By Renee Wood
Aboriginal service men and women have been honoured at the 17th annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service during Reconciliation Week.
The ceremony is held annually to recognise and commemorate First Nations people who served and sacrificed their lives for Australia.
It was first initiated by the late Aunty Dot Peters who in 2006 worked with the then Healesville RSL sub branch president Sam Halim to establish a dedicated remembrance service.
At the ceremony held at the Shine of Remembrance, Mr Halim paid tribute to the Yarra Yarra Elder and her efforts in driving the recognition for Aboriginal people who weren’t acknowledged for many years.
“The late Aunty Dot Peters AM came to ask me if the RSL would honour her father and the other indigenous soldiers who have fought and died for Australia but never received any recognition,” Mr Halim said.
“The more I learnt about the contribution about their untold bravery, their patriotism and their sacrifice, the more I ask myself – how is it that you can fight for your country yet your country doesn’t acknowledge you in return?”
Aunty Dot first pursued the service in memory of her father, Yorta Yorta man Vincent Peters, who fought in the Second World War and died as a prisoner of war on the Thai Burma Railway.
Some 17 years on, the annual event continues to be a step towards healing and reconciliation.
“Our service has become a service that is truly representative for all Victorians – giving each one of us the opportunity to remember and reflect upon the sacrifices of our indigenous service men and women both past and currently serving,” he said.
Ngurai Illum Wurrung elder Uncle Vincent Peters, Aunty Dot’s nephew and grandson to Vincent Peters also acknowledged his aunt.
“[The service] It’s obviously something special to us and we feel her spirit here todayon Bunurong land and are proud to be here at the Shine of Remembrance, rememberingand celebrating all of the efforts of Aboriginal soldiers from Australia,” Uncle Vincent said.
“My grandfather…he hadn’t been remembered in his time but we remember him in this time and we are very proud of it and grateful for the service today.”
