Photo showcase captures lives of ‘Nashos’ at Puckapunyal base

AN exhibition commemorating 75 years since the introduction of the national service in Australia has been unveiled at the Bendigo Military Museum in Pall Mall.

The national service was a form of compulsory military training for young men, first introduced between 1951 and 1959, and then controversially reinstated in 1964 as Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War escalated.

During the initial scheme, more than 500,000 men were registered across 52 intakes, with about 227,000 men completing training.

The exhibition, entitled Nasho ’57: 98 Days at Pucka, focuses on one specific intake that underwent training at Puckapunyal, an army base about 45 minutes south-east of Bendigo.

At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of photos taken by Robert Lennox Suggett, who was a ‘Nasho’ – the colloquial term for a national serviceman – in his early 20s.

Suggett later became a prolific photographer and cinematographer in the 1960s and 70s, and his work offers an intimate window into the lived experience of national service.

Museum curator Dell Winser said Suggett’s images bring the Nasho era vividly to life and capture a lesser-explored chapter of Australia’s military history.

“Many never saw combat, but their experiences shaped a generation, fostering mateship, resilience and a quiet sense of duty that continued long after they hung up their uniforms,” she said.

“There’s a sensitivity in his artistic approach that reflects not only lived experience, but also almost 60 years of reflection on what service means in times of peace.”

Ms Winser described the works as layered, thoughtful and evocative.

“Each piece tells a story, encourages reflection and invites empathy,” she said.

“While Robert is no longer with us, his work continues to speak powerfully about youth, resilience and the everyday humanity of service.

“This exhibition reminds us that military history is not only about the frontlines, it’s about the people, the personal transitions and the memories that linger.”

Nasho ’57: 98 Days at Pucka continues until Sunday 26 July at the Bendigo Military Museum.

The museum is open every Wednesday and all weekends from 11am to 3pm.