Sterling (Sonny) Minniecon – deceased
Kabi Kabi and Gurang Gurang (South East Queensland)
Retired Lance Corporal
1st & 7th Battalions Royal Australian Regiment
Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Medals
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 – Vietnam
Vietnam Medal
Defence Force Service Medal with clasp
National Medal
Australian Defence Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Infantry Combat Badge
Sonny Minniecon, is a proud Kabi Kabi and Gurang Gurang man who also has strong connections to South Sea Islander people and the people of Ambrym Island. In 1967, Sonny enlisted in the Royal Australian Regiment and completed four tours of Vietnam. Sonny had two grandfathers who served in World War I in the 11th Light Horse Brigade: Private Jim Lingwoodock and John Geary. His brother Philip also served in the Australian Defence Force.
Sonny’s brother – Pastor Ray Minniecon – started The Redfern Coloured Diggers March. The march has occurred each Anzac Day since 2007. Ray was motivated to do this by the lack of recognition given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander war veterans, and continues in his determined efforts to have the situation redressed.