The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in war time needs to be better recognised.
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This is the opinion of a Southern Highlands man keen for the Aboriginal flag to be flown alongside the Australian flag on Anzac Day.
Lee Borradale is an RSL member, ex-serviceman and is a non-Indigenous member of the Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group (WRG). He is also a retired school principal who spent part of his career working with Indigenous communities.
He said WRG was given six Aboriginal flags from Federal MP for Hume Angus Taylor for the purpose of offering them to RSL sub-branches and other community groups.
Mr Borradale has now set his sights on encouraging the flags to be flown as a mark of respect to Australia's indigenous community. He said he would also like to see the Welcome to Country to become a part of Anzac Day services.
He is quick to point our that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders served for Australia in war time, not only for the colonised country, but their ancestral home of more than 60 thousand years.
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Mr Borradale noted that while the Australian and New Zealand flags were traditionally flown on Anzac Day he believed the Aboriginal flag should also fly high.
"Aboriginal soldiers were among those who fought at Gallipoli, with over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Islanders serving in the First World War," he said.
"At least 3000 Aboriginal and 850 Torres Strait Islander people served in World War II (1939-1945).
"One in every 20 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people made a direct contribution to Australian WWII efforts, either as servicemen or women, or civilian labourers. At present, it is known that 34 Aboriginal men served at Gallipoli, 12 of whom were killed.
"In both World Wars, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had the highest participation rates in the military as a proportion of their population in Australia.
"Researchers have noted that once in the AIF, they were treated as equals, paid the same as other soldiers, and generally accepted without prejudice."
Mr Borradale said that sadly, returning home after the First World War, Aboriginal ex-servicemen received little public or private support.
"They were denied access to soldier settlement schemes. In many places, Aboriginal ex-servicemen were denied membership in the RSL," he said.
On May 27, 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.
Mr Borradale noted it was a resounding 90.77 per cent said 'Yes' and every single state and territory had a majority result for the 'Yes' vote. It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia's history.
He also reflects on the depth of service history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders which he believes drives home the importance of flying the Australian and Aboriginal flags side-by-side on Anzac Day.
"Reginald Walter "Reg" Saunders, MBE (August 7, 1920 - March 2, 1990) was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army," he said.
"He came from a military family, his forebears having served in the Boer War and the First World War.
"Enlisting as a soldier in 1940, he saw action during the Second World War in North Africa, Greece and Crete, before being commissioned as a lieutenant and serving as a platoon commander in New Guinea during 1944-1945. His younger brother Harry also joined the Army and was killed in 1942 during the Kokoda Track campaign."
Mr Borradale wants RSL sub-branches across the country to follow the example set by the West Australian RSL.
"Last year the West Australia RSL overturned a ban on performing Welcome to Country ceremonies and flying the Aboriginal flag at services following a public backlash," he said
Mr Borradale also notes the message on the NSW RSL website that states "RSL NSW will continue to honour indigenous veterans, as it does for all who have served this country, at its many commemorative services."
The message goes on to say "The use and placement of flags during commemorative services by RSL NSW follow Australian national flag protocols, which include the flying of the Australian Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag."
The message from RSL NSW acting president Ray James continues: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people have proudly served in conflict alongside their fellow Australians throughout our history. They are recognised as veterans on ANZAC Day and during all other commemorations throughout the year."
Mr Borradale said that it was currently up to each RSL Sub Branch to determine its policy regarding flying the Aboriginal flag on Anzac Day.
"It would be good if there were a state and national policy," he said.
The desire for an overarching policy is a sentiment supported by Mittagong RSL sub branch president Stephen Spence.
In the meantime Mr Spence has supported the idea to bring together all relevant groups in the Southern Highlands to further discuss the possibility of greater recognition of the war time contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders moving forward.
He suggested that such a meeting should include representatives of local RSL sub branches, Legacy, Vietnam Veterans and National Servicemen's Association.
However, the proposal to discuss the matter will clearly not come to fruition in time for the 2021 Anzac Day services which will be held in just over a week.
Mr Spence was quick to point out that any changes to the current approach would present some early logistical challenges, not least the number of available flagpoles at local memorials.
In the meantime Mr Borradale said he hoped Anzac Day 2021 would allow for reflection and to give thanks for the service of all Australians who had worn the uniform and defended Australia.
"It is a time of mateship and healing," he said.
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