Calls grow for Australia’s frontier wars to be remembered on Anzac Day

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji elders Elaine Thomas (left) and Theresa Dewar with the wreath that was laid on Anzac Day at the Cairns cenotaph. Traditional owners hold a separate memorial event on the eve of Anzac Day to commemorate the frontier wars. Photograph: Brian Cassey

When Gimuy Walubara Yidinji elder Theresa Dewar lays a wreath at the Cairns cenotaph on Tuesday, it will be to remember a conflict that took place well before Gallipoli.

For the seventh year in a row Dewar and fellow traditional owners will use the occasion of Anzac Day to remember those killed in Australia’s frontier wars.