An alternative ANZAC day ceremony on April 25 had a focus on peace not militarism.
Dharug speaker Uncle Chris Tobin observed: “When you look at older memorials to the First World War, they were very clear; people were fighting not for democracy or freedom, but for king and country, to defend the power of empire.”
Keynote speaker historian Dr Naomi Parry Duncan, explained: “Before the Great War, Australia and New Zealand were workers’ paradises with collectivist enterprises, and some of the best standards of living and public services in the world, built on the back of unions.
“As well as killing and maiming so many, the War sucked the life out of the economy, smashed our unions, curtailed freedom of speech, and sent us backwards.” Duncan is the author of New South Wales and the Great War.
“When I hear the nationalist talk these days drumming up war, it makes my blood boil. Down with nationalism, up with collectivism,” she concluded.
Tobin asked: “Why do we celebrate the defence of Australia when Australia does not defend us? When it rubberstamps the destruction of Country? “We need to have these conversations. We need to acknowledge and remember with sadness, not with pride.”
He clarified that he spoke only for himself, recognising that it was a conflicting issue for many Indigenous people whose ancestors and current family members play a significant role in the Australian military.
A number of speakers highlighted the lack of acknowledgement of the brutal Frontier Wars in official commemorations.
The inaugural event attended by 120 people was organised by the Blue Mountains Peace Collective, and included poetry and choir performances.
Even organiser Jon Atkins explained its key demands: Australia must democratise decisions to go to war and join the nuclear weapons ban treaty. It must get out of AUKUS, end complicity in Israel’s genocidal war and pursue independent foreign policy to secure peaceful, just, sustainable development in our region.
“We need genuine remembrance, not ‘ANZAC-ery’, not a political tool or justification for future bloodbaths,” Atkins concluded.