Between 1965 & 1972, twenty-year-old Australian males had to register for National Service. The ballot was held twice a year and the marbles, which bear numbers that represented birth dates, were used in a barrel to determine who would be called up. Each numbered marble represented two birthdates. Men born on the dates of the numbers drawn were thereby called up for National Service. National Service was a hotly debated issue. These ballot balls were the items at the centre of the argument. The peace movement in Australia was opposed not only to Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, but also to conscription of young men into National Service.The marbles are made of wood that have numbers on them. vietnam ballots, national service scheme, marbles, conscription, birthday ballot, nasho

The octagonal fiddle-back cedar barrel is held by two supports base on one side of barel. There's a rectangle door that has a golden lock.Made c.1915 for the Tattersalls Melbourne Cup Sweep, this barrel changed the fortunes of many young Australian men.vietnam ballots, national service scheme, conscription, barrel

Laminated b&w photo of a Vietnam Veteran holding a ballot marble taken from ballot boxphotograph, ballot box, marble

Wooden framed written information of significance about the Ballot Marbles (national service call up)national service ballot, framed display

Hessian bag containing wooden marbles used in the national ballot.Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd, nos.2101-2200marbles, national ballot

Canvas bag containing nine wooden marble ballots Nos: 1,2,3,4,8,10,11,12 and 14. The numbers 1601-1700 written in red on front of bag. Commonwealth Bank stamp on front of bag.canvas bag, wooden marbles

From 1909-1929, all boys 12-14 yrs and men 18-20 were required to enrol for army training only for domestic service. In 1939 all unmarried men aged 21 yrs were required to register for 3 months training for service in Australia and its territories. This was expanded in 1942 when all men 18-35 yrs and single men 35-45 yrs were required to register for the CMF (Citizens Military Force) Many of these then volunteered for the regular army during WW2. However the biggest National Service intake occurred between 1951 and 1972 as a reaction to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Initially this required all 18 yr olds to complete 176 days of military service. Then in 1964 the lottery system was invoked.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2002. Walking proud: these men were part of the July 9, 1957 national service intake chosen by ballot. The men are pictured at Puckapunyal army camp. Photo supplied by Ernie Hartland.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Standard issue item as used by Commonwealth Government notifying when a young man was selected in the Conscription Ballot for service during the Vietnam conflict.Small buff coloured card Refer imagenational service registration, ir mckenzie, conscription, nasho, national service, birthday ballot