Robert Holt (deceased)
“Your life experience far outweighs someone who has gone from one institution to another to another. Do not let anyone allow you to feel that your education is ever less than, nor determine what you are or what you bring to the table.” – Robert Holt Robert Holt Wakka Wakka/BidjaraFlight SergeantAirfield Defence GuardRoyal Australian Air […]…
Reverend Michael Stanley Connolly
Reverend Michael Stanley Connolly Larrakia, Queensland (Stanley Michael Connolly)Retired SergeantRoyal Australian Infantry CorpsAustralian ArmyVietnam Veteran Reverend Michael Stanley Connolly served as a private in 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1970 and 1971…
Reginald Watego
“One of the best and enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had. Sad I couldn’t join regular services. It was my duty to my country.” – Reginald Watego Reginald Watego BundjalungBombardierRoyal Regiment of Australian ArtilleryAustralian Army Medals Australian Defence Meda “I had all intentions of signing up as a regular soldier and chose to enlist once I […]…
Raymond Boland (deceased)
Raymond Boland Yalata CommunityPrivate25 Australian Works CompanyAustralian Army Medals Australia Service Medal 1939-1945War Medal 1939-1945Defence Medal “I was born at Fowler’s Bay on the west coast of South Australia on December 6, 1923. I grew up at Fowler’s Bay before being taken to Koonibba Children’s Home on the Koonibba Lutheran Mission near Ceduna. I was […]…
Charles Mundine
“Most cultures are based around family and that’s what we are, we are family, we are communities. That’s what we’ve got to do, that’s how we have to live. So when I see things that start to tear it apart, I get very disheartened and let down. I don’t get angry because anger does not […]…
Ray Rosendale CSM
“I am very humbled and proud to have served both my country and my people. To be selected as the Navy Strategic Advisor on Indigenous Cultural Affairs to the Chief of Navy has been the high point of my career. I am the first non-commissioned officer to be appointed to a Service Chief and the […]…
Peter (Wilfred Cecil) Smith (deceased)
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have served my country.” – Peter (Wilfred Cecil) Smith Peter (Wilfred Cecil) Smith Kamilaroi ManWarrant Officer Class Two2nd Battalion, Royal Australian RegimentRoyal Australian Infantry CorpsAustralian Army Training Team Vietnam AATTVAustralian Army Aviation CorpsAustralian Army Medals Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps Malaya and VietnamGeneral Service Medal 1918-62 […]…
Pedro Stephen AM
“Sacrifices of the past provide the foundation for First Nations servicemen and women to stand strong in culture and proudly serve our nation.” – Pedro Stephen AM Pedro Stephen AM Torres Strait IslanderAble SeamanMarine TechnicianRoyal Australian Navy Medals Member of the Order of Australia – AMAustralian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp SE AsiaCentenary MedalAustralian Defence […]…
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 […]…