites in Thailand.

The Rotary Club of Karrinyup chose the Carine Senior High School because their Rotary Club has a long standing relationship with the school which hosts students from our International Youth Exchange Program and because the school has demonstrated an interest in and a commitment to the spirit of ANZAC, an ongoing involvement with the ANZAC Day ceremonies and custodianship of the Sandakan Memorial.

The selected students were successful because they impressed with their genuine interest in the history of this area and because it was believed that they are all impressive young people and future leaders in the community. Karrinyup Rotary felt strongly that they would all benefit from the tour and would learn valuable lessons to take on their journey to adulthood.

Mr Peter Polain, Past President of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup stated that the “Quiet Lion Tour” was selected because Mr Eric Wilson and his team have established an outstanding reputation in the field. The Club was further comforted by the fact that Carine History teacher Mr Rob Dickson and some other students from Carine SHS had previously been on this tour and highly recommended it. Furthermore, they had even received a good reference from a group operating in competition to the “Quiet Lion Tour”.

The Rotary Club of Karrinyup is financing the cost of the three students with contributions from the Carine SHS and the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association which provides a subsidy to all students.

It is expected that In return, after return from the tour, the students come along to one of the Karrinyup Rotary club meetings and tell the Rotarians about their experience. It is important for the Rotarians to hear from the people whom they sponsor so that there will be continued support for such programs in the future.

Congratulations to the Karrinyup Rotary Club and the Carine High School for joining the growing number of supporters of the Quiet Lion Tours.