MOREE RSL Regional Military Museum broke new ground on Monday when the first school excursion was hosted at the recently-opened facility.

Students from St Philomena’s School were guided through the museum by Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams, military trustee John Tramby and committee members Darry Brady, Eric Taylor and Lila Fisher.

“This is the first school excursion we’ve had through the museum, which is tremendous,” Mr Williams said.

Students were divided into four groups and informed in detail about army, navy and air forces, and how Australia and the allied forces played major roles down through the course of history.

“They were told about bombers by John, and Eric and Lila told them all about the Kokoda Trail, a 60-mile track in Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Range that was the site of a World War II battle between the Japanese and Allied forces,” Mr Williams said.

“Darryl explained the Charge of Beersheba and I told them all about Vietnam, which I can pretty well do off the top of my head.

“The kids were very interested, which is tremendous, and we need to keep this sort of thing going; it’s very important,” he said.

St Philomena’s history teacher Amber Clarke hopes Monday’s excursion was the first of many.

“We decided to bring the students to the museum because it’s far more interesting than sitting in a classroom talking about history,” Ms Clarke smiled.

“All the students were really interested, in both world wars especially, because that’s what we’ve been studying this term.

“I thought it would be good to see some history and artefacts in person, and hear from people who know a lot more than I do,” she said.

“It’s a great facility and the kids all enjoyed themselves. We’ll bring groups back in the future, for sure.”

St Philomena’s Misson and Wellbeing leader Peyton West said the entire class enjoyed themselves.

“It was a very interesting experience, especially for us to be able to come from school to have a look around the museum,” Peyton said.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen anything like this – the whole class had a very good time.”

St Philomena’s 2025 school captain, Meg Cooper, echoed Peyton’s thoughts.

“It was really good, and very interesting to be shown around the museum, and to be told more about the history of the world wars,” Meg said.

The Moree RSL Regional Military Museum currently exhibits more than 500 items as well as an extensive library holding more than 800 books.

“We have another 3000 books still to catalogue, and another 500 exhibits in storage,” Mr Williams said.

The museum, which last week hosted political heavyweights Barnaby Joyce, Mark Coulton and Jamie Chaffey, was opened to the public in August.

It is situated in the War Memorial Education Centre on Balo Street and open to the public each Friday between 10am and 4pm, and 10am and 2pm Saturdays.

Words and Images: Bill Poulos