As part of the recent Exercise Hermes Run at Mount Gambier, signallers from 108 Signal Squadron immersed themselves in Indigenous culture and activities.
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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.”