A TIMELY exhibition is being unveiled at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House today.

“Courage to Care” was designed to inform Australians, particularly students, of the dangers of prejudice and discrimination and to understand the roles of victims, perpetrators and bystanders.

With a focus on the survivors of the Holocaust and their rescuers. It’s part of the program of the organisation “Courage to Care”, which aims to  convey the message of communal tolerance and living in harmony, by giving people than chance to focus on “living historians”.

According to Andrew Havas, the chairman of the organisation: “It is an exhibition that challenges our thinking, perception and has the potential to change our behaviour. World War II is a period that seems so far removed from our present day experience, but what this exhibition shows us is that the experiences lived at that time are as relevant for us today as they were then.”

Visitors will be able  to meet and tour the exhibition with living historians, who risked their lives to save others during the Second World War, but  not just wartime contributors will be acknowledged. At the launch of the exhibition, the personal contribution of Canberra’s Stasia Dabrowski, who founded our mobile soup kitchen, is being highlighted as an act of personal courage.

An up-to-date and relevant side to the exhibition is a free educational program for school students focusing on the importance of standing up to bullying and prejudice whenever it occurs.

“Courage to Care encourages students to reflect on their personal values and ask how they can make a difference, which is something that can be taken for granted in Australia’s democratic society,” said Ms Jenny Anderson, director of the Museum of Australian Democracy.

“Courage to Care” at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, until April 9. Open daily 9am-5pm.