Cumberland City Council Mayor Joseph Rahme is calling for civic organisations to consider recognising the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force Service men and women at appropriate public events, meetings and community gatherings.
Mayor Rahme has proposed an optional statement honouring Australians who served the nation, including those who died in service. The statement would follow and complement – not replace or alter – the Acknowledgement of Country.
The proposal comes as communities across Australia mark Remembrance Day and reflect on the contribution of current and former ADF Service men and women.
“We can respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land while also honouring the Australians who served our nation and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mayor Rahme said.
“This is about strengthening our culture of remembrance and ensuring the contribution of service men and women and veterans is understood by future generations.”
“Australians have served in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations. Some did not return home, while many others carried the physical and emotional impacts of their service. Their contribution deserves our enduring respect and gratitude.”
Under the proposal, formal proceedings could, where appropriate, include the following wording:
“We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Darug people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.”
“We also acknowledge the Australian service men and women who served our nation and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Mayor Rahme said the proposed wording recognises the distinct significance of both acknowledgements.
“The Acknowledgement of Country remains an important recognition of First Nations peoples and their continuing connection to Country,” Mayor Rahme said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have also served in defence of Australia. For many families, recognition of First Nations people and recognition of veterans are closely connected.”
“The additional statement would provide an appropriate opportunity to pause, reflect and honour all those who served, particularly those who did not return home.”
Mayor Rahme said Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day provide important opportunities for communities to reflect on the service and sacrifice of ADF members and veterans.
“Respect and remembrance should unite us. Recognising military service and sacrifice reflects the shared values of gratitude, service and community.”
“Service men and women should not just be remembered on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, but rather every day,” Mayor Rahme said.
The acknowledgement was first delivered at the Citizenship Ceremony on Monday 19 October 2026 and is already being incorporated into the Mayor’s speeches. Mayor Rahme will continue to include it at all meetings and events throughout his tenure and hopes other councils will follow suit.
