The GMRG comprises a group of enthusiasts dedicated to educating and entertaining the Australian public about the proud and distinguished military history of Australia, incorporating our Allies and our enemies.
Through public displays, official remembrance ceremonies and entertaining re-enactments the GMRG provide an insight into the life, conditions and events that confronted our serving men and women from pre- federation to Vietnam.
Members collect and restore vehicles, uniforms, equipment, weapons, artillery, webbing, medals, kit and associated period items with great attention paid to accuracy and authenticity. Even official paperwork and labels are reproduced in detail.
GMRG members also participate in film, television and documentary work, providing vehicles, equipment, uniforms, human extras, historical advice and information.
The GMRG was formed in January 1994 to enable interested members of the MHSA-Geelong Branch to take a more active role in conveying Australian Military History to the public. Many saw re-enactment as a means of bridging this gap.
Re-enactment is the faithful re-creation by volunteer enthusiasts of historically interesting or significant events, with the objective of creating “Living History” for the viewer. This can take the form of static displays involving vehicles, equipment, ordinance and period uniforms, and or re-enactment that not only involves the display of this equipment but also the use of a battlefield scenario encompasses the use of all this equipment tying together to tell a story of the men and the battlefield.
Members of the GMRG range in age from childhood through to early eighties, both male and female, with some being veterans, ex-military regulars and reservists. Others are just keen on military history and range in occupation from engineers, nurses, teachers, students, policemen scientists, doctors and trades people.
Aims & Objectives
The encouragement and pursuit of the study and research in military history, customs, traditions, dress, arms, equipment and kindred matters; the promotion of public interest and knowledge in these subjects and the preservation of historical military objects, with particular reference to the Armed Forces of Australia.
Organisation
The Military Historical Society Geelong (MHSG) and the Geelong Military Re-enactment Group (GMRG) is administered by a member elected committee composing of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members representing the various Sub Groups. An AGM is held each July. All current financial members are eligible to stand for office.
Branch Activities
Includes talks by guest speakers and members, films and discussions on the subjects of military history and collecting militaria. Displays are mounted at various venues. The year’s syllabus is available from the Branch Secretary.
The GMRG and the MHSG welcomes enquiries and new members.