Ceremony recognises Indigenous contributions to WWI
WAR MEMORIAL
Victoria Stone-Meadows
A new plaque was this morning unveiled at the Mossman Gorge to commemorate the contributions and losses of Indigenous soldiers during the First World War.
The service was attended by members of Douglas Shire Council, the Mossman RSL subbranch, members of the Jabalbina Yalanji aboriginal corporation, staff of the Mossman Gorge and members of the community.
Mossman RSL President Ron Savage and Jabalbina employee Phillip Minniecon addressed the crowd and spoke of the importance of recognising the contributions of Indigenous servicemen and women.
“We are all gathered here this morning to mark a special moment in our history,” Mr Minniecon said.
“The acknowledgement of the Indigenous people of Australia and also the acknowledgement of the Indigenous soldiers that fought and died for this great country that we live in.
“While I am up here, I would like to thank my father, who is no longer with us, for his role as a veteran of war and also his role as a father, and if he was here today I am sure he would be very proud of the fact that his efforts for this country as an Indigenous solider are now being acknowledged.”
Mr Minniecon went on remark the importance of the Indigenous flag’s role in the act of recognition and commemoration of Indigenous contributions to the Australian armed service and the recognition of Indigenous people more generally.
“The raising of the Indigenous flag and the whole of Australia also acknowledging Indigenous people through this flag is a great moment.
“I would like to thank everyone here who has turned up for this special occasion.”
The new plaque at Mossman Gorge is the third in the Douglas Shire that commemorates Indigenous soldiers and Mr Savage remarked on the importance of their inclusion in the RSL’s commemorations.
“Australians of all walks of life have served our country as members of our defence force and this commitment continues today,” he said.
“Mossman RSL has wanted for some time to display some form of public recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in the Australian Defence Force.
“In seeking to have the commonwealth of Australia recognise the service of local ATS members, we now have three plaques displayed with the Douglas Shire.”
Mr Savage also extended a welcome to all Indigenous people to get involved with the RSL and offered assistance in tracking down the enlistments and details of Indigenous service people.
Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray also remarked that the unveiling of the plaque and the commemoration of Indigenous soldiers was a proud moment for the subbranch.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE CEREMONY HERE: