HASS staff, Leeanne Shanks and Matthew Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders contribution to the defence of our country during a moving ceremony at Kings Park. It was opened by Her Excellency, the Honorable Kerry Sanderson, AC – Governor of Western Australia and continued with a welcome to country by Uncle Mort Hansen.
Highlights of the ceremony were a performance were a didgeridoo performance with traditional dancers from Whadjak Northside Balga SHS Dance Group and the Noongar Prayer by Rev Sealin Garlett. This was followed by a moving speech by Uncle Frank Mallard where the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were laid bare for all to see. Many servicemen fought at Gallipoli and returned to experience racism, prejudice and exclusion by the majority of Australians and the conservative branches of the armed forces. This message was reinforced by Mr Ron Bradfield Jnr who shared his experiences of returning from a tour of service in 1992 and being refused service and told to drink at the ‘black bar’.
During the wreath laying, a symbol of reconciliation was presented as the bagpipes and didgeridoo played in harmony. This unusual combination of instruments struck a haunting but hopeful tone. After the last post, minute silence and reveille the service ended with Uncle Mort Hansen performing a traditional smoking ceremony.
Both Leeanne Shanks and Matthew Smith, along with UWA pre-service teacher Will Garven, felt privileged to be invited to this prestigious and culturally important event.
Ms. Leeanne Shanks
Acting HOLA – Humanities and Social Sciences/Biblical Studies