“I serve for my country and advocate for my people, just like my ancestors did for me. I am proud of my family and strive to learn more everyday about culture and country.”
– Rachael (Ellem) Hopkins
Rachael (Ellem) Hopkins
Rachael (Ellem) Hopkins
Gamilaro
Sergeant
Royal Australian Air Force
Medals
Australian Service Medal with clasp Sinai
Australian Defence Medal
Multinational Force and Observers Medal
Bronze Commendation Badge
“I enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 2013 after completing an Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course. As a Personnel Capability Specialist, my career has been diverse. I completed my training at RAAF Wagga Wagga, followed by a posting to RAAF Williamtown in No 453 Squadron, No 76 Squadron and 15 Security Forces Squadron (15SECFOR). I then posted to RAAF East Sale to No 32 Squadron and onto Canberra to Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ).
The highlights of my career have been deploying on Operation Mazurka to Sinai, Egypt, for seven months. Also, being a mentor to young First Nations people in Indigenous Youth Programs and Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Programs.
My biggest achievement is becoming an Indigenous Liaison Officer, building strong community connections on Ngunnawal Country and coming to work every day to serve my people. I am a proud mother of five beautiful kids and wife to my amazing husband ‘Hopper’.”
– Rachael (Ellem) Hopkins