Bendigo museum launching $700,000 appeal to expand veterans' stories
Bendigo Military Museum plans a major exhibition. It covers Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Fundraising starts on Remembrance Day.
Bendigo Military Museum is changing its historic Billiards Room into a permanent exhibition called Expanding the Story. The exhibition honours the region's military role after World War II.
The exhibition covers Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, plus peacekeeping and service today. About $700,000 is needed to complete the work.
This shows the real cost of defence and service. Mining company Agnico Eagle and the Nationals have already given funds.
The museum starts a community fundraising campaign on Remembrance Day (11 November 2026). The goal is to raise a further $200,000.
Curator Lena Morrison-van Velsen said the new space lets veterans show their children and grandchildren their own place in history. The work should finish within 12 months.
- $700,000
- Total funds needed
- $180,000
- Nationals pledge
- $200,000
- Community fundraising goal
- 103,021
- Lives honoured
Why it mattersThe exhibition will help younger generations learn about Australia's military history beyond the world wars. Local families will have a permanent record of their town's veterans.
AustraliaThe expanded museum will become a regional destination where school groups can learn Australian military history and where veteran families can share their stories locally.
