Intro
The Aboriginal History WA team has undertaken extensive genealogical and archival research to bring together this unique publication. In addition to bringing to life the stories of Western Australia's Aboriginal volunteers and soldiers, No Less Worthy is a significant educational and historical resource adding to our understanding and awareness of the history of Western Australia and Australia.
The book is dedicated to the largely unknown Aboriginal men from Western Australia who sought to serve on foreign country at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and in Europe during World War One.
"Many who sought to serve were not always accepted. The reasons for this are diverse and follow no consistent pattern. For those who survived the battlefield, the equality they experienced while fighting shoulder to shoulder with their non-Aboriginal mates was not always accorded to them on their return home. " — Dr Richard Walley OAM, Noongar Elder
At the time, Aboriginal people in Western Australia were regulated by the Aborigines Act of 1905 and many of those who volunteered were driven by a strong desire to improve the social and economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
These stories have an important role to educate and unite all communities.
Hardcopies of No Less Worthy can be purchased from the Western Australian Museum shop and Australian War Memorial shop.
2015 - They Served with Honour acknowledging the 13 Aboriginal Western Australian men who served at Gallipoli
On 5 July 2019, the Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA; Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, launched the No Less Worthy publication at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Among those who attended as a guest speaker was Diane Brown, the granddaughter of Charles Hutchins who is one of the soldiers featured in the book.
As part of the event proceedings, Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial (AWM), recorded a video message to acknowledge the release of this special publication.