Semut: Christine Helliwell in conversation with Dr Andrew Kilsby

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the award-winning book, Semut: The Untold Story of a Secret Australian Operation in WWII Borneo

Written by anthropologist and academic Christine Helliwell, Semut uncovers the story of Operation Semut, an Australian secret military operation launched by the organisation popularly known as Z Special Unit in the final months of the Second World War.

Christine Helliwell has called on her years of first-hand knowledge of Borneo, interviewed more than one hundred Dayak people and all the remaining Semut operatives, and consulted thousands of military and other documents to piece together this astonishing story.

She will be joined in conversation by independent historian, author and principal of Connect-History Dr Andrew Kilsby. Dr Kilsby has a background in military and diplomatic service both in Australia and overseas with postings to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand and holds a PhD in history from UNSW@ADFA.

Light refreshments will be provided after the talk and copies of Semut: The Untold Story of a Secret Australian Operation in WWII Borneo will be available for purchase.

Guests are also invited to attend the Last Post Service at 4.45pm, which commemorates VP Day. 

Bookings essential.