Kurongkurl Katitjin

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Kurongkurl Katitjin's own ANZAC connection

Friday, 23 April 2021

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A Martu man from Western Australia's Pilbara region, Kurongkurl Katitjin's Head of Teaching and Learning Associate Professor Robert Somerville AM, says joining the Air Force’s Air Training Corps at the age 14 was the first time he experienced equality.

"As a young Aboriginal person, it was incredibly empowering for me to be part of a group that judged me on my merit and character, and not on who my family were or on the colour of my skin," says Associate Professor Somerville. He has continued his affiliation with the Air Force eventually rising to the rank of Wing Commander and commanding the Air Force’s Cadet Wing at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2004, Associate Professor Somerville says the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has worked tirelessly to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel in Defence through a range of innovative and engaging programs. Currently Associate Professor Somerville works closely with the three serving ADF Indigenous Liaison Officers for Army, Air Force and Navy. The program is yet another example of the ADF’s commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our culture remain ‘front and centre’ as an integral part of the organisation.

On this coming ANZAC day it is worth remembering the impact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have had. We have fought as members of the ADF in every conflict from the Boer War to Afghanistan. Our contribution while sometimes forgotten was never forgotten by those that we served with:

"A notable example of this was after WWII when returning personnel couldn't understand why there was such a lack of equality for their Indigenous mates they'd fought beside. Many of these retuned service members became highly active in the Aboriginal Rights Movements that eventually lead to significant changes such as the 1967 Referendum," says Associate Professor Somerville.

While not marching in uniform this year, Associate Professor Somerville will attend the City of Perth ANZAC Day and encourages everyone to find and participate in their local ANZAC Day activities.

"ANZAC Day is a time to remember the contribution of all those who have served in our Armed Services and especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. ANZAC Day provides the opportunity for all of us to thank the members of Australia's Defence Force who are prepared to put themselves in harm's way to ensure both our freedom and way of life," said Associate Professor Somerville.

Contacting ECU

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Kurongkurl Katitjin