Anzac Day offered a moment not only to honour all who have served but also to reflect on truth-telling and cultural protocols integral to our national story. Across the country, Australians gathered at dawn services, marches and community events. Among them was the Coloured Digger March in Redfern – now in its 18th year – in solidarity with Indigenous veterans and Elders, including those whose voices were challenged earlier in the day.
At Melbourne’s dawn service, Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown was interrupted by a small group of neo-Nazis as he delivered a Welcome to Country – an ancient protocol and invitation to deeper understanding. The disrespectful outburst was drowned out by applause from tens of thousands in attendance.
Later that day, Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO was told she could not deliver a Welcome to Country at a Melbourne Storm match – a decision that deeply upset her, particularly as she had planned to honour her father, a World War I veteran. Aunty Joy remained at the match, wearing her father’s medals in quiet, dignified tribute.
In Redfern, the Coloured Digger March took place in a spirit of remembrance and solidarity. Led by Pastor Ray Minniecon, a Vietnam-era veteran and proud descendant of the Kabi, Gureng, and South Sea Islander nations, the event gathered Elders, current and former service members, families and community supporters. It began with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Barbara Simms and included cultural performances by the Glen Dancers and the Bunja Bunja Butterfly Dancers.
Pastor Minniecon, whose grandfather served with the 11th Light Horse Brigade in the Great War, co-founded the Coloured Digger Project in 2006 to shine a light on the legacy of Indigenous veterans whose stories had long been neglected or erased. For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served were denied veterans’ benefits, military funerals and even access to RSL clubs. Thousands served in both World Wars and they continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force today.
The Redfern march culminated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Redfern Park. Speeches by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, MP Tanya Plibersek, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and others acknowledged the importance of truth-telling and inclusion in our national commemorations. A performance of “The Coloured Digger” poem by John Paul Young honoured Indigenous soldiers like Private Harold West and George Leonard, who fought – and died – along the Kokoda Trail.
The reverence shown at Redfern echoed the cultural resilience expressed in Melbourne and beyond. From ceremony to silence, from applause to action, the message was clear: true remembrance includes every story, every sacrifice and every voice.
