CSPD joins 20th anniversary tribute to Indigenous Veterans

CSPD students represent their school communities at the Hyde Park service.

Since its inception in 2007, the annual Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service has united Australians to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

Students and staff from schools across the Parramatta Diocese along with members of the Jarara Cultural Centre joined Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and hundreds of other students at Hyde Park for the moving ceremony on Friday 29 May.

Taking place in Reconciliation Week the ceremony combines conventional military protocol with Indigenous ceremonial display. The service has a focus on attendance by school children, with guest speakers sharing the remarkable stories of their service to inspire our youth, both indigenous and non-indigenous alike.

A moving and deeply personal Acknowledgement of Country was delivered by St Andrews Catholic College Marayong student, Kaleb Ellison, who found the experience a powerful one.

The connection and kinship was very powerful and heartwarming and we should reflect that with everyone around us

Kaleb Ellison

Kaleb Ellison from St Andrews College Marayong delivers the Acknowledgment of Country

Students from six of CSPD schools proudly joined the Jannawi Dance Clan to perform the opening dance, showcasing the strength of culture, connection and community. Guided by members of the Jarara Cultural Centre, CSPD students laid wreaths and paid their respects to Indigenous veterans for their service and protection of our country. Jarara Lead, Julie Waddell, described the service as a valuable opportunity for students to gain a greater appreciation of the contributions of Indigenous veterans.

“It is important that our students know these stories. By learning about the experiences of Indigenous veterans, they gain a greater appreciation of our shared history and a deeper understanding of the resilience, strength, and contributions of First Nations peoples. Their stories deserve to be told, remembered, and honoured by future generations,” Julie said.

Adding even more personal significance, CSPD’s Jarara team was joined by a special guest this year, Uncle Danny Eastwood, the proud grandfather of two CSPD students and the acclaimed artist who designed and created the Indigenous Veterans' Memorial. Students and staff also appreciated the wisdom and presence of the much cherished Baabayan Elders.

Uncle Danny Eastwood - grandparent and acclaimed artist of the memorial in shot

View photos from this event

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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