Principal's Message
Trinity College Leads Commemoration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans
Trinity College has proudly supported this year’s commemorative service at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, taking on the role as ‘lead school’ during this important event which is held as part of Reconciliation Week.
The annual service, held at the Flame of Remembrance, honours and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans who have served in wars and conflicts from the Boer War to the present day. It is a deeply significant occasion that acknowledges both the courage of First Nations service personnel, and the historical lack of acknowledgement and recognition many experienced following their service.
This year’s commemoration carried particular meaning, as it continued efforts to address this legacy of under-recognition. For many years, Aboriginal servicemen who fought for Australia were not formally acknowledged for their contributions. In fact, it was not until 2011 that the first plaque of remembrance for a fallen Indigenous soldier was installed on Honour Avenue within Kings Park. Today, more than a century after the First World War, Aboriginal Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice are finally being appropriately and formally recognised.
Trinity College played a central role in bringing the ceremony to life. Our First Nations students provided a range of moving and respectful contributions throughout the service, including dance and didgeridoo performances that reflected the cultural significance of the occasion. The College’s Pipes and Drums Ensemble added a ceremonial dignity, accompanying key moments of this very special remembrance ceremony.
A highlight of the service was the involvement of Trinity students in honouring individual Aboriginal veterans. Elijah Kelly (2028) and Shayne Loller (2028) spoke with great reverence telling the life story of World War II veteran and POW Private Arthur Morrison, whilst Eli Wirrpanda (2028) and Elijah Councillor (2028) presented on Vietnam veteran Private William Paul Hansen. The year 10 First Nations students as a group were tasked with researching and identifying two Aboriginal ANZAC soldiers whose stories had not previously been commemorated at Kings Park. Through careful research and meaningful engagement with the veterans’ families, students developed a deep understanding of each individual’s life and service.
These stories were shared during the ceremony alongside the Flame of Remembrance, ensuring that each soldier’s legacy was publicly acknowledged and remembered. In a powerful and heartfelt gesture, duplicate commemorative plaques were presented to the families, strengthening the connection between past and present and ensuring that these histories are preserved for future generations.
The event also highlighted the broader contribution of students across Perth, whose collective efforts have ensured that Aboriginal war heroes who lost their lives in World War I are now recognised in Kings Park. Through their leadership, participation and deep respect, our Trinity College students have contributed meaningfully to ensuring that these stories are told, these sacrifices are remembered, and these individuals are never forgotten.
We should be very proud of our boys who made significant contributions to this commemorative service.
Lest we forget!
Live Jesus in our hearts
Mr Darren O’Neill
Principal