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By Sarah Quinn
RSL Queensland officially recognised all current and ex-serving indigenous veterans during Reconciliation Week at the fourth annual Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony on Tuesday, 1 June at ANZAC Square.
The commemorative service, organised together with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, was co-hosted by Australia’s first and only indigenous Air Crewman Observer to be qualified in Army Aviation, Captain Dave Sheldon, and RSL Queensland CEO Chris McHugh.
Members of the Defence Force, indigenous groups, local school children and veteran families attended to acknowledge all current and ex-serving Indigenous men and women who have fought for the freedom all Australians enjoy today.
RSL Queensland President Doug Formby said the ceremony had become an important part of Reconciliation Week.
“It is fitting that as part of Reconciliation Week we see indigenous networks and the broader community coming together to celebrate the service of our indigenous service personnel,” Mr Formby said.
“Acknowledging the sacrifice of indigenous veterans is important as their service is ingrained in our military history.”
“The Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony is in line with RSL Queensland’s mission to ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of all serving and ex-serving defence force members.”
Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the culture and history of Australia’s indigenous people, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities.
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