Perth Voice Interactive

A PLAQUE honouring indigenous war veterans was unveiled Monday at a Bayswater council NAIDOC week commemorative ceremony.

The plaque was originally proposed for the 100th year anniversary of ANZAC Day. However, the council missed the deadline due to what mayor Sylvan Albert says was extensive consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders and veterans.

“It ensured that the commemorative plaque is respectful, appropriate and has the full support of all” he says.

Vietnam veteran John Schnaars, president of the Honouring Indigenous War Graves, told the Voice it was a very special event he was proud to be part of. “In my view it was the veterans who went away to war then, who had no rights in this country to vote or anything, who led the change of history in Australia, towards Aboriginals having rights.

“The plaque has enabled indigenous Australians to finally be recognised around the country for their efforts in WWI and WWII.”

by ALANA CHRISTIAN