William Nicolaidis
“Being the first in my family to service is hopefully the starting point for the future generations. Serving my people,…
“Being the first in my family to service is hopefully the starting point for the future generations. Serving my people,…
“We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear…
“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, put in the hard work, don’t ever doubt that you…
“Pass on your culture with pride to future generations, so they can carry it forward with confidence and respect.” –…
“The choices that we make will inadvertently affect our outlook on life. So if you choose to focus on the…
“Never stop learning and growing, blossom where ever you are planted. You will only exceed in life if you put…
“You are the product of your environment. Choose the environment that will best develop you towards your objective. Analyse your…
“I hope to inspire other Indigenous women to follow in my footsteps. I have not seen many Indigenous women in…
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” – Damian Beaufils Damian Beaufils Gundungurra NationLieutenant RANReserve Legal OfficerLegal ServicesRoyal Australian Navy…
“Never be afraid to jump in head first, your ancestors have your back.” – Zamri Burns Zamri Burns DharugSub Lieutenant…
“Try to have a positive attitude despite the situation; remember that you can’t control everything. Have good people around you…
“You don’t see the ‘sunrise’ from the depths of the valley, once you have climbed the mountain, it will be…
“Everybody will face challenges, but if you put effort into every single day, you will overcome them.” – Christopher Zaro…
“The reason I joined defence was to do something different from what I have been doing for the past couple…
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you’re unsure about something, find out.” – Samson Williams Samson Williams Ugar Island,…
“The most powerful life lessons often begin as mistakes.” – Kelly Clear Kelly Clear Yorta Yorta mobAble SeamanCommunications SpecialistRoyal Australian…
“Remember where you come from. Know where you’re going.” – Joshua Daw Joshua Daw Whadjuk NyoongarAble SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals…
“The moral of my story is never give up hope no matter how hard challenges in life can be at…
“LIVE YOUR PASSION” – Warren Boyd Warren Boyd Yirriganydji/WudjalaOrdinary SeamanUnderwater ControlHMAS Vampire IIRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Active Service Medal…
“Believe in yourself.” – Les Boyd Les Boyd Mob – Gudgjala (Charters Towers) Kuku Yalanji (Port Douglas-Cape Tribulation)Radio OperatorCommunications Branch…
“I think that life is about adventure. And anytime it comes up, you should do it. If you get the…
“Believe in yourself, even when it feels like no one else does. Don’t be afraid of the unknown, the world…
“Life knocks you down, just dust off and get back up.” – Carol Watego-Morgan Carol Watego-Morgan Nyawagi South Sea Islander…
“The Defence Force reinforced my core set of values – honour, courage, honesty, trust and integrity.” – Adam Edward Elliott…
“Joining the Navy, I gained a whole other family, one that grows every day.” – Farryn Penny Farryn Penny Grandmothers…
“I would like to encourage more of our people to join the Australian Defence Force because it has changed my…
“Give back – Make a Difference.” – Kaibariki Milianga Doolah Tapera Kaibariki Milianga Doolah Tapera Marrgu/Iwaidja manAble Seaman Boatswain’s MateRoyal…
“To serve your country is to put the needs of others before your own, a value that if implemented in…
“We are only on this planet for such a short period of time and we owe it to our Old…
“If what we do today instils passion, enthusiasm and empowerment for our youth of tomorrow, then our people will continue…
“I hope to use the skills and experience learnt in the RAN to inspire the Jarums within my community to…
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Tenaya Mourish Tenaya Mourish NyoongarAble SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals…
“Be a proud deadly role model to your family and community.” – Erol Williams Erol Williams Ugar (Stephens Island), Tag…
“Life is a challenge. As an Indigenous woman in the defence force, I am representing my family’s name, my Mob…
“A Great Honour and Privilege to serve the Nation and Country.” – John Adidi John Adidi Torres Strait Islands (Saibai…
“There is no Glory in Remembrance, Only Peace, The same Peace you had before the Battle. Never Forgotten.” – Jacob…
“I may be an unknown legend, an uncelebrated hero, a lion whose roar is unheard. But if just one person…
“I am proud not only to be serving my country, but to be in a position where I can inspire…
“Anything is possible if you believe in your dreams and have the courage to try.” – Frances Ah Mat Visini…
“First Nations service is not a welfare hire. It is an enhancement of the functional lethality of the ADF and…
“Success is peace of mind knowing you’ve done your best.” – Elly-May Mitchell Elly-May Mitchell Kuku YalanjiRecruitRoyal Australian NavyNIDP Navy…
“If you are doing your best, you will not have time to worry about failure” – Geraldine Songoro Geraldine Songoro…
Breanna Jacobs-Rochford Leading SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Defence Medal…
Monifah See Kee Leading SeamanInstructorNavy Indigenous Development ProgramRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Defence Medal…
“Don’t be afraid of trying new things.” – Alterviestar Tabuai Alterviestar Tabuai Ayth Koedal Clan (Ayth – Small inland village…
“The words of Muhammad Ali express my own thoughts – ‘It isn’t the mountain ahead to climb that wears you…
Teneille Francis Bunuba woman from Fitzroy CrossingLeading SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Defence Medal…
“A rising tide lifts all boats. I believe that if you’re moving up, you should help others do the same.”…
“As a First Nation person, donning the uniform unshackled the stigma of being disadvantaged for me, Pre-Referendum knowing I’m protecting…
“I do not see colour, creed or religion. I believe we are all part of some tribe. We shift and…
“Honoured to be serving my country and people. And making a difference for our next generation.” – Alan Patterson Alan…
“The program that runs currently to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids joining the Navy (DIDP – Defence Indigenous…
“It has been a great honour as a senior Aboriginal person, to serve my country in the Australian Defence Force…
“Non propter se sed propter patrian – Not for self but for country.” – Chris Proud Chris Proud Kaytej, Utopia,…
“In my time in the Royal Australian Navy, there were many Aboriginal and Torres Strait servicemen serving aboard ships. We…
“Being a part of the Australian Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy was a very Proud, Honourable feeling for me…
“People have to realise it’s a job, and it’s a job where you could get killed, but you do it…
“I am a very proud Aboriginal man, I am proud to have served my country, my family, and my people…
“Protect our Culture, freedom and way of life.” – Isaac Ingui Isaac Ingui Boigu Island, Torres Strait Midshipman RAN Maritime…
“It has been an absolute pleasure as a proud Palawa man to be serving my country; helping preserve our freedom,…
“My people, both culturally and in service, have taught me strength, pride, resilience, and endurance as a sailor and as…
“Being able to serve my country, protect my friends and family, and be a role model to youth, especially Indigenous…
“I have gained so much confidence as a young Aboriginal woman and I would advise any young Aboriginal person leaving…
“Loved it, my life is better because of it.” – Marj Tripp AO Marj Tripp AO Ramindjeri ElderWRAN StewardWomen’s Royal…
“The Defence Force has given me the confidence to be a stronger man and be able to provide for my…
“Joining the Navy was a good opportunity to see the world and work out what you want out of your…
“I joined the Navy at 19. It gave me purpose; it was an experience that built me.” – Patricia Lees…
“I encourage potential Indigenous seafarers to use the Navy as a platform to get an education and to excel in…
“Sacrifices of the past provide the foundation for First Nations servicemen and women to stand strong in culture and proudly…
“I am very humbled and proud to have served both my country and my people. To be selected as the…
“When you are in the Defence Force, you get respect and recognition. It’s when you return you don’t get respect…
“It’s been an honour and privilege to follow my parents’ military footsteps into an evolving Defence Force committed to national…
Arthur Bagie Royal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionAustralian Defence Medal…
“Trust Jesus. Clean house and help others.” – Peter (Wally) Wallen Peter (Wally) Wallen YankunytjatjaraChief Petty OfficerRoyal Australian Navy Medals…
“To move forward, we have to remember the past, live in the present and focus on our future.” – Mark…
“If respect is no longer being served at the table, get up and walk away” – Jorde Lenoy Jorde Lenoy…
“I hope to continue to show my kids and the younger Indigenous generation the variety of jobs within the Navy…
Tyronnie Warusam Torres Strait IslandsAble SeamanRoyal Australian Navy…
“Life is a journey; the energy and effort you put in during the early stages will reward you handsomely in…
“If you think you have the credentials and ability to make a career within the Defence Force, then give it…
“Poverty need not be permanent – suffering need not be a life sentence. If man’s dignity lies in thought…then let…
“Proud of my heritage. Proud to represent family. Creating a history for generations to follow.” – Barry Watego Barry Watego…
“Be the person you would look up to.” – Kalishwa Williams Kalishwa Williams Torres Strait Islands – Saibai Island, Aboriginal…
Amber Phineasa Leading SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal Greater Middle EastAustralian Defence Medal…
Barnabas Dewis Leading SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionAustralian Defence Medal…
“Remember the past… and make a change for a better future. Serve and uphold what is always right.” – Jeremiah…