RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

59 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Annual Highlights CREATING ENDURING LEGACIES Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony On 29 May, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo carried across ANZAC Square in Brisbane as we honoured the service and sacrifice of our First Nations servicemen and servicewomen, past and present. The Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony recognises the contribution of Indigenous veterans, whose service and sacrifice are often overlooked in the telling of Australia’s military history. “They [Indigenous veterans] never got to recognise their Indigenous heritage when they enlisted. And so, some of their stories were just never told.” ANNIE DUFFICY Australian Army Warrant Officer Class Two To enable others to join with us, the service was livestreamed via the RSL Queensland Facebook page. Creating Enduring Legacies 100 Years of the RAAF On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) marked 100 years of service. We looked back on the contribution the RAAF has made in Australia and around the world, as the anniversary provided an opportunity to acknowledge the critical role the Air Force plays in our country. “I think of how far things advanced during my time in the Air Force and how far they have advanced in 100 years of service; the advent of new technologies and aircraft that have meant we can transport more medical equipment and enhance our tactical and strategic reach in vital operations.” ROSS WADSWORTH Retired RAAF Wing Commander, member of Ipswich RSL Sub Branch and Vice President of RSLMoreton District Continued on next page Indigenous Veterans' Ceremony 100 Years of the RAAF Commemorative Events