A group of unemployed Adelaide people is literally reconstructing history to help South Australians learn more about important moments of military history and the vital role of organisations like the Salvation Army.

The Reconstructing History Work for the Dole project – run by leading community services group Mission Australia and funded by the Australian Government – has just completed a series of historic dioramas for the Salvation Army.

The handmade three-dimensional models feature miniature scenes of warfare and disaster, including World War One’s Western Front, plus rescue operations such as bushfires and plane crashes.

They will be placed on permanent display to the public at the Salvation Army Museum and Heritage Centre in Nailsworth.

Previous Work for the Dole groups had produced dioramas for the Army Museum of South Australia at Keswick, showing scenes from Gallipoli, the Korean War, and the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam.

“The Reconstructing History dioramas give people a great sense of what such battles involved,” said project team leader Alan Puttock. “They let people view the scene from ground level, and see how overwhelming the forces may have been, or how the soldiers lived, or what impact the weather or terrain had on them.”

Participants paint the dozens of tiny solider figures, making sure they are authentic to the particular period in their uniforms, weapons and surrounds. Matchsticks, chickenwire, masking tape and paint help build the picture of landmark battlegrounds, including WW1 trench systems, command posts, supply depots, and other infrastructure.

Reconstructing History participant Greg Graham, who had worked on military history as a hobby in the past, said the project was a great opportunity to improve job prospects.

“It involves the development of lots of really important skills, from painting and carpentry to concentrating on detail and working as a team,” he said.

Norman Blakey, Archivist and Director of the Salvation Army Museum and Heritage Centre, said the Salvation Army was delighted with the displays.

“Watching the team work, I have been encouraged and thrilled by the dedication of the group, and very proud to be involved,” Mr Blakey said.

“People know the Salvation Army but may not be aware of our long history. These models display this in a visual way, making history relevant to people of today and they are a great addition to our museum.”

The Salvation Army Museum and Heritage Centre, located at 2a Burwood Avenue, Nailsworth is open to the public, including group tours, by phoning (08) 8342 2545 or 0409091276.

The Reconstructing History Work for the Dole project is an Australian Government-funded work experience program.

Please note: Photos and interviews (with Reconstructing History participants and organisers) are available by arrangement.

Please contact: Chris Rann, Rann Communication, (08) 8211 7771.

Mission Australia is one of Australia’s leading community service organisations. It assists around 230,000 Australians in many areas of disadvantage, employing 2,800 staff to provide 326 services across each State and Territory.

It was formed when Mission SA (formerly the Adelaide City Mission) approached Sydney City Mission to explore ways to work together. Since then, similar services from Brisbane to Perth and Hobart also joined up and it officially became one national organisation in 2000.

Its services are centred around:

• Family support initiatives for families and children in need;
• Youth initiatives for disadvantaged young people;
• Housing support initiatives for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness;
• Employment and training initiatives for the long-term unemployed; and
• Community building initiatives that help strengthen and empower entire communities.

In South Australia, Mission Australia operates in metropolitan Adelaide and regional centres, with strong expertise particularly in dealing with homelessness, poverty, family disruption, youth issues, and drug and alcohol abuse.