Memorial Service in Apex Park at 11.30am followed by a lunch in Memorial Hall at 12.30pm. Oration to be presented by Dr Peter Brune PhD., B.Ed., Dip Teach, Author and Historian, at 2pm.
Event Details
Brigadier Arnold W Potts Oration
Saturday 26 October 2019
Kojonup
11.30 am Memorial Service in Apex Park
12.30 pm Lunch at the Kojonup Memorial Hall
2 pm Oration to be presented by Dr Peter Brune PhD., B.Ed., Dip Teach
Author and historian
Tickets: $ 55.00 per person
Available from Kodja Place and Kojonup Visitors Centre – Phone 9831 0500
Brigadier Arnold Potts Oration is an annual event organised by the 16th Battalions’ Foundation.
The 16th Battalions’ Foundation was formed by the 2/16th Infantry Battalion AIF Association to promote greater awareness, understanding and recognition of the service and achievements of the 16 Battalions in service to their country and communities during the Great War and World War II.
In the process of awareness and recognition we endeavour to pass on the traditions of spirit and service to our country for young Australians. In part we seek to achieve this by the Foundation funding of an annual scholarship where – in conjunction with the Commanding Officer and his staff of 16 Battalion Battle Group RWAR (Army Reserve) – a selected Army Reserve soldier has a paid for study tour attached to a tour of battle grounds and events relative to an earlier configuration of 16 Battalion. From their experience, study and observations on the scholarship tour, that soldier is entrusted to prepare to address and share his experiences and findings to his peers with the present day Battalion and wider in formal and informal presentations to groups and organisations. The focus being particularly on younger Australians, in both military and general communities.
The Oration is named after Brigadier Arnold Potts as one the most outstanding soldiers and leaders of the Battalion to date. He also played a major part in the positive growth and character of the Kojonup and Great Southern regions with his input to those communities during his lifetime.
On the occasion of the 2019 Oration, it was voted by the Foundation Committee to hold the Oration this year for the first time outside of Perth, in Arnold Pott’s “home town”.
We invite a guest speaker of note to address the audience each year on a theme connected to the Battalions bearing the number Sixteen and in the keeping of the Foundation’s aims. There have been outstanding speakers and, of course, we seek to maintain the high standard of presentations.
For 2019, the Foundation is delighted to advise that Doctor Peter Brune has agreed to our invitation and will address the Oration in Kojonup. Peter has a distinguished record in the study and writing of Australian military history, coupled with an outstanding research record. He has a profound knowledge of the Papuan Campaign of World War Two which includes the Kokoda Track and the connected battles on the Northern shores of Papua. Five of his present books have had a Papuan Campaign focus. His CV in detail is attached. Not only is Peter an authority on the Kokoda and surrounds events – he can entertain while he educates! “Advertising” Flyer attached also.
Arnold Potts meant much to many people – especially of the earlier generations of Australians. By holding the Oration in the Great Southern it is hoped to introduce younger Australians to the man and what he stood for, as well as add to the knowledge of all who attend, from the depth of studies, personal interviews and research of a noted and practical historian, in Arnold Potts home town.
I, and the 16th Battalions’ Foundation, would be pleased to assist further in any way possible with further detail and information if required.
Mary Goldthorpe
Ph: 0409 085 987