21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

Schedule

Fri, 10 Jul, 2026 at 09:00 am

UTC+10:00
Location

117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3350 | Ballarat, VI

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A compelling true story from WWII, honouring the bravery strength, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses
in the face of adversity. Directed by Stuart Halusz.
Vivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered.
In one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned.
The only survivor and witness, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life.

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Where is it happening?

117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3350

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

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Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
Host or PublisherBallaarat Mechanics' Institute

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