RSL Victoria supports First Nations veterans in National Reconciliation Week
As part of National Reconciliation Week, RSL Victoria is supporting the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday 31 May at 11am.
The service honours all First Nations men and women who have served, or continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force.
2025 will be a special event as it marks the 20th time the service has been held.
In 2006, First Nations Elder and long-time advocate for First Nations veterans Aunty Dot Peters AM worked with then-Healesville RSL Sub-Branch President Sam Halim to hold a remembrance service to recognise First Nations service.
From these beginnings it developed into the major annual event on the calendar of today.
Aunty Dot, a descendant of the Yorta Yorta and Yarra Yarra people, had the most personal of motivations. Her father Vincent Peters served in World War 2 and was a prisoner of war who died on the Thai Burma Railway.
Her involvement in the annual service continued until her passing, and today her legacy of laying a gum leaf wreath continues with her son, Dr Andrew Peters.
RSL Victoria CEO, Sue Cattermole, and Executive General Manager of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Rebecca Berg, will be in attendance and encourage the veteran community to attend the free event.
“First Nations men and women have played a significant role in Australia’s service history, going right back to the Boer War,” Ms Berg said.
“Through two World Wars, First Nations people served a country that sadly, were yet to even recognise them as citizens.
“It was an extraordinary commitment to Australia, and it is a legacy that continues today with First Nations veterans.
“RSL Victoria is proud of the role Healesville RSL Sub-Branch played to help instigate Victoria as the first state to honour First Nations service with an annual event and encourage the community to attend or watch on live stream.”
RSL Victoria has adopted the first stage of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – ‘Reflect’, as part of a commitment to reconciliation and creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for members, volunteers, veterans, and staff.
Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service Details:
Date: Saturday 31 May 2025
Service begins: 11:00 am
Location: World War II Memorial Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3001
