St Raphael’s Catholic School has been named one of only three schools across regional New South Wales selected to attend the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service at Sydney’s Hyde Park Memorial.
The announcement was made last week by Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, who praised the school for its long-standing commitment to Indigenous education and fostering a culturally inclusive school environment.
Six students from St Raphael’s, accompanied by three teachers, will travel to Sydney for the two-day program starting on Thursday, 29th May. The visit includes an educational tour of the Hyde Park Memorial and museum, followed by the official commemorative service on Friday, 30th May. The ceremony will feature a wreath-laying, speeches from dignitaries, and a luncheon with veterans and government representatives.
Now in its second year, the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Regional Youth Program is run by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs in collaboration with Catholic Schools NSW, the Association of Independent Schools of NSW, and the NSW Department of Education.
The initiative aims to educate students about the vital role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played in Australia’s military history — from the Boer War in 1899 to modern-day peacekeeping missions.
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Minister Harris emphasised the importance of the event, stating, “This program provides a unique opportunity for regional students to travel to Sydney to participate in this important commemoration, and to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our Aboriginal veterans.”
As a former educator himself, Minister Harris noted the value of such programs in enriching student understanding and fostering respect for Australia's diverse military history.
St Raphael’s students Eliza, Layne, Tobie, Chelsea, Kalarni and Nayte, together with their teachers Mrs Hubber, Mr Colemane and Mr Chris are proud to represent their school and community in honouring Indigenous veterans, and look forward to meeting Minister Harris at the Anzac Memorial later this month.
