Title

Indigenous Contribution Remembered at Anzac Commemoration

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 28-4-2008

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Broome Campus

Publication Place

Broome

Abstract

Staff and students of the Broome Campus gathered on the eve of ANZAC Day at the ceremonial area to remember those who died in war.

Campus Minister, Sr Jill O’Brien sgs, welcomed the sombre gathering under the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

All three flags were lowered to half mast and the Last Post was played. The service concluded with a prayer for peace and an ANZAC Day hymn.

The contribution of Indigenous women and men to the war effort formed the basis of the remembrance. During the ceremony students and staff read short vignettes relating the stories of three Indigenous service personnel and the important role of Indigenous civilians during World War II.

The accounts included the story of RAAF Flight Sergeant Leonard Waters who flew ninety-five operational sorties over Indonesia and Borneo in his Kittyhawk, ‘Black Magic’.

Flight Sergeant Waters was denied a career in civilian flying after the war and was forced to return to shearing. The University of Notre Dame Australia Broome Campus was also represented during Broome’s Dawn Service.

Students Elise Kerr and Andrieka Wright laid a wreath on behalf of the Campus. Staff and students were also part of the Cathedral choir that lead the service singing.

Media contact

Mike Doyle 9192 0668.

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