Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2018, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Marrangu
Private
Arnhem Squadron
NORFORCE
Regional Force Surveillance Group
Australian Army
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
“I would like my son to join the Army too, just like me and his grandfather, Sergeant Norman Daymirringu.”
I grew up on an outstation called Raymangirr, an outstation near Gapuwiyak which is a larger community of approximately 1000 people. It is located about 220 kilometres from Nhulunbuy, which is in north-eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
When I was a boy, my grandmother used to take me shopping, and I would always ask her to buy me a toy gun. I used to play soldiers in the bush with my brothers, sisters and cousins. I was the only one that enlisted. I wanted to join the Army because my Dad, Sergeant Norman Daymirringu was in the Army. Like him, I wanted to look after and protect our land and seas. I don’t want illegal activities happening on our land. We work with our communities whose leaders alert us to anything they see is happening so we can work with Border Force to stop it.
After I finished year 12, I enlisted in the Army when I was eighteen years old. That was twelve years ago now, and I am looking forward to moving up the ranks. I have one child, a boy. I want him to stay in school and get a good education so he can have a better future. He has grown up in our culture, and this way he can learn both ways.
