Defending Country : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Military Service Since 1945

Uncovering the Untold Stories of Indigenous Military Service in Australia

Defending Country sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Australia's military history since 1945. Through compelling interviews and meticulous research, this book records the experiences of Indigenous veterans, giving voice to their unique perspectives on service, sacrifice, and the ongoing struggle for recognition.

Discover how military service has provided both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous Australians, exploring themes of:

• Racism and discrimination within the armed forces
• The impact of assimilation policies on Indigenous identity
• The role of Indigenous women in the military
• The complexities of reconciliation in the context of defense

For historians, military enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Australia's past, Defending Country offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of Indigenous military service and its enduring legacy. Learn how Indigenous veterans navigated a path between defending their country and fighting for their rights.

Dr Noah Riseman is a Senior Lecturer in History at Australian Catholic University. He specialises in the history of marginalized groups in the Australian Defence Force, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. His first book, Defending Whose Country? Indigenous Soldiers in the Pacific War was shortlisted for the 2013 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory History Award. His PhD was also the recipient of the 2009 CEW Bean Prize for Military History. Dr Richard Trembath is a historian currently teaching at the University of Melbourne. With Donna Hellier he wrote All Care and Responsibility: A History of Nursing in Victoria. In 2005 he published A Different Sort of War: Australians in Korea 1950–53. Then, in conjunction with Colin Holden, he published Divine Discontent – The Brotherhood of St Laurence: A History, which appeared in 2008. Witnesses to War: The History of Australian Conflict Reporting, written in collaboration with Fay Anderson, was published in 2011 and was listed for a Walkley Award.