Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2025, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Biripi
Corporal
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Airbase Operations Squadron
Royal Australian Air Force
Australian Defence Medal
Royal Australian Air Force (Level 1 – Bronze) Commendation
“Reconciliation, to me, is about bridging now to next by creating pathways, breaking cycles, and choosing healing through truth-telling and acceptance of the past. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but together we are heading in the right direction.”
I am a proud Biripi woman, born and raised in Penrith, Western Sydney on Dharug Country.
After graduating from Year 12 in 2017, I enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force through the Gap Year Program, beginning my career as a Crew Attendant. I spent the majority of my flying career with 34 Squadron in Canberra, ACT, where I had the privilege of travelling extensively across Australia and internationally. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and lifestyle that my career in the RAAF has afforded me.
Following my time at 34 Squadron, I posted into the Specialist Recruiting Team – Indigenous (SRT-I), where I mentored and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants throughout their recruitment journey. I have a strong passion for working with young people and have dedicated much of my time to engaging with youth in detention centres and child safety services. I am committed to advocating for our youth, and I strive to remind them that it is never too late to make positive changes for themselves and their families.
My mission is to inspire and empower mob to see that a career in the Australian Defence Force is not only possible, but achievable.
I am currently posted to RAAF Base Williamtown as the Indigenous Liaison Officer. In this role, I aim to foster strong, genuine relationships built on mutual trust and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the Royal Australian Air Force.
“Our culture is our strength, our stories are our power, and our future is ours to shape.”
I carry my culture with pride and purpose. I hope to continue building a future where our mob feel seen, heard, and empowered.