Chris Duffy

The third of five boys, I grew up in Western Australia and New South Wales before attending the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1992 as an Army Cadet. On completing Officer training followed by pilot training, I flew reconnaissance helicopters at 162 Reconnaissance Squadron deploying to Bougainville (1998), East Timor (1999) and Operation Gold (Sydney Olympics) in 2000.

In 2001 and 2002, I served with 2nd/17th Cavalry Regiment 101st Airborne Division in the United States, flying Attack Reconnaissance helicopters and deploying to Kosovo in 2001.

I left the full-time Army in 2005 and served in the Reserves as Manager Indigenous Affairs from 2009-2012, working with amazing First Nations servicemen and women in developing programs for Indigenous Australians trying to join the Australian Defence Force.

From 2013-2015, I served as Officer Commanding A Company 12th/40th Regiment in Launceston, Tasmania.

I joined the Tasmania Fire Service in 2012 and continue to serve. I founded the not-for-profit organisation ‘Just Like Jack’ in 2017, providing children with disabilities and their families adventures they never thought possible. This organisation is based on the adventures I have had with my son Jack, who lives with cerebral palsy. Jack has taught us that you can achieve anything with the right community around you.