Patrick Mills
“I encourage potential Indigenous seafarers to use the Navy as a platform to get an education and to excel in their chosen field. Stand your ground and be valued for your skills. Be aware of the unfortunates that plague everyday life who want to put you down.” – Patrick Mills Patrick Mills Gaw Clan, Naghir […]…
Patricia Lees AM
“I joined the Navy at 19. It gave me purpose; it was an experience that built me.” – Patricia Lees AM Patricia Lees AM Aboriginal (Yadhaigana) and Torres Strait Islander (Meriam, Magaram clan)WRAN StewardWomen’s Royal Australian Naval ServiceMember of the Order of Australia (AM) “I was born in Cairns in August 1948. My mother Temana […]…
Pamela Tapim
“Joining the Navy was a good opportunity to see the world and work out what you want out of your life.” – Pamela Tapim Pamela Tapim Torres Strait IslanderWRAN Leading StewardWomen’s Royal Australian Naval Service 1970 – 1983 Medals Australian Defence Medal “When I finished High School in 1969, jobs on Thursday Island were hard […]…
Murray Hall
“The Defence Force has given me the confidence to be a stronger man and be able to provide for my family.” – Murray Hall Murray Hall Mara, Gubbi Gubbi and Goreng Goreng ManAble Seaman Boatswain’s MateRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionHumanitarian Overseas Service Medal with clasp VanuatuAustralian Defence Medal “I […]…
Marj Tripp AO (deceased)
“Loved it, my life is better because of it.” – Marj Tripp AO Marj Tripp AO Ramindjeri ElderWRAN StewardWomen’s Royal Australian Naval Service Medals Officer of the Order of Australia 2014Centenary Medal – Ambassador for the Aged 2001Australian Defence MedalAustralia Day Medal 1983 and 19932010 South Australian NAIDOC Female Elder of the year2010 Premiers Award2015 […]…
Lateika Matiaha (nee Smith)
“I have gained so much confidence as a young Aboriginal woman and I would advise any young Aboriginal person leaving school to strongly consider the Defence Force. I believe the Defence Force is a great opportunity for Aboriginal people to gain worthwhile employment and to forge a great career.” – Lateika Matiaha Lateika Matiaha Gumbaynggirr […]…
Kaylin Coleman
“Being able to serve my country, protect my friends and family, and be a role model to youth, especially Indigenous youth, is something that motivates me daily.” – Kaylin Coleman Kaylin Coleman Kaparn Woman – our language group is KalamaiaLeading Seaman Boatswain’s MateRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East OperationAustralian […]…
Tina Elliott
“My people, both culturally and in service, have taught me strength, pride, resilience, and endurance as a sailor and as a mother.” – Tina Elliott Tina Elliott Gubbi Gubbi descendantChief Petty OfficerMedical Clinical ManagerProject Officer IndigenousRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Service Medal with clasp S Pacific 2006Australian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionDefence Long Service […]…
John Alderton
“It has been an absolute pleasure as a proud Palawa man to be serving my country; helping preserve our freedom, country and looking after our culture.” – John Alderton John Alderton Palawa ManChief Petty OfficerRegional Indigenous Development CoordinatorRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Active Service Medal with clasps Iraq 2003 and ICATAfghanistan MedalIraq MedalAustralian Operational Service […]…
Isaac Ingui
“Protect our Culture, freedom and way of life.” – Isaac Ingui Isaac Ingui Boigu Island, Torres Strait Midshipman RAN Maritime Logistics Officer Royal Australian Navy Medals Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ICAT Afghanistan Medal Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection Australian Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East Operation Defence Long Service Medal […]…