First Nations MemorialPrint Page

The bronze plaque commemorates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. 

Funding was received in 2020/21 through the Saluting Their Service Grant Program for the installation of the plaque. 

Decades before they were even recognised as citizens, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people put their lives on the line for Australia in the First and Second World War. But despite this, there remains little to acknowledge this sacrifice.

The Belmont sub branch of the RSL has sought to do its part to help right this wrong and honour Aboriginal veterans and those currently serving. Earlier this month, a bronze plaque was installed at the Belmont War Memorial.

It bears the Noongar translation of Lest We Forget, “Yuart Ngulluckiny Katitjinburt”, and of the ode, “Nidja Ngangk Woort Koorliny Ngardal Ngoorndeen. Boorda Benang Ngulluck Katitj Balung,” as well as the English words. The Ode was translated by Noongar elder and professor, Len Collard. It is understood this plaque is the first to include dual languages.

Noongar woman Norma Morrison’s father, Arthur, was one of about 4000 First Nations people to serve Australia during World War Two.  He was stationed with the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion and was captured by Japanese for more than three years, and forced to work in brutal conditions on the Thai-Burma Railway.

Ms Morrison is happy to see Belmont recognise Indigenous service, but believes the plaque is just a step in the right direction and must spark further change. “You can’t be naïve enough to say this is great and fantastic for First Nations people,” she said. “It’s pointless if people don’t follow the strands of it all and look deeper into why Aboriginal people are where they are today and why they feel as they do.

Ms Morrison said when her father returned from war in 1946 he wasn’t given a block of land like white veterans were servicemen were. “He wasn’t given reparation from the Japanese Government like some were. He wasn’t recognised and couldn’t go out for a drink like other veterans,” she said.
Perth Now (WA) 19 October 2021. 

Location

Address:	Progress Way, Faulkner Park, Belmont, 6104
State:	WA
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -31.961496 Long: 115.932697 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Plaque
Monument Theme:	Conflict
Sub-Theme:	Multiple

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:	Monday 13th September, 2021

Source: MA