As a part of the recent Exercise Hermes Run in Mount Gambier, signallers from 108 and 144 Signal Squadrons immersed with local Gunditjmara Aboriginal people in an Indigenous cultural engagement activity.
The activity was facilitated by Indigenous Elder Laura Bell and a fellow member of the Gunditjmara clan, John Bell.
Signaller Paul Egan, of 108 Signal Squadron, recently discovered a family connection with the Gunditjmara clan and said the highlight of the day was meeting a relative for the first time.
“It was only over the past two years that I became aware of my Indigenous family heritage with the Gunditjmara clan,” Signaller Egan said.
“Meeting John Bell for the first time was a special moment for me, as we are related but have never met.
“This experience has hit close to home. I have enjoyed learning more about my culture and I hope to connect more with family moving forward.”
Officer Commanding 108 Signal Squadron Major Leon Holt said the activity was an informative experience.
“The interaction with the Gunditjmara people, especially with Indigenous Elder Aunty Laura Bell, has provided our members with great insight,” Major Holt said.
“We have learned about Gunditjmara Country, including the Budj Bim World Heritage Area, deepening our understanding of Indigenous culture and their connection to Country.”
Major Holt said the connection between the Gunditjmara clan and the Army dated back to World War 1.
“During our visit to Heywood, we were shown an extraordinary tribute to the Aboriginal Anzacs, painted on a 30-metre-high water tower,” he said.
“This mural really shows how deep the connection is between the Gunditjmara clan and the Australian Army.”
