Former Soldier Owen Thomas with Warmun Pool Manager Stephen Waterman at the Warmun Cemetary

Paying respects to fallen Aboriginal soldiers

Royal Life Saving WA’s remote pool managers have the pleasure of meeting a range of amazing people when they spend nine months of each year in WA’s remote Aboriginal communities. Last season Warmun Pool Manager Stephen Waterman met former soldier Owen Thomas who shared some of his experiences serving our nation as part of NORFORCE.

The NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force) is an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. Formed in 1981 and commemorating its 40th anniversary this month, the regiment is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) employed in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas of Northern Australia.

During the recent remote pool season Stephen and his wife Aisyah had the pleasure of joining Mr Thomas and his sister Teresa, to visit the Warmun Cemetery, playing the Last Post and Ode while paying their respects at the graves of fallen soldiers.

Stephen says he’s pleased to have had the opportunity to pay his respects. “It was a very touching moment and I am honoured to visit a special site for the Warmun Community. We are looking forward to attending ANZAC Day at the cemetery next season.”