THE Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea has paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
When planning the club’s November meeting, organisers felt it fitting to dedicate the occasion to remembrance and reflection. An approach to the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) was met with strong support, resulting in a memorable presentation on Monday, 3 November 2025.
The club welcomed Sheena Lambie, Assistant Director of Official Commemoration and Information Services, and Samuel Convey, Acting State Operations Manager Victoria, who spoke about the vital work of the OAWG in preserving Australia’s war history and honouring its fallen.
“Australia has been committed to the commemoration of our war dead since the First World War,” Ms Lambie told members.
She explained that the OAWG was established in 1975, evolving from the former Anzac Agency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), and gained statutory status under the War Graves Act 1980. Today, the OAWG cares for the commemorations of more than 356,000 Australian servicemen, servicewomen and veterans across more than 2,300 sites of commemoration in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
As an agent of the CWGC, the OAWG maintains official war cemeteries and individual graves of Commonwealth personnel who died during the two World Wars. The office also provides perpetual commemoration for Australian service personnel who died during or as a result of operational service in later conflicts.
Members were deeply engaged by the presentation, which featured a series of powerful images showing the scope of the OAWG’s work. Mr Convey detailed the extent of his own area of responsibility, which stretches as far as Hay, NSW, and includes 17 commemorative sites.
The professionalism and dedication of the presenters left a lasting impression on attendees, who expressed their gratitude and admiration for the work of the OAWG.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt thanks to Ms Lambie and Mr Convey, and a reminder of the enduring importance of remembrance and respect for those who served.
