Daily news digest April 25
Indigenous news is dominated by commemorations for Anzac Day, highlighting both the significant contributions of First Nations service members and incidents of disrespect during ceremonies across Australia.
Anzac Day 2026 Highlights
Disruptions to Welcome to Country:
Solemn dawn services in major cities were interrupted by heckling and boos during the Welcome to Country.
Melbourne:
Bunurong and Gunditjmara man Uncle Mark Brown (main picture) was heckled at the Shrine of Remembrance, though the crowd largely drowned out the boos with applause.
Pastor Uncle Ray Minniecon.
Sydney:
Indigenous veteran and pastor Uncle Ray Minniecon faced similar interruptions at Martin Place.
Perth:
Whadjuk Noongar Elder and veteran Di Ryder was also interrupted by sparse boos at the Kings Park service.
Political Condemnation:
Leaders including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the actions as “disgraceful” and “bastardry”.
Recognition of Service:
Ceremonies were held specifically to honour Indigenous and Pacific Islanders who served in the Australian Defence Force. The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong was also noted, highlighting the service of Indigenous soldiers like Captain Reg Saunders.
Sovereign Union Protest:
The Sovereign Union called for a Frontier Wars Commemorative March to acknowledge Indigenous lives lost during the colonisation of Australia alongside standard military commemorations.
Other News
Renewable Energy Funding:
Two solar farms in Borroloola and Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory became the first wholly Indigenous-owned projects to receive millions in federal funding, promising to halve local power bills.
Land & Heritage: Indigenous artists continue to share powerful stories through the “marramarra” exhibition, while native title holders on the Yorke Peninsula are seeking government intervention over a copper mine development.
