***EMBARGOED UNTIL 12.01AM
SUNDAY, 27 MAY 2018***
MEDIA RELEASE
27 May 2018
INDIGENOUS SERVICE HONOURED
DURING RECONCILIATION WEEK
IN recognition
of National Reconciliation Week, Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester has highlighted
new research offering fresh insights into the
personal experiences and challenges of
Indigenous Australians during the First World
War.
Mr Chester said
National Reconciliation Week was an opportunity
to reflect on the contribution of Indigenous men
and women to military service throughout a
Century of Service and shine a light on the
unique challenges experienced by Indigenous
soldiers returning from the First World War.
“Indigenous
Australians have served our nation in wars,
conflicts and peacekeeping operations since the
Boer War in South Africa from 1899–1902. It’s
estimated that at least 1,000 Indigenous
Australians served in the First World War,
despite regulations that discouraged their
enlistment,” Mr Chester said.
“Indigenous men
were excluded from military service in Australia
until May 1917 and popular thinking is that most
enlisted after this date. But new research
undertaken by Indigenous historian professor
John Maynard and Indigenous academic Mick Dodson
suggests that the majority of Aboriginal
soldiers enlisted from 1914 to 1916.
“Latest
research has found that these soldiers were
‘inventive and proactive’ in finding ways to
sign up. They moved to enlist from areas where
they felt there was greater support for
Indigenous people and they took on other racial
identities such as South Sea Islander or
Maori.”
The research
shows that many Indigenous men encountered
‘official obstruction’ but this did not stop
them from serving with courage and pride.
“According to
findings, the majority of Indigenous men who
volunteered for the Australian Imperial Force
stated they were employed as stockmen,
labourers, shearers and farmhands. But there
were other occupations noted, including oyster
merchant, journalist, dental mechanic, clerk and
plumber.
“Given they
were already employed, income was not a likely
reason for joining. The research suggests that
Indigenous men most likely signed up for similar
varied reasons as non-Indigenous men. Service
was an opportunity for travel and adventure and
to demonstrate their belief in the war effort
and their loyalty to the British Empire.”
For those who
served in war, returning to Australian society
proved difficult. Based on the research, some
never returned to their communities and
families, preferring isolation, while others
became activists for Aboriginal advancement in
the 1920s or re-enlisted in the Second World
War.
Reconciliation
Week is an opportunity to stop, pause and
reflect with gratitude on the service and
sacrifice of Indigenous service men and women.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Whil Prendergast: 0427 672 815
DVA Media: 02 6289 6466
Office of the Hon. Darren Chester MP,
Canberra.
Veterans and
Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can
be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for
support and free and confidential counselling.
Phone 1800 011 046 (international:
+61 8 8241 4546). VVCS is a
service founded by Vietnam veterans.