Dedication ceremony at Memorial Park for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women

On Monday 7 June from 1.00pm to 2.30pm, a dedication ceremony will be held at Memorial Park, Gympie to honour all known and unknown Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women.

Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women have fought and defended Australia in the military service. While they have sacrificed their lives alongside fellow Australians, First Nations people’s military contribution and cultural heritage has not always been duly recognised.

The ceremony will start with Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and song by Russell Bennet and Gordon Browning. Gympie RSL President , John Herlihy and ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board Member, Dr Jackie Huggins AM will address the significance and involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service people and their return to civilian life. 

Mayor Glen Hartwig and Aunty Lillian Burke will unveil the new monument, which will provide a perpetual honour for First Nations military service. The ceremony will incorporate the laying of wreaths lead by Mayor Hartwig, reading of the Ode by returned servicemen Uncle Eric Law and playing of the Last Post followed by the Rouse.

Council are inviting returned and current service personnel, First Nations community members, the Gympie region community and distinguished guests to join us in honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women at the dedication ceremony.

Service personnel are encouraged to wear their military medals. Community groups and residents are welcome to bring a wreath to lay at the monument.

For more information on this ceremony head to www.gympie.qld.gov.au