Like many Aboriginal servicemen and women, when Trevor Elemes returned from his war service he received none of the rights and recognition that his fellow soldiers did.
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One of the things he remembers the most is being spat at during his return march in Adelaide.
It wasn't until recently that the recognition of his service finally came and when it did the feeling was hard to describe.
"It was brilliant, it made me feel like I was something to believe in," he said.
"It felt like you could believe in yourself."
This year the NAIDOC theme has been Australia's Indigenous servicemen and women and at TAFE's NAIDOC day, Mr Elemes shared his story.
He said over the years he'd seen a lot of changes in society and celebrations like TAFE's NAIDOC Day gave him hope for the future.
"We're putting it out there and saying things now that we weren't game to say years ago for fear of being ridiculed," he said.
"People have learnt to speak their minds and in doing so people are getting a better education."
Aboriginal education and equity provision director at TAFE Western Rod Towney said TAFE was playing an important role in closing the gap.
"It's all about education," he said.
"I wouldn't be standing here today if I didn't have an education."
"Wellington campus has enrolled more Aboriginal students than non-Aboriginal students ... students who aren't going to uni are living here and studying here."
He said a lot of this came back to successful initiatives like the TAFE Reference Group which consists of people across the region, including local Denise Kelly, who work closely with TAFE and the Aboriginal community.
This year he felt the NAIDOC theme of service was particularly relevant.
"It is most important with this that we remember the Aboriginal servicemen and women who went to war. Some didn't come back - a lot didn't."
"For years Aboriginal servicemen weren't recognised and even now there are struggles, but it's getting better."
Institute director of TAFE Kate Baxter said as one of the largest providers to Aboriginal students, it was a significant day for TAFE.
"We encourage staff to celebrate NAIDOC and make a connection with the local Aboriginal community to recognise our staff and students who are Aboriginal as well."
"We are committed to supporting Aboriginal people within the community and we believe that is an important part of closing the gap."
