Hundreds descended on Violet Town on Friday, February 16, to mark the unveiling of the largest mural in Australia dedicated solely to women who have served in war.
The mural, which is full of symbolism and features local women, past and present, was created by Benalla father-and-son team Tim and Sam Bowtell.
Front and centre is the legendary nurse Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, whose red cloak is the only thing breaking the monochrome theme of the artwork.
She is found alongside a plethora of fearless women who put their lives on the line to protect others.
Some were in the audience on Friday, which featured representatives from RSL branches across the local district and state.
The Women in War project was conceived in 2019 by Violet Town RSL member Jenni Kennedy as a way of honouring women who served in times of war.
The scope of the project was widened to reflect the diverse and extensive range of roles women have performed in the armed forces.
However, its main focus was on honouring local women first.
As such, the mural features:
- Sister Frances Mackay, who was born in Violet Town and served in World War I.
- Alicia Lindrum, who served as a driver for US General Douglas McArthur when he was in Melbourne.
- Sister Beryl Swallow, who was part of the Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service.
- Aircraftwoman Beryl Ramage, who served with the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force.
- Lieutenant Margaret Ahern, who served as a nurse in Vietnam.
- Army Major Dr Susan Felsche.
- Captain Angela Devlin, who is pictured holding a young child in the Soloman Islands.
- Major General Susan Coyle, AM, CSC, DSM, who was appointed Commander Forces Command in 2022; and
- Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham, NSC, OAM. who was appointed the 12th Regimental Sergeant Major of Army in 2022.
Captain Angela Devlin
One of the local faces on the new Women in War memorial is that of Captain Angela Devlin.
It is taken from an old photo taken decades ago.
She is pictured nursing a young child in the Soloman Islands and remembers the photo being taken.
“It was in the hospital in Honiara, and I was working there as a nurse in the medical team,” she said.
“There were some children playing. I went over, sat down and talked to that child, and the photo was taken.”
Capt. Devlin said that on that day, the last thing she expected was for a reproduction of the photo to appear on a mural honouring women in war.
“The photo has been everywhere, though. It’s been used in a few different campaigns.
“But I was really honoured when they asked me if they could use my image for this mural.
“I’ve been getting quite emotional about it today.”
Anthony Hopcraft
Anthony Hopcraft is a veteran who spent most of Friday, February 16, with a proud smile on his face.
Mr Hopcraft was in Violet Town for the unveiling of its new mural featuring some of the women from the region who dedicated their lives to serving in the armed forces.
One of those women was Lieutenant Margaret Hopcraft, his mother.
Mr Hopcraft proudly wore her medals alongside his own and said perhaps one day his daughters might wear them and feel as much pride as he does.
“The photo was taken in 1967, in Vietnam,” Mr Hopcraft said.
“My mother, at the time was a Lieutenant, and she was one of the first four Australian Army nurses in Vietnam.
“At the time this photo was printed on the front page of virtually every newspaper in Australia.
“It’s also been featured on the Nurses War Memorial in Canberra.
“So I’m here to commemorate mum and the other women that have served in service to Australia and the Commonwealth.
“It’s certainly an honour to see mum featured on here with so many of her esteemed colleagues.”
Tim Bowtell was at the unveiling and said this was the second memorial wall he had created with the help of his son, Sam.
“We also did the Southern Aurora mural, which is just across the road here in Violet Town,” Tim said.
“My sons are helping me out more and more. And without Sam, I couldn’t have done this one in the time frame.”
Tim said he was really excited by the project.
“I don’t think women get as much recognition in general.
“And after listening to the speeches today, it’s really given me a deeper perspective of what they’ve done.
“Now I realise just how big of a responsibility this was, and I’m really glad people are appreciating it.”
Violet Town RSL member Dr Kirsty Harris was instrumental in the planning and creation of the mural.
“Initially, Jenni Kennedy came to me when I moved to Violet Town and told me she wanted to do something to have the women in the area who have served their country to be recognised,” she said.
“At that stage, she did not yet have a list of local women who had served.
“So I made it a mini-research project to find those names.
“And then the team went on from there. That was five years ago.”
Dr Harris said seeing the mural complete, after so much work, was fantastic.
“It’s well worth a detour into Violet Town for people to come and see.
“And as an ex-servicewoman, I feel terrific that I’ve been part of a team that’s helped bring something like this to life.”
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines was joined by State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland at the unveiling.
Each was tasked with unveiling a second mural and commemorating plaque, respectively, at the event.
Ms Cleeland said when it comes to Australian history, there has been a void when it comes to retelling our war history.
“And I think this mural is the missing piece of the puzzle that we’ve all been waiting for.
“Today was extraordinarily emotional.”
If you would like to take a look for yourself, the mural is outside the Violet Town RSL on Cowslip St, just minutes from the Hume Fwy turn-off.