On Sunday 13th August 2006 Burleigh Heads RSL was invited by the elders of the Yugambeh people to join in the annual ceremony commemorating the contribution made by the aboriginal people in the Australian Defence Forces over the last hundred or so years.

The ceremonies took place at Memorial Rock which is situated adjacent to the Jebbribillum Bora Ring, a place of immense spiritual importance to the Yugambeh people. When we say "Yugambeh" we are speaking about a language. That language was used by many family groups, such as the Kombumerri, Wangeriburra, Migunburra, Munaljahri, Gugingin, Birinburra and others who lived in the area stretching from Tweed to the Logan River and out as far as Beaudesert.

As a place of such spiritual significance and quiet reflection that has been there for thousands of years, it is located beside a highway and among the tall high rise buildings of the Burleigh Heads beachside, and is jealously protected under the Heritage Laws at both State and Federal levels.

The Memorial Rock was dedicated on 21st April 1991 and was the first such memorial to aboriginal service men and women ever established in Australia. Many became famous because of their service and aboriginality, such as Len Waters, a fighter pilot who flew 103 missions during the Pacific campaign in his famous Kittyhawk fighter named "Black Magic". And Reg Saunders, the first aboriginal to become a commissioned officer and served with distinction in WW2 and Korea. The list goes on and on, and such was the contribution of indigenous soldiers over the years, they were selected to lead the huge National Parade in Canberra to mark the 100th anniversary of the Australian Army in 2000.

The ceremony on Sunday included a traditional "smoke ceremony" as well as the playing of the Last Post, followed by a minute's silence and the sounding of the "Rouse". It is held each year on the Sunday before VP Day (15th August).

This years service was well attended by Christine Smith, State Member for Burleigh, Gregg Betts Gold City Councillor for Burleigh, Navy Cadets from TS Yugambeh, elders, Burleigh Heads RSL Sub-Branch President Chris Keating, Jnr Vice President Les McKenzie, a few Sub-Branch Members and other community members and quite a few children, which was pleasing to see. NBN TV Gold Coast covered the event and gave the story prominence on the 6 o'clock news.

The Yugambeh Museum Language & Heritage Research Centre Volunteers provided a BBQ and hot cuppa after the service, which was well appreciated by those in attendance. They also setup a slide show in the Burleigh RSL Hall, depicting images from the last 15 years of dedication services held at the Jebbribillum Bora, so those had previously attended could reminisce. The days' event started with a bright and blue sky and concluded about 11am the same much to the delight of the organisers.