Explore the Museum's best online content linked to stories about leadership and loss, bushfires, war and protest, women's sport and motorsport.
Leading change
Inspired by a letter from Prime Minister Bob Hawke, responding to a letter penned by 7-year-old Tracey Corbin, following the death of her grandmother in 1985. Mr Hawke's response offers hope among grief and reveals a gentler side to the larrikin leader.
Bushfires in Australia
Inspired by a Country Fire Authority helmet and jacket which belonged to John Minett, who died in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. They were given to Brian after his father’s death. Brian joined the CFA in 2001. He keeps his father’s spare set of turnout gear in his shed as a memorial to his biggest hero.
War, protest and the Sydney Opera House
Inspired by protesters Dave Burgess and Will Saunders, who scaled the Sydney Opera House and painted ‘No War’ on the iconic landmark in 2003, soon after United States President George W Bush announced his intention to invade Iraq. They were sentenced to weekend detention and ordered to pay the Opera House’s cleaning bill.
Women's sport and equality
Inspired by Marissa Williamson Pohlman, who in 2022 became the first woman to win the the Arthur Tunstall Trophy, previously presented to the best male boxer at the Australian Elite Boxing Championships. Marissa is also the first Indigenous Australian woman to qualify for boxing at the Olympic Games and will compete in Paris in 2024.
Motorsport in Australia
Inspired by a 1914 Australian-made Peerless racer, lovingly restored by motorcycle enthusiast Antony Gullick. George Spivey raced the bike and set an Australian record of 26.5 seconds for the half-mile. More than 100 years later, Antony met George Spivey’s grandsons who had grown up hearing stories of their daredevil grandfather.