This whistle has stood silent for nearly a century. Here's the perfect chance to blast it once again

Detailed summary

Have you ever noticed this piece of history on a Canberra landmark?

When the guns fell silent on the Western Front on November 11, 1918, bringing an end to four years of bloody fighting in the First World War, Canberra barely raised a cheer.

In Canberra 1913-1953, Jim Gibney observed that the Armistice "apparently made little or no impression in Canberra", with no spontaneous explosion of joy. It is hardly surprising. Our capital was a fledgling settlement of about 2000 people (and many more sheep!), scattered among construction camps and rural properties.

Meanwhile, across the border, it was a different kettle of fish. Unofficial reports of the end of hostilities stirred excitement in Queanbeyan late on November 11, but residents waited for official word. The following morning, church bells rang out, joined by dinner gongs (really!), tea bells, pots and buckets in an improvised, clattering cacophony.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Canberra Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.