Torres Strait Islanders have honoured their long warrior history, by marching in their traditional warrior garments, to the beat of a warup (drum) at an ANZAC Day march on Waiben (Thursday Island).
They marched alongside Australian Army uniformed soldiers, to mark the unity and comradery required to protect Country and culture.
For many, the day was an opportunity to remember the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, an entirely voluntarily enlisted unit and one of the country’s first all-Indigenous regiments.
At the time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were not considered citizens and lived under the Act.
Dawn service was held atop the heritage listed ‘Green Forte Hill’ on Waiben. Credit: NITV
Seargent Jamahl Tamwoy’s grandfather fought in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.
He said it made him proud to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors.
“My ancestors fought in the war [for generations], not just World War one and two, but before that as well,” he said.
“I joined the defence so I can get a better career kick off myself and be a role model to the Indigenous youth and lead by example with other upcoming soldiers.
“Seeing all the cadets come out today makes me proud”
Elizabeth and Rosie Ware celebrate their father and grandfathers service to their people and country. Credit: NITV
Retired Leading Seaman for Safety Equipment, Beimop Tapim, joined the Navy in 1966, a year before the referendum that would abolish the Act and see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders recognised as citizens.
He said he met his wife of decades in the Navy and has fond memories of mateship during that time.
Hailing from Mer (Murray Island), travelling with the Navy was a first for the remote island man.
“When I first joined the outfit that was my first ever trip down south… and I moved from the very top to bottom
“When we stopped at Brisbane me and my mate we got out and we stood up and we saw that tall buildings.
“Both of us said to ourselves, ‘we’ve only seen that in books."
Pamela Tapim and Beimop Tapim both joined the Navy and said they never looked back.
He said during World War II, Torres Strait Islanders weren’t evacuated from the outer islands where he lived.
“They were only evacuating the school the school principals and the nurses (from the outer islands),” he said.
“Whoever was there as a government party, they were evacuated.
“People on the outer islands, they were left… people on T.I were evacuated to the mainland.”
He said while many of the soldiers enlisted voluntarily, he’d heard that some had been caught.
“They were more or less caught and didn't go home to say goodbye to their families or wife they just got chucked straight on that lugger boat, straight to (Thursday Island).”
Pte Jerry Aniba wears his traditional warrior uniform during the days proceedings.
