Vanessa Seekee and her husband, Arthur Liberty Seekee, have spent decades investigating and documenting the role that Horn Island in the Torres Strait played in defending Australia during World War II. Their research has highlighted the history of the volunteer Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, Australia’s only Indigenous battalion. As a result of their research and lobbying, hundreds of veterans and their families have received government recognition and support in honour of their service.
Thanks to Vanessa and Liberty’s endeavours, many World War II historical sites on Horn Island have been preserved, and memorials to the soldiers who served there installed throughout the Torres Strait. Vanessa and Liberty’s Torres Strait Heritage Museum and tours have educated thousands of Horn Island visitors about the role the island played during World War II, making a huge contribution to the local community. Their tremendous dedication has not wavered with Vanessa’s recent breast cancer diagnosis.