first nations soldiers and civilians

• Experiences During Wars


  • Faced racism and segregation
  • Experienced camaraderie and respect in some instances
• Roles Played


  • Infantry
  • Labourers
  • Support roles
• Significance of Indigenous service

  Challenged stereotypes and contributed to the war effort
• Impact on Rights and Status

  • Post-war experiences varied
  • Service helped highlight issues of inequality
  • Led to greater recognition of Indigenous rights
• Significance of Indigenous service

  Contributed to the broader civil rights movement in Australia
• Reasons for enlistment


  Access to education, better pay, and greater respect
• Impact of military service

  Chance for advancement and improved status, which were limited in civilian life due to discriminatory laws and social attitudes
• Motivation for enlistment


  Strong sense of patriotism and duty to defend their country
• Motivation for enlistment


  Challenge stereotypes and seek greater equality
• Motivation for enlistment


  Prove their worth and capabilities, hoping for improved treatment and recognition
• Motivation for enlistment


  Serve with friends or family members who were also enlisting
• Motivation for enlistment


  • Chance for adventure and freedom from everyday life constraints
  • Opportunity to travel, experience new environments, and participate in challenging missions
• Roles Played


  • Infantrymen
  • Tunnellers
  • Horse-breakers
  • Support roles
• Theatres of service


  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Pacific
• Notable Individuals


  • Sapper John Fitzgerald
  • Private William Albert Knight
  • Private Harry Murray
• "I am anxious to serve Australia, but without any examination or explanation I am being sent back — a thousand mile journey for nothing.": 'Illustrates the frustration of Indigenous individuals eager to serve but facing discriminatory barriers'
• Contribution on the Home Front

  • Around 3850 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served in Australian forces during WWII
  • Aboriginal women also served, gaining knowledge and experiences
  • The war gave many their first taste of equality
• Notable Individuals


  • Lieutenant Reg Saunders
  • Leonard Waters
  • Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker)
• Post-War Experiences


  • Faced discrimination and lack of recognition upon returning
  • Denied drinks in hotels and could not celebrate Anzac Day with others
• Changes in Rights and Status

  • 1962: All Indigenous Australians granted the right to vote at federal elections
  • 1965: Voting rights extended to state elections
  • 1967: Constitutional change to allow the Australian Government to make beneficial laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census
  • Practical changes for Indigenous communities began with the Whitlam government in 1972
• "On the battlefield, everyone was equal...but any equality was stripped upon the return home.": 'Reflects on the enduring discrimination and lack of recognition for Indigenous veterans'
• Stories of Particular Men/Women

  • Dolly Gurinyi Batcho
  • Reginald 'Reg' Saunders