IT was a sombre start to NAIDOC Week on the Border yesterday as many gathered at St Matthew’s Church in Albury to reflect on the contribution indigenous Australians have made to the nation’s defence forces.
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Wreaths were laid in remembrance and prayers said in honour of the fallen in a service organised by Wiradjuri elder Nancy Rooke alongside St Matthew’s Father Peter Macleod-Miller.
Albury-Wodonga NAIDOC Week committee member Ruth Davys said the service was significant.
“A lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders fought in wars for this country and then came home and were not even able to go to the pub for a beer,” she said.
“This is overdue recognition of their contribution.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for all the indigenous community to attend St Matthew’s.”
The morning’s service was followed by the NAIDOC Pride March around QEII Square.
Search for the Albury Wodonga NAIDOC 2014 noticeboard page on Facebook for activities.