Daughter of World War II telegraphist opens Darkan’s Women at War exhibition commemorating West Arthur

The daughter of a World War II telegraphist, Carmel Breman, officially opened the Darkan Women at War exhibition on Thursday morning. Ms Breman’s mother, Margaret Mary McCarthy, was one of the 13 women from the Shire of West Arthur in active service commemorated at the Betty Brown Historical Centre. Relatives of the women featured, RSL members and locals in attendance were brought to tears when the door opened at 10.30am. Ms Breman said it was nice to revisit her mother’s life and do something special for her. “It’s really special to be able to put that part of my mother’s life in a place that has meaning,” she said. “Previously, it was in a box in the back room gathering dust, here other people can see it but also together with other women it brings their part in the war effort to light, which is often overlooked. “It brings their stories into the light and honours the women — that’s really important.” At the tearful event, local Fay Bunce told the story of how her grandmother knitted 100 socks for the soldiers and each one included a piece of Ms Bunce’s hair for good luck. A morning tea at the Darkan Community Resource Centre was enjoyed before the opening.