Demonstration: Maj-
Gen Cantwell plays the didgeridoo. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram
THE spirit of indigenous soldiers is alive and well in the Army – DCA Maj-Gen John Cantwell made sure of that during National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observation Committee (NAIDOC) week.
Maj-Gen Cantwell took up playing the didgeridoo, demonstrating the skills he developed during his service in the Top End, as the ADF commemorated NAIDOC week at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial in Canberra on July 11.
The memorial’s bush setting and the ancient instrument provided a backdrop for CDF ACM Angus Houston as he acknowledged the important role played by indigenous servicemen and women.
“Their specialised skills are absolutely vital to our success,” ACM Houston said. “Today Norforce, the Pilbara Regiment and 51FNQR continue monitoring our borders against illegal migrants, quarantine infringements and maintaining northern security.”
Many veterans present at the ceremony spoke of positive personal experiences with the ADF, and acknowledged its ability as a pace-setter, influencing change in Australian society.
David Williams, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association President, said he appreciated the ADF’s involvement with the event.
Mr Williams related one of his own experiences while serving on the destroyer HMAS Vampire in the 1960s. His ship was to visit a South African port, but the country’s apartheid policy would have discriminated against him and three other Aboriginal sailors. “When we learnt that the four of us would be left behind, the crew, all the way up to the captain, voted unanimously to not go.”
Mr Williams also praised the ADF for AACAP and for providing support to the Australian Government.
“I’ve seen a lot of foreign defence forces put into the same role as the ADF, and none of them do it as well as our men and women.
‘G’day’ and a smile mean a lot more and go further in communicating than any weapon,” Mr Williams said.
