Military service stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women aren’t ones often discussed, yet since the dawning and evolution of social media, Australians are becoming more and more aware of the service and sacrifice of those Australian soldiers.
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To commemorate the fallen, Griffith Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) is currently hosting a touring exhibition, For Country, For Nation, showcasing the contribution Indigenous men and women have made to the defence of Australia.
The exhibition, curated and presented by the Australian War Memorial, contains memorabilia, photographs, historic information, and representations of weapons and will be on display at the GRAG until July 22.
Six artists created the works, which include handcrafted installations.
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Exhibition coordinator Raymond Wholohan said Indigenous service men and women have been often overlooked.
“In the canon of Australian military history, the courage of Aboriginal warriors in defence of their homelands, and the significant contribution of the first Australians to the defence of our nation, has often been overlooked.”
Mr Wholohan noted the significance of the exhibition for Griffith as the gallery stands right next door to the Griffith War Memorial Museum, bringing together a culmination of the exhibition on a national and local level.
“At a local level, during For Country, For Nation we are proud to be partnering with Griffith War Memorial Museum who have done substantial research over recent years to identify and recognise local Aboriginal service personnel.”
He said it’s part of their ongoing commitment to promote the culture and artistic output of Aboriginal people of all denominations in this area.
Theo Bollen, volunteer at the Griffith War Memorial Museum said the exhibition was "fantastic” and that he is proud to be a part of it.
Mr Wholohan said Griffith is “quite lucky” for the exhibition to tour the area which has, so far, received great reception.