At the Hobart Yarn Up held in October 2014 we had some good discussions with researchers and TMAG staff in town, and we found out more about Boer War service as well from Rick Calitz who spoke to us about his research into Australian indigenous scouts or trackers’ role in the Boer War, specifically the trackers who were requested by Lord Kitchener, and, as some stories contend, were left behind in South Africa at the conclusion of the war.

Moving on to Launceston, at the Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania and Riawanna we spoke with several relatives of men from Cape Barren Island who had served in the wars including Murray Everett who spoke about his relatives’ service in both World Wars – Murray’s grandfather served during World War 1, and his Uncle served during World War 2. Viewing Murray’s grandfather’s World War 1 notebook was a highlight, as was the wonderful quilt made by Gloria Templar to honour the Cape Barren Island servicemen from World War 1 through to the Vietnam conflict. We also spoke with Dorothy Murray about her life growing up on Cape Barren Island, and the many family and community members who have served in the defence force across many conflicts.

• Read about our return to Hobart in December 2015 for a further interview.