20th anniversary of the Indigenous veterans commemoration
Indigenous veterans are being honoured today at the 20th anniversary of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Commemoration, held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, will attend the commemoration alongside Aboriginal elders and other dignitaries to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans and recognise their enduring contributions to the defence of Australia.
Since its inception, the commemoration has traditionally been held on the last Friday in May to coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and is supported by the NSW Government, the education sector, the Australian Defence Force, Reconciliation NSW and RSL NSW.
This year the service will include schools participating in the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Program, which brings together students from across the three education sectors to attend the commemoration in Sydney.
Students from Coonabarabran High School, New England Girls School, The Armidale School, and St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour will have the opportunity to meet Master of Ceremonies Squadron Leader Coen Henry and guest speaker Lieutenant Commander Damian Briggs, who will share their experiences as current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
The 20th anniversary will be the final service for Uncle Harry Allie as Chair of the organising committee, as he prepares to retire from the role.
A proud descendant of the Gudjala People, Uncle Harry enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1966. He served for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Warrant Officer.
Uncle Harry’s commitment to service reflects a strong family legacy, with two uncles and an aunt who served in the First and Second World Wars.
Following his military career, Uncle Harry continued to contribute through the defence industry and has been a dedicated advocate for community education, ensuring younger generations understand and appreciate the service of those who came before them. He served as the inaugural Air Force Elder from 2012 to 2022.
Over two decades as Chair of the organising committee, Uncle Harry has focused on expanding the commemoration and strengthening engagement with schools. The commemoration educates young people about the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel, from the Boer War in 1899 through to contemporary operations and peacekeeping missions.
More information about the commemoration is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/2026-indigenous-veterans-commemoration-service
Minister for Veterans and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“It is an honour to be able to attend the commemoration today and to especially remember the sacrifice, and to acknowledge the service of our Indigenous veterans.
“National Reconciliation Week is a time for our community to learn more about our Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and specifically the contributions of our Indigenous veterans and current serving Indigenous members of the Defence Force.
“I am also pleased that the Regional Youth Program continues to provide a unique opportunity for regional students to travel to Sydney to participate in this important commemoration.
“As a former school principal, I know the exceptional value these programs provide to students and schools throughout regional NSW and I am proud to be part of a Minns Labor Government able to offer these opportunities.”
Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM, Chair Indigenous Veterans Commemoration, said:
“As a 23 year veteran of the Royal Australian Air Force, and inaugural RAAF Indigenous Elder, and a proud descendant of the Gudjala people, I am honoured to have served as Chair of the organising committee for this important commemoration for 20 years,
“My family’s connection to Defence, and service to our nation commenced with my uncle in the Great War and another uncle, my aunty and father in the Second World War. Like many other Indigenous veterans have experienced, there were mixed feelings about our inclusion early on, but our commitment to service in the Navy, Air Force or Army has never wavered.
“It is wonderful to see this commemoration continue to take place, importantly honouring the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.
“I am proud to see the increasing number of students and schools participating in the commemoration, and as we continue to educate current and future generations of the service and the sacrifice given by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.
“To have so many schools and students attending the commemoration here at the Anzac Memorial, including the students participating in the Regional Youth Program, and those able to view the livestream, is pleasing to see and I hope that each of them has learnt a little more about the contributions made by Indigenous veterans.”
St John Paul College Coffs Harbour student Ruby Howard said:
"It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to represent the Gumbaynggirr Nation at this significant commemorative ceremony. It’s a huge privilege to be here to recognize the sacrifice and service of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women.”
“By listening to their stories, and hearing about their courage, we feel a connection and promise to keep sharing their stories so their contributions are never forgotten for generations to come and honour their deep connection to Country and the legacy of bravery they leave behind."
Coonabarabran High School student Kuparr Gordon said:
“As a proud Gamilaroi man I am extremely honoured to represent my family, and to be able to recognise and honour members of our community who have served in the armed forces.”
New England Girls School student Jaylee Burns from said:
"It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to attend this commemoration, and this is such an amazing experience. I have tears in my eyes because of how big a privilege this is for all of us to be able to acknowledge Indigenous service."
MEDIA: Luke Secrett | Minister Harris | 0456 468 738