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Gunditjmara War Memorial MuralPrint Page 
The mural commemorates the Gunditjmara people who have served in the Australian Defence Forces. It depicts five Gunditjmara who served in World War One, World War Two and the Korean War.
A stunning mural dedicated to Gunditjmara servicemen and women in south-west Victoria will ensure their part in Australia's war history is honoured for generations to come.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green on Wednesday visited the Gunditjmara War Memorial Mural in Heywood, alongside the Traditional Owners and advocates who brought the mural to life.
The mural depicts Gunditjmara brothers, Privates Herbert, Frederick, Edward and Leonard Lovett who enlisted and served in the first and second world wars. There were 13 members of the Lovett family that served in both world wars.
Captain Reginald Saunders - a Purnim man who was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army - also features in the artwork.
Private Herbert Lovett is the great-grandfather of local artist Tom Day who alongside Levi Geebung, returned home to Gunditjmara Country to help paint the 30-metre-high mural with internationally acclaimed street artist Matt Adnate.
The mural has been supported by the state government's Stronger Regional Communities Program which has been delivered by Leadership Great South Coast 2020 Alumni, Troy Lovett, Emily Falla, Craig Kelson and Jason Van Der Heyden.
Very few Indigenous soldiers were recognised for their service, including the Lovett brothers. More than 500 Indigenous Australians enlisted and served during the First World War. Indigenous Australians were present in almost every Australian campaign of the War, however the exact number who volunteered is not known because ethnicity was not recorded on personnel files.
After the First World War, Indigenous veterans found their war service did not bring an end to discrimination. Only one Indigenous person is known to have received land under the post-war 'soldier settlement scheme'.
This mural marks an important step towards ensuring their legacy lives on.
Excerpt from The Standard News (Vic) 16 December 2021
Location
| Address: | Hunter Street, Heywood Water Tower, Heywood, 3304 |
|---|---|
| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.131111 Long: 141.628751 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Art |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | Multiple |
| Artist: | Matt Adnate (lead artist), Tommy Day, Levi Geebung |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 15th December, 2021 |
|---|
Plaque :
Acknowledgment
This memorial is dedicated to all
Gunditjmara service men and women.
We honour ad pay respect to all past and present soldiers
who served our country with integrity.
We recognise the commitment and sacrifice made by
our men and women and for this, we say thank you.
Standing on the land of the
Gunditjmara people we pay respect.
