Manjimup RSL president resigns after racist tirade against Indigenous culture

The South West army veteran who sparked public outrage after a racist tirade against Aboriginal culture has voluntarily resigned as RSL Manjimup sub-branch president. The Manjimup-Bridgetown Times on Friday revealed the unprovoked comments Rex Brown had made at a public forum earlier in the week, which included not liking “much of Indigenous culture” — including smoke ceremonies, traditional dances and the Aboriginal flag. The Vietnam veteran’s views were met with a huge amount of backlash from the community, including well-known Wadandi and Pibulmun Elder Sandra Hill and Manjimup Shire deputy president Jayde Darin. RSLWA vice-president Duncan Anderson today said Mr Brown had “voluntarily resigned” after two decades and was distressed by the harm his speech had caused. “We understand the Sub-Branch President involved is devastated that his comments have caused such distress to his local community and that the situation has undermined the support RSLWA provides to veterans, their families and his community,” he said. Country WA RSL president slammed over racist tirade Mr Anderson said RSLWA would continue to support Mr Brown and the resignation by the South West veteran would be recognised as a “significant loss” by some members of the Manjimup community. He said the organisation was proud to be the “custodian of commemorations” acknowledging all veterans who had served the country. “Veterans who have served our nation for generations have done so from all walks of life and backgrounds,” he said. “Commemoration is sacred, it acknowledges and commemorates all who served, and died, for our country.” Mr Anderson said the State Commemorative Services at Kings Park are opened with an Acknowledgement of Country. He said the RSLWA would continue to support the member and the new leadership team at the Manjimup sub branch. Mr Brown’s comments were made at a Politics in the Pub event, intended to introduce Manjimup community members to their local council candidates, after Ms Darin, who currently sits as deputy Shire president, outlined her plan for more Indigenous involvement with the organisation. The Manjimup-Bridgetown Times last week contacted Mr Brown to clarify his comments, but he said he had nothing further to add.