Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Michael was Aboriginal, a Yudindalli (tree goanna) man of the Gamilaraay Nation in north western NSW. In 1914 je enlisted in the army. Private Michael Flick, 4292, 29th Battalion. He served in France and after he was wounded he re-enlisted stayed until the end of the war. When he returned to Australia Mick was shunned by white society. His applications to the local Collarenebri RSL was denied multiple times. His children  were denied an education as the white townspeople threatened to withdraw their children if the Aboriginal children attended the school. His family had to sit behind ropes in the local cinema, separated from the white patrons, on Anzac Days pop could not join his mates for a beer, he had to wait at the window at the back to have his beer as Aboriginal people were not allowed in the bar. Aboriginal soldiers were denied the Soldier Resettlement Scheme so he took out a Western Lands Lease on the edge of the town of Collarenebri and thats where the children grew up. Anzac Day was always special for the Flick family and Pop was always up bright and early, polishing his medals. After years of discrimination he decided to take a stand. This particular day we couldn't find him but thinking he had gone on ahead, the family hurried to the main street to watch the march. Michael was not lined up with the other soldiers. Then he was spotted him at the end of the street facing the marchers. Tall and proud, he stood. As the marchers started he marched in the opposite direction and broke their ranks. He never marched again. Michael died from chronic lung disease brought on by being gassed in the trenches in France. He died a Gamilaraay warrior and a non-citizen in the country of his ancestors.

LEST WE FORGET!