The service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans will be commemorated today at a ceremony in Sydney’s Hyde Park. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, and the Minister for Housing and the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the Government. The Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Ceremony is an important part of Reconciliation Week and is one of eight services taking place across the country today.

“Indigenous Australians have served our nation proudly in every conflict in which our nation has been involved,” Mr Griffin said. “Ceremonies such as today’s provide an opportunity to recognise the dedication to duty, courage, mateship and the proud history of our Indigenous servicemen and women. The Rudd Government is committed to honouring the important contribution they have made.”

Mr Griffin encouraged all Indigenous veterans and their families, as well as the wider community, to take part in the commemorations being held in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Townsville and Cape Barren Island. The ceremonies have been coordinated by ex-service organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Sydney’s ceremony will begin at 11am at the Pool of Reflection, ANZAC Memorial, at Hyde Park.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the War Memorial are currently developing a database of Indigenous veterans –– past and present –– to help ensure that Indigenous veterans and their families are receiving the support they are entitled to. Anyone wishing to be included on the database should contact 1300 55 1918.