03 June 2025
Hundreds of students from the Follow the Dream program converged on Kings Park during Reconciliation Week to honour nine Aboriginal Anzac fallen soldiers in a heartfelt ceremony.
Follow the Dream is delivered in partnership with the Polly Farmer Foundation and supports aspirations of Aboriginal students to successfully complete their primary and secondary schooling.
Students, families and servicepeople came together to honour nine Aboriginal Anzac fallen soldiers.
During the ceremony, commemorative plaques were presented to each family of the fallen soldiers, symbolising a lasting tribute to their ancestor's service and sacrifice during World War I.
The collaborative initiative was led by Shenton College and supported by eight Follow the Dream schools in Perth, including Ballajura Community College, Belridge Secondary College, Warwick Senior High, Mount Lawley Senior High School, Carine Senior High School, Duncraig Senior High School, and Churchlands Senior High School.
At the event, proud Aboriginal students read aloud the historical stories of each fallen soldier, who they had researched as part of a larger project.
Over the past two years, students have worked with care and dedication in researching the lives of the soldiers. Collaborating closely with the families of these soldiers, students have uncovered personal stories and historical records to help restore the dignity and recognition that the soldiers deserve.
A smoking ceremony was held as part of the day.
Follow the Dream Coordinator, Ms Tina Deegan from Mount Lawley Senior High School, said the Aboriginal Anzacs Fallen Soldiers project is an extraordinary initiative that brings Aboriginal History, culture and recognition to the forefront.
“We felt that it was a great opportunity for our young students,” Ms Deegan said.
“It’s important to teach the next generation about the sacrifice that their ancestors made, and to have pride in being Aboriginal.
“When the families came forward next to me and cried, I knew it was worth it because the students were able to see the positive impact it had on other people.”
Mount Lawley Senior High School Follow the Dream student, James Anderson, said it was great to commemorate the fallen soldiers who did the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Seeing the family become emotional was just such a great thing because they have been holding onto that grief for a long time,” he added.
A traditional smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance was held after the presentation by Elders from the Farmer family, providing cultural recognition and ensuring the legacy of these brave men will be remembered and respected.
The nine Aboriginal Anzac fallen soldiers commemorated were:
- Michael Connor
- Augustus Pegg Farmer
- Larry Farmer
- Thomas Henry Ford
- Stanley Hedley
- William John Jackson
- Charles Latwood
- Henry Mason
- Edward Henry Rawson
Lest we forget.
For more information about the program visit Follow the Dream, Polly Farmer Foundation.