Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2023, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Yuggera and Mununjali Man
Leading Seaman Boatswain’s Mate
Royal Australian Navy
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Australian Defence Medal
“I hope to use the skills and experience learnt in the RAN to inspire the Jarums within my community to achieve whatever they put their minds to.”
I grew up all throughout Queensland, living in Hervey Bay, Cairns, Innisfail and Gladstone. But my Mob is from Ipswich (Thompson) and Beaudesert (Sandy/Coolwell). After a nomadic childhood, we finally settled in Ipswich when I was 15. I joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 2015, at 18, through the Navy Indigenous Development Program. I joined the RAN for a few reasons. Firstly, I was inspired by my great-grandfather, who fought in WW2. Secondly, I am motivated to challenge myself and break the cycle that kids from my area get caught up with, hoping to be a positive role model for the next generation.
After completing basic training in 2016, I deployed on Operation Resolute, part of the Transit Security Element. From 2017-2020, I served on HMAS Adelaide, and Parramatta. In 2021 I was posted to HMAS Coonawarra Port Services, before receiving my promotion to HMAS Cerberus to be a weapons instructor in 2022. I believe the Navy/Australian Defence Force is a great stepping stone for building strong Indigenous role models. I went from being a shy Murri kid from Ipswich with no life skills to being a weapons instructor, training the next generation of Australian sailors.
