A SPECIAL community event at Birkdale State School this Saturday will shine a light on the Redlands’ little-known but significant role in the announcement of Victory in the Pacific (VP) 80 years ago.
The commemorative service, hosted by the Capalaba and Wellington Point Rotary Clubs in partnership with local organisations, will be held in the school’s assembly hall at 2pm on Saturday, August 16.
It aims to honour the region’s wartime contributions and reflect on stories of courage, resilience and community spirit from Capalaba, Birkdale, Thorneside and Wellington Point during World War II.
Capalaba Rotary Club Director Col Sutcliffe said few people realised the role the Redlands played in one of the most momentous announcements in world history.
“Birkdale and Capalaba played a significant role in the announcement as the ‘war is over’ message was received at the US Army high frequency radio receiving station at Capalaba/Birkdale and transmitted by General MacArthur to Washington DC,” Mr Sutcliffe said.
The top-secret facility, built in 1942 and located on what is now the Birkdale Community Precinct, remained off-limits to the public during the war.
Mr Sutcliffe said it was also likely that some of the first celebratory drinks in Australia following the surrender of Japan were shared at the Wellington Point Hotel, now known as Hogans.
Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said it was important to remember and recognise the area’s wartime significance.
“The Americans came here and transformed the area,” Cr Bishop said.
“Encrypted technology used at the time became the basis of the modern internet, and this came 80 years ago.
“At a time when there was a huge loss of life, we have to acknowledge how, in our part of the world, we worked so well together.”
Saturday’s event will feature performances by the Redland City Band and Birkdale State School Choir, along with historical reflections and storytelling.
Highlights include a child’s memory of the end of the war, the contribution of the Women’s Land Army at Birkdale, and a peace pole ceremony with gifts to Birkdale State School, Birkdale Scouts and the Wellington Point Village.
Entry is free, but bookings are essential via Humanitix.
The commemorative event is supported by Redlands RSL, Birkdale Scouts, Redland City Bands, Redlands Coast Museum and the Redlands Genealogical Society.
VP Day is commemorated annually on August 15, marking the acceptance of Japan’s unconditional surrender in 1945 and the end of World War II in the Pacific.
The day honours the service and sacrifice of more than 17,000 Australians who died fighting against Japan, including around 8000 who perished in Japanese captivity.
