Honouring Aboriginal soldiers during Reconciliation Week

During Reconciliation Week, many Australians reflected on the theme, “Bridging Now to Next”, and the ongoing connection between the past, present, and future.

We learn from the past, look to the future, and push forward together on the reconciliation journey. Joseph Flick stands as a quiet force for remembrance and restoration. 

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June each year, marking the 1967 Referendum (May 27th) and the High Court Mabo decision (June 3rd).

It is the perfect time to tell the story of Joseph Flick, a proud Gamilaroi, Yullaroi and Bigambul man from western NSW. Joseph has spent more than a decade reconnecting Aboriginal families with their ancestors who fought and died for a nation that had denied them.

“It began with my knowledge as a young boy watching my pop march in Anzac Day ceremonies,” Joseph said.

His grandfather, Mick Flick, served in World War I, returning home with mementos of battle including a tin helmet with a dent and his service rifle, which the children were forbidden to touch. But what stayed with Joseph was what happened after the march.

“As he’d walk up to the front door (of the RSL), they would say, ‘Sorry Mick, go around the back, we’ll pass you a beer through the window.’ I used to think just how demoralising, degrading and totally wrong that was,” Joseph said. “He wanted to be part of it. He played his part in the defence of our country overseas and then was excluded from the benefits of the country here.” […]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!

Honouring Aboriginal soldiers has become a passion for Joseph Flick who has located the European burial sites of soldiers from across western NSW. Photo TWH