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. The incident reflects a disturbing trend of disrespect toward Indigenous traditions on a day meant for national unity and remembrance.
Sacred Day Marred by Disrespect
Anzac Day is a sacred occasion in Australia and New Zealand, honoring those who sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli and in subsequent conflicts. Despite differing views on war, the day is universally dedicated to remembrance. However, the sanctity of dawn services has been disrupted by individuals booing the welcome to country delivered by traditional owners.
In Melbourne, Uncle Mark Brown faced boos again this year. In Sydney, Uncle Ray Minniecon, a veteran elder of Kabi-Kabi and Gurang-Gurang descent, was also booed. In Perth, Whadjuk and Noongar elder Aunty Di Ryder’s welcome was heckled. These actions were reportedly encouraged by the Fight for Australia movement, which urged people to demand the removal of welcomes to country and even asked online, “Will you be booing the welcome to country this year?”
Veterans Among the Booed
Uncle Ray Minniecon is himself a veteran, proudly wearing his medals as he delivered his acknowledgment. Aunty Di Ryder is also a veteran. Their ancestors have a long history of service, including in World War I, where over 118 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men served in the Australian Light Horse. Despite initial enlistment bans, many served after 1917, notably in the 11th Light Horse Regiment. Indigenous Australians have served from the Boer War to present-day missions, yet their contributions are dishonored by such disrespect.
The majority of attendees at the services responded by clapping and cheering to support the speakers and drown out the hecklers. 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, RSL Victoria president, emphasized that the welcome to country recognizes First Nations traditions and service, calling the disruptors “weak-minded individuals who do not belong at this service.”
A Call for Action
Marcia Langton, a Yiman and Bidjara woman and laureate professor at the University of Melbourne, condemns the booing as a moral crime. She argues that to dishonor the memory of Indigenous and other Australian soldiers is despicable and ignorant. Langton calls for the disruptors to be named, photographed, and banned from all future Anzac Day services. She draws a parallel to the AFL’s ability to ban disruptive racists, urging police forces to take similar action against these individuals.
The RSL leadership and many Australians stand united against such behavior, reaffirming that Anzac Day is for honoring all who served, regardless of background. The welcome to country is a recognition of Indigenous custodianship and service, and its disruption undermines the very values the day represents.
