When Tori Miller addresses the crowd at Warrnambool’s Anzac Day dawn service, he’ll be making history.
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Tori, 15, will be reading a poem in tribute to Reg Saunders, the Purnim-born soldier who became first indigenous person to gain a commission in the Australian army.
The reading from the Clontarf Academy student is a first, and a major step towards greater recognition of indigenous people in south-west Anzac Day services.
For Tori, who has taken part in Anzac Day marches with fellow Clontarf students for the past three years, speaking at Wednesday’s dawn service is a big honour.
“I find it important that not only am I speaking on Anzac Day, but I get to represent my people. I get a lot of pride in that. That’s what inspires me to do it,” he said.
“It’s really an honour because this is pretty much the first time Clontarf has had a role in this, and to be the first, it’s really inspiring.”
“It’s a bit daunting, but I know I can do it.”
Tori will be reading a poem by Kevin Clarke, the partner of one of Reg Saunders’ daughters.
Captain Reg Saunders served in World War II in both the North Africa and New Guinea campaigns. He was later a commander at the Battle of Kapyong in Korea. Captain Saunders’ medals were purchased by the community and RSL and are on display at the Warrnambool RSL rooms.
