On Wednesday, 28 May, a group of Kolbe Catholic College students—including Indigenous students, ADF representatives, and Year 8 student leaders—had the honour of participating in a moving Reconciliation Week ceremony at the State War Memorial in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the event paid tribute to the courage and service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans—from the Boer War through to today’s armed forces. For our students, it was more than a ceremony; it was a powerful experience of truth-telling, reflection, and recognition.
“It was a wonderful experience learning about the lives of the Indigenous war veterans and it was great to commemorate the plaques given to them.” – Dilan
The morning began with a warm Welcome to Country by Aunty Di Ryder, followed by the arrival of the catafalque party. The ceremony unfolded with cultural depth and reverence, including a traditional dance performance by students from Governor Stirling Senior High School and a smoking ceremony that cleansed the space in preparation for remembrance.
Sergeant Nathan Hansen delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, and dignitaries including His Excellency the Honourable Christopher Dawson AC APM and Mr Murray Lampard AM APM, State Warden, addressed the gathering. Each speaker honoured the sacrifice and resilience of Indigenous Australians who served, often in the face of ongoing racism and exclusion.
The keynote address by Uncle Graham Taylor deeply resonated with the students, as he spoke about the enduring spirit of mateship and shared stories of service and solidarity that left a lasting impression.
“I am so pleased to have been part of the ceremony. It was heartwarming to hear the stories of Indigenous servicemen—how they served to bring peace between countries while still facing racism. It was an amazing day.” – Lauren
Music enriched the morning’s reflections. The Mount Lawley Senior High School Junior Concert Band and Chamber Choir performed a stirring rendition of Abide With Me, while Winthrop Primary School Choir sang Aboriginal Soldiers, a tribute that echoed across the memorial grounds. Aunty Mary Yarran’s recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in both Noongar and English brought together spiritual and cultural threads, unifying all present in shared reverence.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation by the Polly Farmer Foundation’s Follow the Dream program, which honoured nine families as part of the World War I Aboriginal ANZACs Fallen Soldiers Research Project. Among those recognised was one of our own Kolbe families, making the moment especially meaningful for our school community.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to accept the plaque with my family. It was so powerful to learn about the Indigenous servicemen who gave so much—even while being discriminated against. Overall, it was an incredible day of learning, reflection, and pride.” – Taleeyah
Uncle Billy Thompson delivered The Ode with quiet dignity, and the Mount Lawley Senior High School Concert Band performed the National Anthem as wreaths were ceremonially laid in honour of the fallen. The catafalque party stepped down in silence, marking the conclusion of the official proceedings.
After the formalities, students enjoyed a well-earned break with a visit to the nearby dinosaur playground and shared lunch together—an opportunity to debrief, connect, and reflect informally.
“Lovely day out—we had so much fun, and afterwards we went to the dinosaur playground and it was awesome.”– Georgia
