Redland City Council is calling for contributions to a display honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicewomen and men.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she hoped the display, to be exhibited during NAIDOC Week from 7 – 12 July, would unearth untold stories about the roles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People played during wars.
“As we approach the centenary of World War I, we want to celebrate the well-known tales of sacrifice and bravery, but we also want to educate our community about unknown ones,” Mayor Williams said.
“The theme of NAIDOC Week 2014 is Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond and it is a unique opportunity to highlight to contributions of Traditional Owners.
“We are after photographs and small artefacts that relate to all wars in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from Redlands served and also local stories about what life was like serving with the armed forces.
“We also hope to create a Redlands ‘Honour Roll’ poster, listing the names of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who have served during all wars.
“We need help with this, as many servicemen enlisted through Brisbane battalions, or were unable to list themselves as of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent when signing up.
“We want families to share with us the names that until now, historical records may have forgotten.
“I think the display will be an emotional one for all Redlands residents, particularly the families of servicemen and women, but also the general public wanting to thank those who so selflessly contributed to the war effort.”
All material will be returned to families after the display closes.
To contribute to the NAIDOC display or add a name to the NAIDOC Week Redlands Honour Roll, please contact Di Andrews:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 3829 8914