For the first time, RSL Victoria is inviting Melbournians to a special evening around a contemporary campfire of reflections and stories, music and mateship to launch the ANZAC Appeal at Astor Theatre on Tuesday 11 April 2023.
This year, for the first time ever, RSL Victoria is hosting a special evening around a contemporary campfire of reflections and stories, music and mateship to launch the ANZAC Appeal at Astor Theatre on Tuesday 11 April 2023.
Open to the public this year, the launch event will be an evening of nostalgia, history and humanity as RSL Victoria kicks off the 2023 Anzac Appeal, a critical fundraiser spanning over 100 years that delivers services and support to current and retired veterans and their families.
2023 Anzac Appeal Launch Event
- A live performance by Augie March’s Glenn Richards of “I Was Only Nineteen” to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary
- A screening of “The Battle of Long Tan” documentary by Director Damien Lay
- Original “I Was Only Nineteen” songwriter, John Schumann, speaking on the importance of the song
- Speakers presenting the new ANZAC Appeal Badges – including that of the heroic nurse Vivian Bullwinkel
- Q&A facilitated by ABC News Breakfast Film Reviewer Zak Hepburn and director Damian Lay
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Victorians are encouraged to join RSL Victoria and affiliates from AFL, NRL, and Racing Victoria with special one-off screening, presentations from veterans and performances.
This isn’t your standard night at the movies though. Movie-goers will be welcomed with their choice of wine donated by Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association members before taking their seats for a very special evening of guests.
Augie March lead singer Glenn Richards will then perform live his cover of the iconic ballad “I Was Only 19”, to be released on Spotify with royalties donated to the ANZAC Appeal as the song celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
The song’s original writer John Schumann of the band Redgum will also be in attendance and will speak to the importance of the song and the sentiments that young veterans faced on their return from the Vietnam war.
There will be speakers presenting the new ANZAC Appeal Badges – including that of the heroic nurse Vivian Bullwinkel – only the second person ever, and the first woman to be commemorated on a badge.
The evening will also air a Q&A facilitated by ABC News Breakfast Film Reviewer Zak Hepburn and director Damian Lay before the screening of his documentary ‘The Battle of Long Tan’ narrated by Sam Worthington hits the big screen thanks to support of The History Channel.
Tickets are $25 and include a glass of wine and access to entertainment.
The evening commences at 6 pm with a 6.30 pm start – and is a special collaboration that echoes the sense of community and camaraderie ANZAC Day inspires in Victorians – with $10 from each ticket sold being generously donated by The Astor Theatre for the appeal.
Tickets can be purchased here.
