Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women answer the call to service

The Australian War Memorial has recently added the names of 69 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to the list of Second World War contributions and service. These names represent the results of ongoing research by the Australian War Memorial and in particular that of Larakia researcher Danusha Cubillo and ongoing contribution and support from Mark Chambers from Western Australia. With increasing public interest in the Memorial’s efforts to identify and recognise men and women of Indigenous descent who have contributed to Australian military efforts, this list represents the first publication of female specific contribution and service list.

What is telling in this list is the geographical and role diversity these women and their service represents. Unsurprisingly, the commitment to service and the common good can been seen in the family connections within the male and female service people’s lists. These women are mothers, sisters, daughters and wives of Aboriginal and Torres Servicemen. They are equally willing to serve and contribute in the time of Australia’s greatest need.

As the body of research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait service and contribution grows, new stories are emerging. The longstanding tradition of Indigenous service, which had begun before federation, is becoming clearer, with these numerous examples of Aboriginal women providing service is also growing.

Some of these stories are well-known, such as that of Dharug nurse Marion Leane Smith in the First World War and Oodgeroo Noonuccal in the Second. The opportunity to discover the story behind sisters Myrtle 111864 and Ruby May 113264 Harris of Western Australia who enlisted after their Brother David Harris WX1823 was captured in Europe. Alternatively Elizabeth Lorraine Anzac Curley WF56815 also known as Gunner Curley, and how her service was terminated due to the authorities discovering her marriage. Gunner’s last ANZAC Day in 2020 was her 95th birthday, which she celebrated in lockdown at the Regis Greenmount Nursing Home.  She proudly wore her medals and cut cake with nursing staff.  She passed away in August 2020, survived by five children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Given the political and social restriction imposed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and in particular on these females, these stories become even more significate. They truly reflect the patriotism and dedication to serve a country that had taken so much from them. 

The growing recognition and acceptance of the role these women made will in no small way illuminate the path to reconciliation in Australia, allowing the Australian people to understand their sacrifice and dedication to the new nation of Australia. A shared history of service and commitment will unite not divide.

About the Author:

Michael Bell is a Ngunnawal/Gomeroi man and is Indigenous Liaison Officer with the Australian War Memorial. If you have information about the contributions of people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces, or who have contributed to wartime efforts, he would love to hear from you. He can be contacted at Michael.Bell@awm.gov.au.