REDFERN: The rain that soaked Sydney for most of the morning of April 25 cleared just in time for the beginning of the 7th Coloured Diggers March. Under the newly brightened sky, men and women from all backgrounds gathered at the Cenotaph in Redfern Park to commemorate the oft-neglected contributions of Aboriginal soldiers in defence of Australia.
The first Coloured Diggers March took place in 2007. An initiative of the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, it was seen as a way to recognise Aboriginal veterans who served in the armed forces alongside non-Indigenous comrades only to be ostracised when they returned home. Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group (a prominent community figure and organiser of the march) summed up the situation. “Our people were denied the honour, recognition and respect afforded other servicemen and women.”
The march has grown considerably in size since its inception and brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from all over the Oceanic region together in commemoration.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial. Among those present were Victor Dominello, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, and Her Excellency Marie Bashir Governor of NSW. Representatives from the Police, Army, Navy and Air Force also paid their respects.
Marchers made their way from the War Memorial to the Redfern Community Centre. More than 1,000 people took part, from veterans to famous political and social figures. Many people lined the route of the march to show their support. Local resident Kate praised the response of the Redfern community. “What makes me smile is the fact that they gave us a standing ovation. At first I thought they weren’t going to care.”
Redfern Community Centre provided the venue for the commemorative service. Events over the two-and-a-half-hour program included the unveiling of an artistic tribute by local painter Tony Albert and the presentation of awards by Governor Bashir to distinguished servicemen who served in the forgotten conflicts of Vietnam, Korea and Malaya.
After the formal ceremony was concluded many people retired to Club Redfern for a game of two-up. Those who stayed were treated to pies with gravy or mushy peas, courtesy of a local bakery. A screening of the upcoming documentary, Spirit of the Warriors, was shown upstairs.
The day was viewed as a success, but as one local resident noted: “Some of us are just learning about our fathers and grandfathers in the wars. We’ve got a long way to go.”
