I joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on November 4, 1987, as a Supplier. I have fond memories of my recruit course and loved the bush phase and physical training aspect of the course. I finished at the top of my recruit course and received the ‘recruit with the most outstanding qualities’ award.
In 2006 I changed trades to become a Physical Training Instructor (PTI). Upon my successful transfer to PTI I was posted to various locations around Australia such as Wagga, Tindal in the Northern Territory and Amberley in Queensland. Being a PTI is much more than just taking a PT session to get people fit, we are responsible for instructing in military self-defence (a type of hand to hand combat), developing our troops resilience, and keeping them fit to fight.
As a Supplier I received a Bronze Commendation for devotion to duty during the relocation of the School of Radio from Laverton to Wagga, and received a Bronze Commendation, and a Commander CSG Commendation, for work in advancing the Physical Training Instructor mustering.
I promoted to Warrant Officer in 2015 as the Physical Training Instructor Mustering Capability Advisor. In this role I redeveloped the trade to meet the capability demands of a modern Air Force with a focus on injury prevention and vocational strength. I have been fortunate to develop extensive leadership experience, completing postings as Squadron Warrant Officer at No 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron and Headquarters Air Command, as a leadership facilitator at the School of Post Graduate Studies, and as the Air Mobility Group Warrant Officer.
I have deployed on Operations to Al Minhad Air Base in 2006, 2015 and 2019; to Kabul Afghanistan in 2011; and to Manus Island in 2012. I received a Four Star General Commendation from Commander ISAF for my leadership while under Taliban attack, and received a Director Joint Operations Silver Commendation and a Commander Joint Task Force CJTF633 Silver Commendation for efforts while deployed. I have represented the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at the 2016 and 2017 International Warrior Care symposiums. From 2016-2019 I sat on the Air Force Mental Health and Wellness Working Group and previously represented Air Force as a member of the ADF Human Performance Working Group, and as a member of the Air Force Senior Indigenous Leadership Circle.
One of my greatest achievements was as the Air Force Indigenous Affairs Warrant Officer and in the 2022 Australia Day Honours I was recognised as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for work in advancements in physical training, injury prevention and Indigenous Affairs. In July 2023, I was appointed the 10th Air Command Warrant Officer, being the first Indigenous ADF member to do so. All in all, one thing is for sure, I have thoroughly enjoyed my service and I feel even at a small level I am making a difference.
