Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2024, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Ngukurr
Private
Arnhem Squadron
NORFORCE
Regional Force Surveillance Group
Australian Army
“Follow your dreams as there is no such thing as barriers.”
Miklos Vajk Kocsis
Born in Darwin, I grew up in Ngukurr and enlisted back in 2007 at 19. I have family members who joined, including an uncle. But I knew I wanted to join when I was eight years old and saw the ads on TV for Defence and thought, that’s what I want to do. It looked like fun and also very exciting. In 2017 I discharged, but then reenlisted seven years later in 2024. I was young before and now I have returned to Defence stronger, wiser and more mature. I have five children now, and I want to make them proud. I hope my eldest son Malcolm, who is seventeen follows in my footsteps and enlists.