2012 Reconciliation Week at the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial during Reconciliation Week to discover stories of Indigenous Service from Monday 27 May until Sunday 3 June 2012.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders have a long history of serving in the nation’s defence force. It will probably never be know how many answered the call but they have served in every major conflict since the Boer War with some in uniform in the colonies prior to Federation.

Reconciliation Week events at the Memorial includes:

Gallery walk and talk tour

Join Memorial staff for a gallery walk and talk tour highlighting stories of Indigenous service in the galleries.

Date: Monday 28 May and Friday 1 June
Time: 11.30 am
Cost: Free event
Venue: Orientation Gallery
Closing ceremony: Stories of Indigenous Service

Join us in the Memorial’s Commemorative Area, to pay tribute to Indigenous service, through individual stories of heroism, strength, loyalty and devotion. While many returned home to their loved ones, others were left behind with their comrades on the battlefields on which they fought. 

Stories include those of Sergeant Reginald Saunders and Private Douglas Grant.

Date: Sunday 27 May until Sunday 3 June
Time: 4.45 pm
Cost: Free event
Venue: Commemorative Area

Public Talk

Join the Memorial’s Indigenous Liaison Officer Garry Oakley for a talk exploring the service and

sacrifice of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Defence Force since 1901.

Date:Saturday 2 June
Time: 11.00 am
Cost: Free event
Venue: BAE Systems Theatre