Glen Hall
“I am a very proud Aboriginal man, I am proud to have served my country, my family, and my people as an Aboriginal man. With a long proud history of Indigenous service men and women, my wish is to see our young Indigenous people continue to serve with pride into the future and gain the […]…
Gary Oakley OAM
“People have to realise it’s a job, and it’s a job where you could get killed, but you do it because it’s your job and because of love of country. And that’s especially true with Indigenous people, we protect our country and our people. We don’t serve because we are warmongers, and we love to […]…
Darren Reyes
“Being a part of the Australian Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy was a very Proud, Honourable feeling for me. A very positive, confident outlook and best of all it helped me to encourage and inspire others.” – Darren Reyes Darren Reyes Yidinji and Djirribal ManAble Seaman Boatswain’s MateRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service […]…
Cliff Daylight
“In my time in the Royal Australian Navy, there were many Aboriginal and Torres Strait servicemen serving aboard ships. We served with pride about ourselves as Aboriginal Australians, but also as men serving our country.” – Cliff Daylight Cliff Daylight Gubbi Gubbi (Biloela, Queensland)Able SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Active Service Medal 1945–75 with clasp […]…
Chris Proud
“Non propter se sed propter patrian – Not for self but for country.” – Chris Proud Chris Proud Kaytej, Utopia, NTLeading Seaman Boatswain’s Mate (TPI retired)Royal Australian Navy Medals Australian Active Service Medal with clasps East Timor, Iraq 2003 and ICATIraq MedalAustralian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionDefence Force Service Medal with 2nd claspAustralian Defence […]…
Bertram Slape OAM
“It has been a great honour as a senior Aboriginal person, to serve my country in the Australian Defence Force. I hope to inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make a similar contribution.” – Bertram Slape OAM Bertram Slape OAM LarrakiaLieutenant CommanderRoyal Australian NavyAfghanistan Veteran Medals and Awards Medal of the Order […]…
Beimop Tapim
“The program that runs currently to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids joining the Navy (DIDP – Defence Indigenous Development Program), gives them a great chance in life to learn skills, and at the core, most importantly, discipline. I hope all the new recruits have a great sail through their career.” – Beimop Tapim […]…
Alan Patterson
“Honoured to be serving my country and people. And making a difference for our next generation.” – Alan Patterson Alan Patterson Gungaandji (Yarrabah, North Queensland)Able SeamanRoyal Australian Navy Medals Australian Operational Service Medal – Border ProtectionAustralian Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East OperationAustralian Defence Medal “I come from the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community in Far […]…
Francis Sonny Graham Unmeopa
“I do not see colour, creed or religion. I believe we are all part of some tribe. We shift and move within these tribes during the course of our lives. The ADF is a tribe, the army is the sub-clan, and the battalion is a family, and within that sphere, I existed with my fellow […]…
Phillip Bowie
“As a First Nation person, donning the uniform unshackled the stigma of being disadvantaged for me, Pre-Referendum knowing I’m protecting my country.” – Phillip Bowie Phillip Bowie Torres Strait IslanderLeading Seaman Marine TechnicianRoyal Australian NavyNavy Indigenous Elder to Navy Indigenous Development Program Medals Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp FESRNational MedalAustralian Defence Medal “My father […]…