The Melbourne Storm rugby league club initially canceled the Welcome to Country ceremony for their Anzac Day match, sparking outrage from Indigenous performers who had been scheduled to participate. Despite approval for multicultural and indigenous rounds, the club did not approve the ceremony for the Anzac Day match. Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown delivered the Welcome to Country at the dawn service earlier in the day, where far-right agitators booed and heckled him. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders condemned the disruption, with Indigenous performers expressing their disappointment in not being able to participate in the ceremony.
During the dawn service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, convicted neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant and his group disrupted the Welcome to Country and Governor Margaret Gardner’s address with jeers and boos. The disruptions were widely condemned, with the actions of the hecklers deemed disgraceful and un-Australian. Indigenous soldiers have a long history of serving in Australia’s armed forces, with at least 70 serving at Gallipoli. The disruptions were seen as disrespectful to the memory of veterans and the Indigenous community, with calls for the hecklers to face legal consequences.
The disruptions at the Melbourne dawn service were followed by heckling at a dawn service in Perth, where a heckler shouted obscenities during the Welcome to Country. The disruptions were seen as inappropriate for an event meant for remembrance and reflection. Participants at the events expressed disappointment and frustration at the interruptions, emphasizing the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans. Indigenous elders and former soldiers were particularly outraged by the disruptions, calling for respect and acknowledgment of the contributions of Indigenous servicemen and women.
The disruptions on Anzac Day are part of a disturbing trend of far-right agitators causing disruptions during events and ceremonies. The actions of neo-Nazis like Hersant were condemned by political leaders, veterans groups, and Indigenous leaders, who highlighted the contributions of Indigenous servicemen and women to Australia’s defense forces. Despite the disruptions, positive moments of solidarity were also witnessed, with large crowds applauding the Welcome to Country during the traditional Anzac Day AFL clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG.
Indigenous leaders and community members stood in solidarity with Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown, expressing support for his strength and resolve during the disruptions at the dawn service. The disruptions highlighted the need for continued education and advocacy to address racism and disrespect towards Indigenous communities. AFL legend Eddie Betts joined the Fitzroy Stars for a local footy comeback, where he emphasized the importance of speaking out against disrespectful behavior. The incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Australia and the importance of standing up against racism and discrimination.
Despite the disruptions and challenges faced, Indigenous performers and community members expressed a desire to rebuild relationships with organizations like the Melbourne Storm, emphasizing the importance of genuine reconciliation and respect. The incidents on Anzac Day underscored the need for continued efforts to educate and raise awareness about the importance of acknowledging and honoring Indigenous contributions to Australia’s history and culture. The disruptions may have been disturbing, but they also galvanized a sense of unity and support among those who stood up against racism and disrespect on a day meant for remembrance and reflection.
