In this video, Harris Sultan breaks down how core national traditions—ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Christmas, Easter—are slowly being sidelined, rebranded, or erased in the name of “inclusion” and “diversity.” From schools letting kids opt out of ANZAC Day services to councils going all out for Diwali and Eid, the double standards are impossible to ignore.

Is multiculturalism enriching the West—or replacing it? Why are Britain, Canada, and Australia turning on their own culture?  What happens when a nation forgets its roots and becomes ashamed of its identity?

This isn’t paranoia. It’s policy. It’s social engineering. And it’s happening now.

WATCH to understand the cultural battle we’re in—and why it’s time to stand up for what made this country great.

An ANZAC essay by Year 11 student, Lisa Cartwright 

In the spring of 1918, as the First World War dragged into its fourth year, the German Army launched a massive offensive on the Western Front. Known as Operation Michael, this offensive marked the beginning of the German Spring Offensive, aimed at decisively defeating the Allies before American forces could arrive in full strength. Within this broader campaign, the First and Second Battles of Villers-Bretonneux became critical episodes that helped to decide the fate of the front line in northern France.

Strategic Context

By early 1918, the withdrawal of Russia from the war following the Bolshevik Revolution allowed Germany to transfer over fifty divisions from the Eastern to the Western Front. These reinforcements gave the Germans a brief window of numerical superiority. Their commander sought to use this advantage to break through the Allied lines and capture key transport and communication hubs. The town of Amiens, located in northern France, was one such target. A major railway junction, its loss would have dealt a severe blow to Allied logistics.

Villers-Bretonneux, a small village east of Amiens, stood directly in the path of the German advance. In late March 1918, as German troops pushed westward, Allied forces moved rapidly to defend the approaches to Amiens, including Villers-Bretonneux.

The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (30 March – 5 April 1918)

As Operation Michael unfolded, German forces launched repeated attacks against Allied positions around Villers-Bretonneux. The defence was manned by a combination of British and newly arrived Australian units. Among them was the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade, rushed south from Belgium to reinforce the thinly held line.

On 30 March, German troops attacked near the village of Le Hamel, with limited gains. Further attempts around Hangard Wood succeeded in capturing ground, prompting additional Allied counter-attacks. The French First Army, positioned to the south, was also pressured but managed to regain some of the lost territory.

By early April, Villers-Bretonneux was held by a line comprising British and Australian troops. On 4 April, a concerted German effort almost succeeded in breaching the Allied defences. The British 14th Division was forced to withdraw under pressure from the German 228th Division, which created a gap near Le Hamel. The Germans advanced to within 400 metres of Villers-Bretonneux.

In response, the acting commander of the Australian 9th Brigade ordered a counter-attack late in the day. Several Australian battalions, supported by British troops and cavalry, launched a swift offensive that drove the German attackers back beyond the village, halting their advance toward Amiens. This counter-stroke effectively marked the end of the First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

Aftermath and Analysis

Though costly, the battle was a tactical success for the Allies. It marked the final thrust of Operation Michael in the Amiens sector. Unable to break through the reinforced line, the Germans were forced to shift their focus to other sectors. The strategic intent of capturing Amiens had been frustrated, in large part due to the staunch resistance around Villers-Bretonneux.

The Australian 9th Brigade suffered approximately 2,400 casualties from an initial strength of 3,500. German casualties are estimated to have ranged between 8,000 and 10,000 for the regiments engaged. The British 18th Division also endured heavy losses but captured hundreds of German prisoners.

The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24–27 April 1918)

The respite was short-lived. In late April, the Germans launched a renewed offensive to capture Villers-Bretonneux and threaten Amiens once more. In the days leading up to the assault, German forces used chemical weapons, including mustard gas, which caused over a thousand casualties among Australian troops.

On 24 April, German infantry, supported by tanks, launched a major assault that breached Allied lines. Villers-Bretonneux fell into German hands. Notably, this engagement saw the first tank-versus-tank battle in history. Three British Mark IV tanks encountered three German A7V tanks. The outcome was mixed: two British “female” tanks, armed only with machine-guns, were driven off, while the lone “male” tank, equipped with heavier guns, succeeded in disabling the lead German tank, forcing the others to retreat.

After the fall of Villers-Bretonneux, Allied forces prepared a counter-attack. Two Australian brigades and a British brigade were selected for a night-time operation to envelop and retake the town. The attack was launched at 10:00 p.m. on 24 April. Despite fierce machine-gun resistance and mounting casualties, the attackers managed to encircle the town.

By dawn on 25 April—coincidentally, the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings—Allied troops had recaptured Villers-Bretonneux. British forces, attacking from the north, suffered considerable losses but played a vital role in isolating the town. The success of this operation secured the eastern approaches to Amiens for the remainder of the war.

Role of the Moroccan Division

On 26 April, a Moroccan division of the French army joined the action, launching an offensive south of Villers-Bretonneux. Their intervention proved decisive in stabilising the front. Though this French contribution is less known in popular Australian accounts, it was crucial. The Moroccan division helped to relieve Australian units and push the German line further east.

Operational difficulties arose from differences in tactics and coordination between the French and Australian forces, particularly in defending newly won positions and conducting troop relief. Nevertheless, the combined effort of British, Australian, and French forces resulted in a significant defensive success.

Legacy and Conclusion

The twin battles of Villers-Bretonneux were among the most important engagements of the German Spring Offensive. They preserved Allied control of Amiens, a vital logistical hub. The First Battle saw a determined stand that thwarted the initial German breakthrough, while the Second Battle featured one of the most effective and audacious counter-attacks of the war.

These engagements were marked by innovation—such as the use of tanks on both sides—and by determined infantry action in the face of overwhelming odds. The successful recapture of Villers-Bretonneux came at a high cost: Australian, British, and French forces suffered more than 15,000 casualties between them. German losses were similarly severe.

The battles also forged lasting bonds between the town and the Australian nation. To this day, Villers-Bretonneux honours the memory of those who fought and died there, symbolising the enduring legacy of shared sacrifice in the First World War.

The Battles of Bullecourt, fought in April and May 1917, were two savage and costly engagements on the Western Front during the First World War. These actions formed part of the larger Allied push to penetrate the German Hindenburg Line — a formidable system of defences consisting of deep trenches, reinforced dugouts, fortified pillboxes, and dense belts of barbed wire, all carefully protected by around 140 kilometres of interlocking machine-gun positions.

In early 1917, the German Army undertook a strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. This move shortened their front line, allowing them to concentrate forces and resources while occupying an extensively prepared defensive position. Among the key strongpoints absorbed into this line was the village of Bullecourt, situated in northern France. Its location made it a prime target for Allied attacks aiming to breach the line and threaten German control of the region.

The First Battle of Bullecourt began on 11 April 1917. The assault was led by the 4th Australian Division, supported by British forces from the 62nd Division. Rather than relying on a preliminary artillery bombardment to destroy enemy defences and suppress resistance, the plan called for a novel approach. A dozen tanks were tasked with clearing paths through the wire and neutralising German strongpoints, providing cover for the advancing infantry.

However, this plan proved deeply flawed. Tanks at this stage of the war were experimental and unreliable. Many broke down before reaching the front lines, while others were destroyed by enemy fire. Without the expected mechanical support and lacking the cover typically provided by a preparatory artillery barrage, the infantry were exposed to intense machine-gun and artillery fire as they crossed no man’s land.

Despite these dire conditions, the attacking troops advanced with determination. Some even managed to break into the German trenches and engage in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. But without adequate support or reinforcement, they were gradually pushed back by relentless German counterattacks. After less than ten hours of combat, the assault collapsed. The result was catastrophic. Over 3,000 Australians were killed or wounded, and more than 1,100 were taken prisoner — the largest number of Australians captured in a single engagement during the war. The failure left deep scars on the morale of the Australian and British forces involved.

Undeterred by the first disaster, the British high command planned a renewed offensive against Bullecourt one month later. The Second Battle of Bullecourt began on 3 May 1917 and continued for over two weeks. This time, a more conventional approach was adopted, with artillery playing a significant role in the preparation and execution of the attack. The infantry, again led by Australian divisions alongside British units, faced stubborn resistance from the well-entrenched German defenders.

Fighting was intense and often close-quarters, as the attackers clawed their way through belts of wire, shell craters, and interlinked trench systems. The weather, terrain, and German defensive tactics made progress painfully slow and costly. Despite the heavy losses, the attacking forces eventually succeeded in capturing and holding key sections of the German line around Bullecourt.

The Second Battle, while achieving its immediate objectives, came at a staggering cost. Combined casualties were estimated to exceed 7,000, with the Australians again bearing a significant portion of the toll. The gains were modest, and the battle became a symbol of the grim arithmetic of attritional warfare that defined the Western Front.

Today, the name Bullecourt stands as a solemn reminder of the brutal reality of war. The courage, endurance, and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there continue to shape the way Australians remember their wartime heritage. These battles, marked by flawed strategy and immense bravery, offer enduring lessons on the importance of leadership, planning, and the terrible cost of war. Their legacy is a commitment to remembrance and the ongoing pursuit of peace.

This year marks a poignant milestone: the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli during the First World War.

As Anzac Day approaches, DVA staff are making the final arrangements at commemorative sites around the world – in particular, at Gallipoli in Türkiye, Villers-Bretonneux in France, the Bomana War Cemetery and Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, and the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia.

The commemorative program for the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra includes a Dawn service which begins at 5.30am. For details about the itinerary program, visit the Anzac Day page on the AWM website. The service will be telecast live on ABC TV and streamed via ABC iView.

The RSL and other ex-service organisations, as well as state and territory governments, are also organising Anzac Day services across the country. You can find out about local services by contacting your local RSL sub-branch or visiting the Anzac Day page on the RSL Australia website.

Several Australian War Cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance hold Anzac Day services. Please check the Commemorations page on the DVA website for up-to-date information.

If you are planning a commemorative service, or commemorating Anzac Day at home, our digital kitbag of printable materials can help. The kitbag includes speeches, orders of service, commemorative music playlists, craft activities and more. To download these resources, visit the Anzac Day Kitbag page on the Anzac Portal.

Anyone planning to attend the Gallipoli or Villers-Bretonneux services must register for a free attendance pass by visiting commemorations.teg.com.au. The international Dawn Services will also be broadcast live on the ABC on Anzac Day and will be made available on iView.

More information about Anzac Day overseas services is available on the Anzac Day page of the DVA website.

The National Dawn Service, Australian War Memorial (AWM), Canberra, 2019. Courtesy: AWM

The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, 6th September 2014, and has since become one of the most significant military heritage attractions in the country. Located in Cairns, Queensland, the museum is privately owned and proudly holds the title of being the largest museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of armoured warfare and artillery, the museum boasts an impressive and ever-growing collection of over 220 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from around the world. Many of these rare and historically significant exhibits are unique to Australia, making the museum an essential destination for military enthusiasts, historians, and curious visitors alike.

The collection spans numerous eras and nations, featuring everything from World War I field guns to modern-day tanks and self-propelled guns. Visitors can explore examples of engineering and design from major military powers including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union, and more.

The museum is committed to continual improvement and expansion. Our dedicated team is constantly seeking new and rare additions to enhance the diversity and depth of the collection, ensuring that each visit offers something new and enriching. Whether you’re a passionate historian or simply fascinated by military technology, the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum offers a powerful insight into the machines that have shaped the battlefield.

We welcome visitors from all walks of life and take pride in providing a memorable and educational experience that honours the legacy of armoured and artillery warfare throughout history.

In this video, the Spartan puts on a spectacular low-level airshow display, showcasing the agility and performance that make it a standout in tactical airlift operations. Purpose-built for rugged environments, the C-27J has earned its reputation as the RAAF’s ultimate “bush plane” capable of operating from short, unsealed runways across remote Australia and beyond.

Watch as this versatile aircraft demonstrates its dynamic capabilities in a live air display, highlighting its crucial role in military logistics, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. With a high-wing design, exceptional short takeoff and landing performance, and a tough, no-nonsense build, the Spartan bridges the gap between large strategic airlifters and smaller utility aircraft delivering people and supplies where others simply can’t.

This video offers an up-close look at one of the most capable and reliable tactical transports in service today. Discover how the C-27J Spartan boosts Australia’s air mobility and why it’s an indispensable asset in the modern RAAF fleet.

Australia’s housing crisis continues to intensify under the pressure of high population growth, with immigration playing a central role. While the country has long benefitted from a vibrant, multicultural population, the pace of recent migration has outstripped the nation’s ability to provide adequate infrastructure, particularly in housing.

According to the 2021 census data, the vast majority of permanent migrants arriving since 2000 have settled in capital cities. More than two-thirds have chosen Sydney or Melbourne, placing unprecedented pressure on urban planning, housing development, and essential services. These figures exclude those on temporary visas, such as international students and working holiday-makers, whose presence further swells local populations.

The effect on housing is stark. Suburban growth corridors, particularly on the fringes of major cities, are struggling to keep up. Local councils have revised housing targets into the tens of thousands, yet still find themselves falling behind. Thousands of new homes are planned or under construction, but they are simply not being completed fast enough to match demand. Rapid urban growth also means roads, rail networks, and public transport systems are stretched beyond capacity.

Some suburbs are growing by more than 30 people per week. Birth rates in these areas are also high, leading to a youthful demographic that will need schools, medical centres, and public facilities, none of which can be developed overnight. New estates often have no bus connections, while train stations are overwhelmed, and roads are becoming increasingly congested.

This unrelenting population growth has made housing unaffordable for many Australians. Renters face skyrocketing costs, with vacancy rates at historic lows in most capital cities. First home buyers are being priced out of the market altogether. The government’s attempts to build more social and affordable housing are being dwarfed by the sheer scale of demand.

Migration is just one component of the housing challenge, but it is the one most within the control of policymakers in the short term. While long-term immigration brings economic and cultural benefits, the immediate needs of Australia’s citizens and permanent residents must take precedence. Without a temporary reduction in migration, the housing crisis will deepen, further disadvantaging low- and middle-income Australians.

Some political parties have proposed cuts to net migration numbers, arguing that this would ease pressure on housing and infrastructure. Others have suggested capping the intake of international students. While the long-term economic value of migrants and foreign students should not be dismissed, these measures may offer a necessary circuit breaker while housing and services catch up.

Australia is not turning its back on migration, it is asking for breathing space. A temporary slowdown, paired with a national housing strategy and stronger infrastructure investment, would help restore balance. Without such adjustments, the country risks social division, urban sprawl, and growing inequality.

To ensure a prosperous, cohesive, and sustainable future, Australia must align its population growth with its capacity to house and support its people. The time for decisive action is now.

Pearson Engineering has secured a contract with Hanwha Defence Australia to deliver 131 combat dozer blades for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The blades will enhance battlefield mobility and engineering tasks, contributing to the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program.

Photo: A Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle equipped with Pearson Engineering’s combat dozer blade, designed to enhance obstacle-clearing and battlefield mobility capabilities under Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program(Picture source: Pearson Engineering)

An LRASM is launched from an RAAF F/A-18F during the operational test in February. Photo: ADF.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken a major step forward in enhancing its maritime strike capabilities with the successful operational test of the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

In late February, two RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets launched LRASMs over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California, striking a barge loaded with containers that simulated a hostile ship. The test validated not only the missiles’ performance, but also the RAAF’s preparedness in weapons loading, mission planning, and coordination with supporting platforms.

Supporting the exercise were RAAF E-7A Wedgetail command and control aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The successful test confirms the RAAF’s readiness to induct the LRASM into operational service and affirms previous US Navy testing from its own Super Hornets.

With an estimated range of over 400 kilometres, the stealthy LRASM provides a decisive stand-off capability. Powered by a small jet engine and guided by GPS, the missile follows a pre-planned flight path before switching to an autonomous terminal phase, using advanced sensors and an internal database to identify and engage hostile ships while avoiding friendly and civilian vessels.

Minister for Defence Richard Marles hailed the milestone, stating that advanced systems like LRASM will play a critical role in safeguarding Australia and its regional interests.

“These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and, when necessary, conduct operations in our region,” he said. “It will be seen across the Super Hornet, Poseidon and F-35 fleets. The successful firing of the LRASM wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of our allies and industry partners, like the United States and Lockheed Martin.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, emphasised that long-range strike capabilities such as LRASM are central to the Albanese Government’s defence priorities.

“The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step-up in long-range strike for our air force and underscores the Government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe,” Conroy said.

The recent LRASM trial was part of a broader RAAF deployment to the United States spanning December to February. This deployment included participation in advanced exercises such as Red Flag Nellis 25-1 and Bamboo Eagle 25-1 across Nevada and California. RAAF Growlers also conducted test flights in California with the cutting-edge AN/ALQ-249(v)1 Next Generation Jammer pod.

The LRASM is being procured under Project AIR 3023 Phase 1, which seeks to replace the ageing AGM-84 Harpoon missile with a more survivable and capable option for Australia’s Super Hornets, P-8A Poseidons and F-35A Lightning IIs. The programme will also see the introduction of the KONGSBERG Joint Strike Missile for the F-35A.

The RAAF is set to field all three variants of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 family: the AGM-158A JASSM, previously carried by the now-retired F/A-18A-B Classic Hornets; the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, selected for the Super Hornets; and now the AGM-158C LRASM, providing the ADF with a comprehensive, long-range strike solution tailored for modern maritime conflict.