Indigenous ADF history celebrated during NAIDOC

TOWNSVILLE troops have recognised the richness of Indigenous culture during combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation and Remembrance Day celebrations.

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TOWNSVILLE troops have recognised the richness of Indigenous culture during combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation and Remembrance Day celebrations.

Wanting to encourage greater representation of his people and culture within The Australian Defence Force, Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant David Williams sought out the position at RAAF Base Garbutt, Townsville.

“My passion is my people,” FLT LT Williams said.

“I love to showcase their talent and what they’re capable of doing.”

FLT LT Williams said a highlight of his posting has been seeing local artist Linda Oliver’s painting hung on display.

Indigenous Liaison Officer, FLT LT David Williams with Townsville artist Linda Oliver's painting. Picture: Shae Beplate.

He said it represented traits displayed by his people and in the ADF.

“This painting represents the Combat Training Survival School’s crest which is to adapt and return,” he said.

“The crocodile is always adapting to the environment and always hunting down the people in that environment.

“The boomerang signifies people returning back to the base safely which can also be applied broadly across defence.”

A number of events were held across the region as part of combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation and Remembrance Day celebrations, including a special visit by Army’s appointed Indigenous Elder Lorraine Hatton.

Australian Army appointed Indigenous Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton visited Townsville as part of combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation, Remembrance Day celebrations.

As a former Signals Corp Warrant Officer Class 2, Ms Hatton accepted the role earlier this year and acts as an advisor to the Chief of Army on Indigenous Affairs.

Ms Hatton said the role was deeply personal to her as she saw little Indigenous representation during her 20 year career which ended in 2007, despite the longstanding history.

“It’s about sharing,” Ms Hatton said.

“Indigenous people have always contributed to the defence force and that’s spanned every peacekeeping and conflict since Federation.

“We have a history and culture that the army is extremely proud of and, I would say their first equal opportunity.”

Australian Army appointed Indigenous Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton visited Townsville as part of combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation, Remembrance Day celebrations.

Australian Army appointed Indigenous Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton visited Townsville as part of combined NAIDOC, Reconciliation, Remembrance Day celebrations.

Ms Hatton said her recent trip to Townsville allowed for greater connections, provide and respect for the culture through education and conversation.

“All these indigenous activists have allowed us to be where we are today,” she said.

“I’ve reconciled our history within myself and feel in this role I can use this knowledge and share these stories within our military history that should be told.”

Originally published as Indigenous ADF history celebrated during NAIDOC