As part of the recent Exercise Hermes Run at Mount Gambier, signallers from 108 Signal Squadron immersed themselves in Indigenous culture and activities.
The event was facilitated by Indigenous Elder Laura Bell and a fellow member of the Gunditjmara clan, John Bell.
Signaller Paul Egan, who recently discovered a family connection with the clan, 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 the members had, especially with Indigenous Elder Aunty Laura Bell, has provided our members with great insight,” Major Holt said.
“Laura Bell showed us around Gunditjmara Country, Budj Bim eel traps at Tyrendarra and the Heywood silos, 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 on a 30-metre-high water tower,” he said.
“This mural really shows how deep the connection was between the Gunditjmara clan and the Australian Army.”
