Continuing the journey towards reconciliation

Defence is an ongoing supporter of National Reconciliation Week, and celebrates annually from May 27 - June 3.

Defence celebrates National Reconciliation Week as part of the commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and in line with our fourth Defence Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2022.

This year’s theme: "Be a Voice for Generations."

 Indigenous representative of the Yuggara and Chepara people Derek Sandy performs a smoking ceremony at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane. Photo: Private Jacob Hilton, 2021.

Each and every citizen holds a significant responsibility in the process of reconciliation. By actively engaging in the task, we contribute towards enhancing the amicable relationships between the non-Indigenous population and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. This collective effort strengthens the foundation of mutual respect and understanding among all communities in the country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to serve with great honour in the Australian Defence Force. Learn more here.  (Photo: Department of Defence) 

Indigenous Service in the Vietnam War

Warrant Officer Class 1 Roy ‘Zeke’ Mundine OAM is a Vietnam veteran and the Australian Army’s first Indigenous Elder. A Bundjalung man, he had a distinguished 36-year career in the Army which included a tour of Malaya in 1959 with 1RAR and two tours of Vietnam with 5RAR.

He served as a section commander during his second tour. Mundine understood the gravity of his leadership responsibilities and believed that ensuring his men returned home safely was his duty. Mundine triggered a mine that resulted in the loss of his leg, and his men attempted to reach him. Still, he ordered them back to avoid any further casualties.

Uncle Roy 'Zeke' Mundine (Photo: Department of Defence) 

After returning to Australia, Mundine underwent extended rehabilitation and served in the army until 1995. He remained deeply committed to helping veterans with their pension matters and attending the funerals of those who had passed away. 

Roy remained in the Army until 1995, but defence continued to remain a large part of his life.

In 1987, Roy was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his service as the Quartermaster of 49th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment (49RQR).

2023 is the Year of the Vietnam Veterans. Learn more about the Life and Times Campaign.

On 18 April 2016, Roy was appointed the Australian Army's first Indigenous Australian Elder. The role represents serving First Nations personnel and veterans, advising the Army's senior leadership and representing the Army at Indigenous events, such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

He received an OAM Military for his 36 years of serving with distinction in the armed services. His old battalion, the 5th Battalion, named a military operation in Afghanistan after him “Operation Mundine”.