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The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) welcomes a recent initiative that brings to light a forgotten part of Australian History. ‘An S.O.S. from beyond Gallipoli’ reveals the first ever major Australian relief effort.

The exhibition which is an initiative of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and is supported by the Laurelbank Masonic Lodges and the Armenian Relief Society, uncovers the development of the Armenian Relief Fund committees in Australia and the associated humanitarian program that saved tens of thousands survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.

The Armenian Relief Fund established an orphanage in Beirut, which initially housed around 1,700 Armenian orphans.

“Everyday Australians were the foster parents of these children,” said Vicken Babkenian, Director of the Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. “The children were housed, fed and educated until they were able to take care of themselves.”

The orphanage was widely hailed as the most efficient functioning institution of its kind, with Australians taking on the role of permanent carers for these orphans.

President of the ANC Australia, Varant Meguerditchian said the unearthing of this research will only strengthen the very special relationship between Armenia and Australia.

“This exhibition shows the humanitarian and charitable efforts undertaken by Australians almost a century ago,” he said. “It also highlights the very strong bond between the Armenian community and the wider Australian community that has existed since the WWI.”

He added: “Events such as this will enlighten the wider Australian community about a very special piece of our shared history and can only further enhance our already unique relationship.”

The exhibition – ‘An S.O.S From Beyond Gallipoli’ - will be held at LAURELBANK HOUSE on Saturday 15 November between 12pm-4pm, and will feature articles and pictures about this forgotten piece of Australian history.