In particular this year servicemen and women, past and present are in the spotlight.

It’s unfortunate that it has taken so long for some of our indigenous service people to get the recognition they rightly deserve and no doubt many are still waiting.

Sadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers have been largely overlooked throughout the nation’s military history.

It is truly remarkable that indigenous people put themselves on the line for Australia, during an era when they were not even recognised as citizens.

Then not only did they live through war, they returned home to lousy conditions and little thanks.

While NAIDOC Week will go some way to giving indigenous servicemen and women the recognition they deserve, it shouldn’t be limited to a week.

As one of our letter writers, Father Riley says, “NAIDOC is a week that brings attention to the marginalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but let’s not leave it at that.”

We encourage you to take part in a local NAIDOC Week event – there’s plenty to choose from.

But heed Father Riley’s words – don’t leave it at that.

Use it as an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for indigenous culture and increase your knowledge of indigenous history.