Indigenous Veterans to be honoured at Commemorative Ceremony During Reconciliation Week

RSL Queensland’s Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony commemorates and recognises the invaluable contribution of our Indigenous service people who have served in every war and conflict since the Boer War, despite being legally excluded from military service until 1949. 

Indigenous Veteran and Kuku Yalanji man of the Western Sunset people whose traditional lands are situation north-west of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Ray Rosendale CSM, enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in 1991 where he served in the first Gulf War onboard HMAS CANBERRA before continuing his service on Her Majesties Australian Ships WHYALLA, SHEPPARTON, IPSWICH, TARAKAN, DARWIN, MELVILLE and LEEUWIN and Shore Establishments CEREBRUS, KUTTABUL, CAIRNS, STIRLING and WATSON and as staff in the Office of the Chief of Navy. 

In January 2013 the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Griggs, appointed Ray as the Navy’s Strategic Advisor on Indigenous Culture Affairs; the first time an Indigenous serving member held a permanent appointed position focussed on the affairs of the First People under the direct command of a Service Chief. While in this position, Ray earned a Conspicuous Service Medal for his efforts. Ray discharged from the Royal Australian Navy in 2017. 

According to Ray, the Indigenous Veterans Ceremony is a not only an opportunity to highlight the service of our First Peoples, but also to recognise that not all veterans were treated equally both during and after service. 

“I commend RSL Queensland for taking a stand and becoming a leader in telling the whole truth, allowing us as both veterans and the wider community to learn and understand why it is important to know and discuss historical truth. 

“In my time serving in the Royal Australian Navy, I found, with a few exceptions, that my service was physically and spiritually rewarding. 

“I was lucky to have joined during a period in the Australian Defence Force where the inequities of the past no longer created restrictions and was privileged to serve in various places, doing things that most only read about or see in movies.  

“While some racism remained, it was mostly from an individual’s perspective with most serving members treating you like a brother and caring only that you had their back, both when going into danger or in our life at home. This is by far the most important thing that I took away from my service,” said Ray. 

According to RSL Queensland State Vice President Bill Whitburn OAM, estimates for the number of Indigenous Australians who served in the First World War and Second World War varies greatly. 

“For the First and Second World Wars’, ethnicity was not noted on enlistment and given it was an era where false names and backgrounds were commonly used, it’s not possible to accurately know how many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander served. 

“What we can estimate is that about 1,000 Indigenous Australians served in World War I despite being legally excluded,” said Bill. 

“While the service and sacrifice of Indigenous Australians has often been overlooked in the telling of Australia’s military history, RSL Queensland is acknowledging and honouring the invaluable contribution our indigenous service people have made – and continue to make – to the defence of our nation and we encourage Queenslanders to do the same and commemorate with us on Saturday 28 May.” 

Prior to 1949, the Defence Act (1909) prohibited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people from enlisting. In 1917, the Act was amended so ‘half castes’ could enlist with Ray saying, “during World War Two official government policy remained restrictive and there was a ‘colour bar’ that effectively prevented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from serving in the military.” 
 
“Returned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans from both wars were not, in most cases, allowed land grants like other veterans and were not allowed into clubs or pubs in most of Australia with their comrades, in some cases right into the 1970s,” said Ray. 
 
Today, Ray says the Australian Defence Force is a diverse and inclusive organisation that truly represents our nation.  

“The opportunity to achieve at the highest levels is available to those who seek it through education and advancement on merit.  

“The inequities and racist policies of the past have been relegated to history and today’s service personnel are recognised for their service, not on their ethnicity, gender or religion but on the values and abilities that make our Australian Defence Force one of the most equitable employers in the nation.  

“The friendships and networks built while serving stay with you for life and the people that you serve with become your allies in working towards a reconciled Australia and a stronger nation,” concluded Ray. 

The ceremony will begin with a poignant Acknowledgement of Country, a moving digeridoo reflection and the official wreath laying ceremony accompanied by the First Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery Band. The ceremony will also include a reading of The Ode, a bugler playing The Last Post and Rouse, a minute’s silence of reflection, and will conclude with the Australian National Anthem. 

The Indigenous Veterans Ceremony has been held in Brisbane every year since 2006 marking its’ 16th year honouring the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans. 

Event Details

RLS Queensland invites the community to join us in honouring the thousands of indigenous service people, both past and present, who have served and sacrificed for our nation. If you are not able to be there in person, there will be a livestream on the RSL Queensland Facebook page for those wanting to commemorate. 

DATE: Saturday 28 May, 2022 
 
TIME: 11am 

LOCATION: The Shrine of Remembrance, ANZAC Square, Ann Street Brisbane CBD