The 75th anniversaries of two battles Australian troops during World War 2 are to be commemorated at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The battle of Milne Bay and the Kokoda campaign are regarded as two of Australia’s most significant actions of the Second World War.
Australian War Memorial Director, Dr Brendon Nelson AO said a new Milne Bay exhibition will open in Anzac Hall featuring a Japanese Ha-Go light tank, artworks, photographs and weaponry from the Memorial's collection on Friday, August 25.
Dr Nelson said Last Post ceremonies at the AWM will be held to commemorate Milne Bay on Friday 25th August at 4.55pm while the Kokoda and the beachhead battles will be marked at 4.55pm on Thursday 2nd November. The Memorial is working in close collaboration with the Department of Veterans' Affairs who will to facilitate the travel for a number of veterans to attend on these occasions, Dr Nelson said.  
Additionally on Wednesday 30 August, the Memorial’s Senior Historian Dr Karl James will conduct a public talk at 12pm in the BAE Systems Theatre to discuss the recently released book Kokoda: Beyond the Legend. 
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said Dr Nelson will be the special guest speaker at a charity fundraising dinner in Dubbo this month. 
He said Dr Nelson is regarded as one of Australia’s finest orators and the depth of his knowledge on Australia’s military history is profound. 
 The address will be held at the Dubbo RSL Club Auditorium on Monday 21 August at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. All funds raised will be donated to Can Assist cancer assistance network and the RSL Homes for Heroes ‘Help for Vets in Need’ program. 
Tickets are $95 per person and dress is a lounge suit. Purchase tickets on line www. 123 tix.com.au 
Email contact@123tix.com.au or phone 02 6881 8632 to arrange booking in person. RSVP 14 August 2017.