
Shannon Mitchell
“I’m proud to serve my country here and on deployments overseas doing construction tasks such as airfield engineering that provides…

“I’m proud to serve my country here and on deployments overseas doing construction tasks such as airfield engineering that provides…

“I joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a Military Dog Handler, to serve with all my mates. It was…

“Your life experience far outweighs someone who has gone from one institution to another to another. Do not let anyone…

“It is most important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can celebrate on their own terms the lives of…

“Honouring the service contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen to the nation is a vital part…

“People have to realise it’s a job, and it’s a job where you could get killed, but you do it…

“It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop.” – Raba Nona Raba Nona…

“I will serve our people with the same dedication as our ancestors, drawing strength from the pride in our Country,…

“Don’t judge my appearance, observe my actions and be happy they were for you.” – Brett Leddy Brett Leddy WiradjuriCorporalRoyal…

“Be the best you can be. Life can be hard, but continuing to show up and demonstrate your worth and…

“Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati Alone we are vulnerable, Together we…

“Be humble, make the uncomfortable, comfortable and always have a laugh.” – Blake Whitehead Blake Whitehead AnaiwanCorporalRoyal Australian Air Force…

“Life doesn’t get easier, you just get tougher.” – Jodi Ross Jodi Ross Wiradjuri woman Warrant Officer Royal Australian Air…

“There ain’t no mountain high enough which will stop you from living your dreams. If you set yourself goals, believe…

“Since joining the ADF, my quality of life has improved due to the opportunities afforded to me. I highly recommend…

“I serve this country and its people, I am proud of my culture and my people, I will fight for…

“You can create a mental barrier when you don’t see yourself represented. It took me a long time to get…

Matthew Roberts Bundjalung (Mother) Kamilaroi (Father)Flight LieutenantRoyal Australian Air Force “My Pop, Terry Stacey was a Sapper in the Army…

“Serving in the military isn’t just about serving for your country, it’s about serving for your country’s people, the people…

“We are strong, we’ve survived this long. So, don’t hold back, follow your dreams and chase those goals. And always:…

“Reconciliation, to me, is about bridging now to next by creating pathways, breaking cycles, and choosing healing through truth-telling and…

“We are modern warriors with Traditional values. We are here walking in the footsteps and building on the shoulders of…

“I honour my family’s service to this country, and I am proud to continue this legacy.” – Aimee McCartney Aimee…

“Education is the Key to success – through learning we can achieve; as author Brian Herbert says, ‘The capacity to…

“Strength doesn’t have to be loud and belligerent.” – Tjiangu Thomas Tjiangu Thomas Torres StraitAircraftmanRoyal Australian Air Force…

“Serving country as a proud Wiradjuri man has been an honour and privilege to carry on family tradition.” – Ronald…

“I serve for my country and advocate for my people, just like my ancestors did for me. I am proud…

“I joined the RAAF to ‘get out of town’ as I saw no future there for me. However, I had…

“As a teacher my students gave me the motivation to be the best I can! As an adult, be the…

“I wish I had found a place where the hand of man has never set foot yet…I would have built…

“The Australian Defence Force is a great place to work, to either provide the skills and knowledge to progress to…

“I love the country I have grown up in and the world has changed significantly, I feel Indigenous members of…

“Defence will challenge you individually, physically, emotionally, intellectually and culturally. But the challenges are there for you to meet and…

“We don’t need to wait for a government policy to fix us. We need to fix ourselves as a people…

“Opportunities are made not given. Situations don’t define capabilities. Achievements are earned. Be proud of your culture.” – Melissa Miller…

“To serve sincerely is to give with gratitude.” – Coen Henry Coen Henry Barkindji/Wiradjuri ManFlight LieutenantLogistics OfficerIndigenous Liaison OfficerRAAF Base…

“To serve your country is to be humble and give it all for the freedom of others.” – Tim Walk…

“Small Steps, Large Distances” – James Evans James Evans WiradjuriFlight LieutenantIndigenous Liaison OfficerRoyal Australian Air Force Medals and Awards Australian…

“NGULLIBOO MUGGI – ‘All Of Us Strong.’” – Sarah Woods Sarah Woods Bundjalung womanFlight LieutenantRoyal Australian Air Force “I am…

“Live life slowly, to notice your life as it happens.” – Grace Casey-Maughan Grace Casey-Maughan NgarigoFlight LieutenantNo 464 SquadronRoyal Australian…

“Don’t do dumb stuff, be a decent human being and look out for your mates.” – Olive-Rose Pearson Olive-Rose Pearson…

“No matter who tells you that you’ll never be good enough to do something, you can always prove them wrong,…

“Find the courage within” – Krystal Perkins Krystal Perkins Arunta and Nyamal NationsFlight LieutenantRoyal Australian Air Force…

“Success in the Air Force, as in life, is not just about flying but about operating with purpose and resilience…

“To every interaction bring humility, respect and a willingness to learn.” – John Davidson CSC John Davidson CSC Biripi (ancestors)Group…

“Believe in yourself and set your goals and dreams. Then grab hold with both hands and don’t let go. On…

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.” – Lyle Holt Lyle Holt…

“I am honoured to have represented my Gunggari mob in the ADF, in some capacity, for the past 50 years…

“My future is in my hands because I’ve chosen to challenge the status quo. My background does not mean that…

“If you ever feel that there could be more to your life. Step out of your boring mundane comfort zone,…


“Your time is limited, so live the life you’ve always dreamed of, surrounded by those you cherish and love. Share…

“We stand tall because we stand on the shoulders of many ancestors.” – Tramaine Dukes Tramaine Dukes Marra MobFlight LieutenantIndigenous…

“Defence has provided me with opportunities. If an opportunity comes along and you’re not sure you can do it –…

Young man NVVM Royal Australian Air Force Medals Australian Active Service Medal with claspAfghanistan MedalAustralian Defence MedalNorth Atlantic Treaty Organisation…

“I never considered military service a ‘job’. To me, it was a calling and a way of honouring my maternal…

”Serving country has given me pride, and I hope to inspire the next generation to want to serve.” – Daniel…

“I am grateful for the Indigenous ADF members who have made a significant contribution to the country where I enjoy…

“It is a privilege to serve and protect Australian civilian and military members through providing health care to domestic and…

“Our choices determine our future.” – Demoya Barkle Demoya Barkle Aboriginal – Butchulla, Maori – Ngati KahungunuLeading AircraftwomanRoyal Australian Air…

“Our knowledge is priceless; so, share stories, nurture our roots, and preserve our collective wisdom. It’s how we cherish our…

“Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Myah Riley Myah Riley Dharug/Worimi…

“Outside duty, I often return to my community, where I share my journey with mob to inspire younger generations to…

“In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.” – Katherine (Kate) Russell Katherine (Kate) Russell Ngunnawal…

“Serving my Country is to protect our rights and values of our beautiful Country, standing tall as a proud woman…

“And with Family, we are who we protect.” – Alex Houthuysen (Hill) Alex Houthuysen (Hill) Yamatji NationSergeantRoyal Australian Air Force…

“Make the difference – For me, these ‘words of wisdom’ have been something I say to myself since I was…


“If you don’t know your history, you’ll never know your future.” – Normie Grogan Normie Grogan Kuku Yalanji/Takalak, Far North…

“With Culture, Heritage and Dedication, you can achieve great things.” – Steven Warrior Steven Warrior Kaurna/Narungga/KokathaFlight LieutenantIndigenous Liaison OfficerRoyal Australian…

“Bad things happen and you can’t change that, just don’t get stuck there because there’s nothing you can do to…

“My service to country has taught me that the ability to freely connect with country and kin without fear of…

“Let go of your ego and allow yourself to learn, it’s the only way to stay relevant in our continually…
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