Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2015, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm

Mara People (Roper River, Northern Territory)

Petty Officer
Marine Technician Submarines
Royal Australian Navy

Australian Service Medal with clasp Special Ops
Defence Force Service Medal with 1st clasp
Australian Defence Medal
Submariners Qualification Badge

“I am a very proud Aboriginal man, I am proud to have served my country, my family, and my people as an Aboriginal man. With a long proud history of Indigenous service men and women, my wish is to see our young Indigenous people continue to serve with pride into the future and gain the strength and knowledge to prolong the culture of Indigenous Australia while serving in the Australian Defence Force wherever that may be.”

In 1975, I joined the Navy as a junior recruit at HMAS Leeuwin and served on submarines and surface ships. I am currently a serving member, having re-entered the navy after discharging in 2000 and have now completed 11 years as an active reservist.

My Grandfather’s and Father’s Country is in the Limmin Blight Roper River region of the Northern Territory, Mara People.