On Tuesday 31 May local Wiradyuri Elders Uncle Hewitt Whyman and Aunty Fay Moseley were joined by Flying Officer James Evans from the RAAF to present a Truth Telling Panel to the attendees who joined them at the Wagga Wagga City Library.

The Truth Telling Panel was to discuss how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were treated historically by the Australian Defence Forces, how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have fought for Australia in every war since at least the Boar War (1899-1902), and the personal stories of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders defending Australia have affected Uncle Hewitt, Aunty Fay, and James.

At times the stories were intense, and extremely emotional, but by being vulnerable and open with the audience the panelists were able to tell the true history of Australia but also explain how great the progress has been since. The progress from how Aunty Fay is a member of the Stolen Generation even though her dad served in World War II as a Rat of Tobruk, to the active engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that is possible with James working as the RAAF Indigenous Liaison Officer.

All who attended were touched and moved by the emotional stories shared and were grateful for all 3 panelists sharing such intimate memories and experiences with us all.