Bunurong and Gunditjmara elder Uncle Mark Brown has been booed for the second consecutive year while delivering his welcome to country at Melbourne’s dawn service. This incident, captured by photographer Ye Myo Khant, highlights a troubling trend on Anzac Day.
Disrespect at Sacred Services
Anzac Day is a sacred occasion in Australia and New Zealand, honouring those who sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli and in subsequent conflicts. Despite differing views on war, the day unites the nation in remembrance through dawn services, the last post, and the ode of remembrance.
However, the sanctity of these services has been disrupted by individuals booing the welcome to country delivered by traditional owners. Last year and again this year, Uncle Mark Brown faced such treatment in Melbourne. In Sydney, Uncle Ray Minniecon, a Kabi-Kabi and Gurang-Gurang elder and veteran, was similarly booed. In Perth, Whadjuk and Noongar elder Aunty Di Ryder, also a veteran, endured heckling.
The Role of the Fight for Australia Movement
These acts of disrespect were encouraged by the Fight for Australia movement, which urged people to write to RSLs demanding that welcomes to country be removed. On the eve of Anzac Day, the group posted online: “Will you be booing the welcome to country this year?”
Uncle Ray, wearing his medals, and Aunty Di, both veterans, represent the long tradition of Indigenous service. More than 118 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men served in the Australian Light Horse during World War I, and research indicates nearly 1,000 Indigenous Australians served in that war. From the Boer War onward, Indigenous Australians have served in every international mission.
Condemnation from RSL Leaders
Vincent Williams, acting president of RSL NSW, expressed disgust, stating, “I’m pretty convinced that none of that bunch of louts who were booing has ever done anything constructive for our nation.” Mark Schröffel, president of RSL Victoria, noted that the welcome to country recognises First Nations “traditions and service” and called the booers “weak-minded individuals who do not belong at this service.”
The majority of attendees raised their voices and clapped to support the speakers, drowning out the vandals. Yet, the persistent disrespect demands stronger action.
A Call for Consequences
To dishonour the memory of Indigenous and other Australians who served is despicable, ignorant, and a moral crime. Those who boo deserve more than contempt; they should be named, photographed, and banned from all future Anzac Day services. If the AFL can ban disruptive racists, police forces should similarly deal with these individuals.
Marcia Langton, a Yiman and Bidjara woman and laureate professor at the University of Melbourne, underscores that the bond of service unites all Australians, regardless of background. The morons who try to snatch away the sacred moment must face consequences.
