UThink
UThink dives into the thoughts, ideas, and conversations that influence the way we see the world. We challenge the everyday and offer new perspectives with the help of fresh voices and thought-provoking guests who have dared to innovate, question conventions, and carve out their own unique paths. Through their stories, we’ll uncover fresh insights, discover new possibilities, and inspire YOU to embark on your own journeys toward something remarkable.
UThink
Telling Their Stories: Ross Cleary on Keeping Memory Alive
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In this moving episode of UThink, we sit down with storyteller and retired educator Ross Cleary — a man whose passion for history and humanity has found a home within the walls of the Australian War Memorial. What begins as a conversation about war history quickly becomes a deeper reflection on storytelling, family legacy, and the personal cost of conflict.
Ross shares how his own lifelong fascination with history evolved from a lightbulb moment as a school student to years of teaching, and eventually, guiding visitors through the War Memorial’s galleries. With powerful anecdotes — from the heartbreaking story of the Seabrook brothers and their mother Fanny, to the courage of nurse Vivian Bullwinkle and the forgotten histories of Aboriginal soldiers like William Punch — Ross reminds us that behind every name is a story worth telling.
More than a history lesson, this episode is a conversation about memory, empathy, and the importance of preserving the human side of history for future generations.
To learn more about today's topic click on the following links:
- War Memorial - Home | Australian War Memorial
- War Memorial FB - (1) Facebook
- Veterans Support - Veteran Support Office | Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Veterans Support - Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling
- Cleary Family Stories - Stories of my Family
- Impactify - https://impactify.au
This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/
Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garafano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.