Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Posters - "Dig for Victory" Campaign (3)

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Overview

In January 1942 the Prime Minister, John Curtin, launched the “Dig for Victory” campaign urging Australians to grow their own vegetables as a contribution to the war effort. The campaign was supported by posters and print media.

Historical information

During 1942 food shortages began to impact on the home front. Agriculture was struggling with labour shortages and a prolonged drought. Shipping disruptions caused shortfalls in seed stock and fertiliser. It was feared that unless agriculture became a focus of the war effort, food shortages would be imminent. Many Australians were already keen home vegetable gardeners, with fruit and vegetables and a “chook shed” down the back. Others took to the idea afresh and turned over their whole front and back gardens to vegetable production, often selling excess produce to raise funds for the front.
Neighbourhood gardening groups formed to feed their families. Gardening collectives raised funds for the war effort. Legacy, the Red Cross, the YWCA, and the Salvation Army received funds raised through neighbourhood gardening. Even when the fear of invasion dissipated towards the end of 1943, food production remained a national priority. Home gardening continued to raise funds and morale, and feed local communities and families, throughout the war.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-232

Themes

Agriculture

Art and Design

War and Conflict

Contextual Information

"Dig for Victory" posters may be found at the Army Museum of WA Homefront exhibition areas.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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