Catherine McAuley students laid a wreath at the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service held at the Hyde Park War Memorial on Friday 30th May 2025.
Catherine McAuley students laid a wreath at the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service held at the Hyde Park War Memorial on Friday 30th May 2025.

Catherine McAuley had seven students attend the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service

Catherine McAuley had a small number of students attend the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service held last Friday, 30th May at the Hyde Park War Memorial. The students joined with other Indigenous students and staff from the Jarara Cultural Centre, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese for the service.

Students Arabelle S. and Bonni S. have written the report below:

Last Friday, Bonni, Macauley, Eva, Arabelle, Maria, Zara and Lauren attended the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service. We caught the train to Hyde Park War Memorial and met up with CSPD's Jarara Team, and other schools within the diocese, to share this experience. Students from other schools from around Sydney also attended.

The service began with the Acknowledgement of Country, whilst a former army fighter plane flew over the service. A representative for the Governor of NSW spoke about the importance of remembrance and respect for Indigenous soldiers who fought in the wars, while other speakers spoke on the topic as well as recited a poem that a former soldier had written during his experience at war with an Indigenous digger.

A smoking ceremony captured this respect and peace, followed by a dance from a representative school. During these events, a formation was made by four soldiers to represent the different areas within the army, to stand in memory of the ones who'd passed.

Finally, we ended the service with all representative schools laying a wreath in honour of the soldiers' lives and the memory of their service to Australia and the people. It was an incredible experience and memory that we will remember.

Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony. Catherine McAuley students are participating
Catherine McAuley students laid a wreath at the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service held at the Hyde Park War Memorial on Friday 30th May 2025.

Written By

Arabelle S. and Bonni S. | Year 12 students

Arabelle S. and Bonni S. | Year 12 students
Catherine McAuley Westmead

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