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ANZAC DAY 2025

Published
24 April 2025
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following content contains images or names of people who have passed away.

Each ANZAC Day, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force. At the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), we also acknowledge the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played in every Australian conflict — often while facing systemic discrimination, exclusion, and injustice.

We are grateful to Cath Bradley, BSL’s Cultural Support Coordinator, for the following reflection. Cath works closely with Uncle John Baxter, BSL’s First Nations Cultural Ambassador, and together they continue to support our reconciliation journey with respect and cultural guidance.

Photo credit: James Henry (2024). Alt text: Photo from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. A man plays a didgeridoo in the foreground while others lay wreaths.
Photo credit: James Henry (2024). Alt text: Photo from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. A man plays a didgeridoo in the foreground while others lay wreaths.

Reflection from Cath Bradley

This ANZAC Day (Friday 25 April), we remember the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force. We particularly acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans who served in every Australian conflict despite facing discrimination and exclusion from citizenship and the right to vote until after World War II (WWII). 

Over 1,000 Aboriginal men from every state and territory served in World War I. The actual number would have been higher as many concealed their identity to enlist. Until late 1917 recruits to the Australian Defence Force had to be of European origin.

The racism and discrimination experienced by First Nations veterans included exclusion from pensions, soldier settlements and RSL venues. Aboriginal veterans from Coranderrk and Lake Tyers were not considered in the distribution of their own lands to white soldiers.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is committed to acknowledging the injustices and discrimination experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the historical injustices of First Nations veterans as part of our reconciliation efforts.

Remembering Australian First Nations servicemen and servicewomen

At this year’s Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service , to be held at the Shrine of Remembrance from 11am, Saturday 31 May, BSL will lay a wreath honouring all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

Alt text: Promotional image for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service. Text reads: “Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service. 31 May 2025, 11:00 am. Shrine of Remembrance. Honouring First Nations people who have served and are serving in the Australian Defence Forces.” The image features a wreath design made of stylised gum leaves in black, blue, green, red, and yellow.
Alt text: Promotional image for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service. Text reads: “Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service. 31 May 2025, 11:00 am. Shrine of Remembrance. Honouring First Nations people who have served and are serving in the Australian Defence Forces.” The image features a wreath design made of stylised gum leaves in black, blue, green, red, and yellow.

Victorian Aboriginal Service of Remembrance Shrine of Remembrance  - Melbourne on Friday 31 May 2025 at 11:00am

Learn more and explore further

To deepen your understanding and honour the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans, we encourage you to explore the photos and personal stories in the ‘ Serving Country ’ photographic exhibition.

Serving Country: A Photographic Exhibition

The Serving Country exhibition acknowledges the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service women and men in the Australian Defence Force.
Created by artists Belinda Mason and Dieter Knierim, the exhibition features more than 185 participants. From Cairns to Perth, Darwin to Melbourne, and many remote communities in between, it captures the stories of First Nations defence personnel.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers have served in every major conflict, often decades before they were granted full citizenship rights in the late 1960s.

Please note: This exhibition contains images and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away.

Portrait by Belinda Mason, Serving Country Project
Portrait by Belinda Mason, Serving Country Project. ALT TEXT: A black and white portrait of Awati Mau, a Torres Strait Island man wearing a dark uniform with a white tie and four medals (1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45).

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