3 minute read
There’s more to this story
By Katrina Nicolson
One of the Shrine’s greatest challenges is ensuring that its purpose of honouring the service and sacrifice of Victorians and Australians in war, conflict, peacemaking and peacekeeping remains relevant to an increasingly diverse Australian community.
Find Yourself at the Shrine is a new addition to the Galleries of Remembrance where stories of Australian Defence Force personnel, or their families, from diverse backgrounds are highlighted. It also shines a light on the experiences of immigrant Victorians displaced by conflict for whom Australia is now home.
Their experiences differ as much as the countries and cultures they come from. You will find stories about people who have emigrated or hold heritage from Finland, Greece, Japan, China, India, Italy, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan and many more. Some have come as war brides, some as refugees, some have been interned as ‘enemy aliens’, while others, such as Mario Takasuka in the following story, have defied the authorities to serve their new country.
Mario Takasuka
Mario Takasuka was born in Swan Hill to Japanese parents in 1910. His parents Ichiko and Sho were exempted from the 1901 Immigration Restriction Act, better known as the ‘White Australia Policy’, due to their research into rice cultivation. They were responsible for the early growth of the rice industry within Australia.
In 1940, Mario travelled to Melbourne to enlist after being rejected twice locally on racial grounds. He served with the 2/3 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His gun team defended Heraklion Airport on Crete when the Germans invaded in May 1941. They brought down one German plane and damaged two others before running out of ammunition. Surrounded by Germans, the team managed to escape in a rowing boat.
When Japan entered the war in late 1941, attempts were made to remove Mario from active service. His commanding officer supported his bid to remain with his unit, stating:
During the Second World War defence authorities wanted to intern Jo and Ichiko. Locals interceded on their behalf, as they were well-loved members of the community and produced food for the war effort.
His record as a soldier both in and out of action has been exemplary and in consideration of his outstanding service on Crete, I selected him for promotion to bombardier.
Mario was promoted to gun sergeant and served with his unit in New Guinea. Following the war, he returned to his family’s vegetable farm near Bendigo.
Mario’s is just one story of dozens now integrated into the galleries. On your next visit to the Shrine, look for this symbol and scan the QR codes to learn more of their experiences.
Katrina Nicolson is the Exhibitions and Grants Coordinator at the Shrine of Remembrance
