Heywood event honours Aboriginal service men and women

A special event in Heywood on Monday gave the community an opportunity to pay their respects to First Nations men and women who have served, or continue to serve, in the defence force.

Organised by Wannon Water as part of National Reconciliation Week, the service and barbecue was held in the town’s angling clubrooms adjoining the Heywood Indigenous War Memorial Water Tower.

Around 80 people attended, including First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria members Keicha Day and Uncle Michael Bell, who welcomed those present to Country. Representatives from Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Glenelg Shire Councillor Duane Angelino, and Heywood Consolidated School students also attended.

First Nations people have served in conflict and peacekeeping missions involving Australia for more than a century. For many years, their service and sacrifice wasn’t recognised or commemorated until 20 years ago when a service was held in Melbourne during Reconciliation Week.

Wannon Water Executive Strategy, Partnerships and Performance Kellie King said the organisation wanted to remember local Aboriginal service members and their important legacy. “The water tower, which features the four Lovett Brothers – Leonard, Frederick, Edward and Herbert – and Reginald ‘Reg’ Saunders, was a significant backdrop for the service,” Ms King said.

Painted in 2021 by Adnate and Levi Geebung, the 360-degree mural was a project of Leadership Great South Coast program participants Emily Falla, Jason Van Der Heyden, Craig Kelson and Troy Lovett. It includes artwork from Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist, Tommy Day III, who passed away last month.

Proud Gunditjmara/Buandig/Waddawurrung man Braydon Saunders recognised Tommy Day, saying his free-flowing line designs on the tower highlighted the special parts of the local landscape including the lava flow, creeks, and kangaroo tracks.

“Adnate, a world-renowned artist, was blown away and had his eyes opened by the work that cousin Tommy was able to do,” Mr Saunders said. “It’s a moment to reflect on the incredible person, the incredible artist and the incredible leader that cousin Tom was, and the fact that he continues to shine a light even now that he’s gone.”

Mr Saunders said the tower was a beacon, providing a canvas to tell the truth about soldiers who went away to fight in world wars but were never recognised on their return, with only two of the tens of thousand soldier settlement blocks in Victoria allocated to indigenous servicemen.

Wannon Water Managing Director Steve Waterhouse said the event played a small part in helping to restore the recognition and respect that Aboriginal service men and women deserved.

“We recognise that deep connection, particularly with the Gunditjmara people through the water tower, but also that connection you have with water and country, which is a connection that speaks to life, to identity and to belonging,” Mr Waterhouse said.

The event concluded with Heywood students crafting wreaths from native leaves and flowers and laying them at the base of the memorial.