Category: Women

I appreciate and value to the fullest the great deeds done by our soldiers, and the sacrifices they have made … We can never forget the debt we owe these men. No money manufactured in any mint in the world can repay them for the great sacrifices they have made for us. Richard Frederick Toutcher, Member Legislative Assembly, 1917 The Great War ended in November 1918. Over 112,000 Victorian men had enlisted and 91,000 served overseas. More than 17,000 were killed. A grateful nation, determined to repay this sacrifice, offered returned servicemen (and women) an opportunity to farm. The nationwide Soldier Settlement Scheme was established to provide blocks of land on which it was hoped they could rebuild their lives. Across Australia, thousands of returned servicemen took up the challenge and tried their luck on the land.   A land fit for heroes Following the end of the war, more than 250,000 soldiers returned to Australia' almost 78,000 to Victoria alone. Despite the promises, not all could...