Badger Creek Primary School (BCPS) hosted a moving Aboriginal Remembrance Service on Friday, 6 June, as part of a commitment to honour the service and sacrifices of Aboriginal men and women in Australia’s military history.
The ceremony, which began at 2.45pm, included students, staff, and several special guests, including Sam Halim and Terry Hill from the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service Committee, as well as representatives from the Healesville RSL and Rotary Club. It was truly a community-driven event that brought the community together.
The service began with an Acknowledgement of Country by student Lila, followed by the BCPS Band performing the National Anthem. As the crowd settled, the focus turned to the speakers.
Healesville RSL former president, and current representative of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service Committee, Sam Halim, spoke about the significance of recognising Aboriginal service men and women.
His words carried deep personal meaning as he shared the history of his own involvement in bringing recognition to Aboriginal soldiers.
“I remember back in 2006, I was the first RSL president to raise the Aboriginal flag at a service at Healesville RSL,” Mr Halim said.
“That was a turning point. It was the first time Indigenous soldiers were honoured like that, and it’s something that stayed with me ever since.”
Mr Halim’s involvement in these efforts goes beyond local ceremonies. As a representative of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service Committee, he is integral to the service held every year at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
For him, it’s deeply important that younger generations understand the sacrifices made by Aboriginal servicemen and women.
“I think it’s fantastic that schools like Badger Creek are taking the lead,” Mr Halim said.
“This service fosters respect amongst students, particularly non-Indigenous students, and gives them a chance to learn more about Indigenous culture.”
The service also featured Terry Hill, who spoke about the stories of Aboriginal soldiers in war.
He shared his experiences and emphasised the historical challenges Aboriginal soldiers faced both during and after their service. His recounts helped students understand the complexity of Aboriginal history in the military, adding depth to the service and ensuring that these important stories were heard by a new generation.
The school principal, Scott Crawford spoke about why the school chose to hold the service.
“We were deeply affected by the disrespect shown during the ANZAC service earlier this year,” Mr Crawford said.
“It highlighted the need for meaningful recognition and education. We felt it was more important than ever to hold this service to recognise the contribution of Aboriginal soldiers.”
Mr Crawford reflected on how the idea took shape.
“Last year, our students attended the Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, and it was a very powerful experience for everyone involved. Though this year’s service fell on a Saturday, we knew it was essential to bring the service to our school and make sure our students could be part of the recognition,” he said.
The school’s planning process was a community effort, students played an active role in the event, with the wreath, a key element of the service, created by BCPS students during art club.
This wreath was presented during the service and accompanied by the sound of a bagpiper, adding a unique touch to the ceremony.
“Our students worked hard on the wreath, and it became a symbol of their involvement and commitment to remembering Aboriginal soldiers,” Mr Crawford said.
In another significant moment, the Ode was read in the Taungurung language, connecting the ceremony to the local Aboriginal culture and land. This cultural element, together with the Grade 1/2 students’ Collaborative Arts Performance, which focused on nature and connection to the land, created a powerful atmosphere of reflection and respect.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of quiet reflection, leaving attendees with a sense of respect and recognition for the Aboriginal men and women who served in Australia’s military history.
For Mr Crawford, the event was not just about commemoration, but also about education.
“Our goal is to help students appreciate the importance of Aboriginal contributions, not only in the military but in all areas of Australian life,” he said.
“We hope today’s service gives them a sense of pride and responsibility to continue this journey of recognition and respect.”
For Mr Halim, events like these are crucial in shaping a better future.
“I’m so proud to see schools like Badger Creek stepping up and educating the next generation,” he said.
“This isn’t just about remembering the past, it’s about building a future where all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous recognise each other’s contributions.”
The ceremony also stood as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure that Aboriginal contributions to Australia’s history are fully recognised.
“It’s been a long journey,” Mr Halim said.
“But seeing schools like Badger Creek take part in this recognition means we’re moving in the right direction.”
