Gold Coast Light Horse Education Museum
The Gold Coast Light Horse Education Museum Complex is a proudly ex-Serviceman and volunteer run heritage collaboration.
It is an award winning provider of patriotic educational programmes that cover Australian military and local history to schools and community groups. The programme is fully aligned to the Australian National Curriculum.
The Museum is open to School and Group Bookings by Appointment and to the general public Sundays 9am - 1pm and Wednesdays 9am - 12.00pm.
The museum complex is is also usually open when large events occur at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds such as the Mudgeeraba Show.
A fascinating collection of artefacts, stories and displays in and around the Heritage Schmidt Farmhouse complex and grounds that sit adjacent to the famous Mudgeeraba Showgrounds.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MUSEUM COMPLEX:
Displays of military artefacts, uniforms, equipment and weapons.
The Heritage Schmidt Farmhouse, rooms and period historical artefacts.
Home of the Mudgeeraba 2nd Light Horse Historical Troop.
Home of the 'Nashos' (National Servicemen's Association).
Official Monuments including to The Animals of War.
An Educational Programme for Schools that is fully aligned to the National Curriculum.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES KEEPING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ALIVE
We aim to educate younger people with the following in mind:
To encourage an interest and devotion to Australian national interests and the unity of our people in patriotic endeavours.
To encourage and support all schools nationally to lead Australian youth on a path of respect for themselves and their fellow Australians with loyalty to their Nation and Flag.
The keep the spirit of ANZAC alive.
Our motto is 'Respect, Loyalty and Patriotism'
INFORMATION ON OUR AWARD WINNING EDUCATION PROGRAMME ALIGNED TO THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM
CEREMONIAL FLAG RAISING UPON ARRIVAL
Students arrive for their museum experience and participate in a military style ceremony as follows -
A/ The Australian National Flag is raised.
B/ A volley of three ceremonial shots (using licensed theatrical blanks) is fired by uniformed Veterans.
C/ Students sing the Australian National Anthem.
LIGHT HORSE MOUNTED TENT PEGGING DISPLAY
Uniformed re-enactment Light Horse Troopers mounted on horseback demonstrate how charging formations of Australian Light Horse would remove enemy tent pegs and attack using Sword and Lance.
An explanation of the tactics is given and students can engage in a question and answer session about the uniforms, equipment and horses etc.
ROTATION THROUGH 'OUTPOST' STATIONS
TRENCH PERISCOPES: Used in WW1 at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Students use the periscopes to spot enemy troops.
HORSE SHOE THROWING: A traditional game of Horse Shoe throwing as undertaken by WW1 mounted troops.
WAR ANIMALS: A talk held in front of the Museum's official Monument and gardens dedicated to the Horses, Dogs, Birds, Camels and Donkeys that served alongside Australian troops in many campaigns.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG AND COAT OF ARMS SESSION: This session is held at the main flagpole and details the history and composition of the Australian National Flag and Coat of Arms.
HORSES AT STABLES: Students can get close to the horses safely behind railings to ask questions and pat and feed these mounts.
WEAPONS OF WW1: The students are shown actual WW1 weapons (safely inert) by experienced veterans with an emphasis on safety and information on correct weapon safety.
THE 'WHERE'S WOODY' ACTIVITY CHALLENGE: A fun treasure hunt around the museum to find Woody the War Horse and ANZAC symbols. Work sheet booklets are provided to all students.
OPTIONAL HISTORICAL TALKS: For higher grades we have a series of optional historical talks on famous battles such as Beersheba, Villers-Brettoneux, Gallipoli, Bullecourt, Hamel or trench logistics and other topics. There are also stories of specific acts of heroism from several winners of gallantry medals such as Private John Kissock McDowell awarded a prestigious Military Medal for bravery by Major General Monash for working as a cook under fire. You don't have to have a gun in your hands to be brave.
NOTE: The Gold Coast Light Horse Education Museum Schools Programme has been designed in accordance with the Australian National Curriculum.
