Indigenous Archives - CONTACT magazine

Pilot Officer Russell receives the 2023 UNSW Canberra Spirit Award at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Story by Lieutenant Commander Sandra Turner.

Following the right flight path

Life doesn’t always follow an easy flight path, but support and guidance from those in the air and on the

Pilot Officer Shane Collins stands with Commanding Officer, Officer Training School (OTS) Wing Commander Garth Herriot and OTS Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Scott Robbins alongside the artwork Pilot Officer Shane Collins painted during his course. Story by Flight Lieutenant Steffi Blavius. Photos by Sergeant Damien Draeger.

ADF People

The wedge-tailed eagle flies into position

15/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 212 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Officer Training School (OTS)

Pilot Officer Shane Collins, a Wiradjuri man and descendent of the Tubba-Gah Clan, has a remarkable journey that intertwines his

Students of the first Army Reserve catering operator course held at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. From left, Privates Harmeet Singh, Samara Fourmile, Shanane Doughboy, Nazareth Gamia and Lance Corporal James Noonan. Story by Richard Wilkins. Photos by Leading Seaman James McDougall.

Australian Army News

First Army Reserve catering course run at Cerberus

05/09/202306/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 810 Views 1 Comment ADF School of Catering, Army Reserve, HMAS Cerberus, Indigenous, Regional Force Surveillance Group

For the first time, the Army Reserve Catering Operator Course has been conducted by the ADF School of Catering (ADFSC)

Elders, students and community members from the South East Queensland Indigenous community board a 36 Squadron C-17 Globemaster III for a NAIDOC familiarisation flight from RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

News Royal Australian Air Force

First time flying

01/09/202303/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 721 Views 0 Comments C-17A Globemaster III, Indigenous, NAIDOC Week, No. 36 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

As the rear ramp lowered mid-flight on a 36 Squadron C-17 Globemaster III, Arielle Wilson, an Indigenous student from Bremer

HMAS Anzac officer Lieutenant Charlotte Rice performs with the Philippine Navy band during the Exercise Lumbas official reception on board BRP Tarlac in Subic Bay, Philippines. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photos by Leading Seaman Jarryd Capper.

Asia News Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Anzac enjoys cultural exchange in Philippines

26/07/202329/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 514 Views 0 Comments Exercise Lumbas, HMAS Anzac, Indigenous, Philippine Navy, Regional Presence Deployment

Navy personnel from Australia and the Philippines deepened their people-to-people linkages and cultural understanding during the shore phase of Exercise

Rhan Hooper chats with Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Sarah Woods during his visit to the Yarning circle at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Taylor Anderson.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Defence links to indigenous artefact

07/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 431 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, NAIDOC Week, RAAF Amberley

A suspected World War 2-era nulla nulla, gifted to former Brisbane Lions AFL player Rhan Hooper, was the catalyst for

Leading Aircraftman David Skeen, 13 Squadron chef, prepares food in the kitchen of the officers mess at RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photo by Sergeant Pete Gammie.

ADF People

The right ingredients for a good career

04/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 247 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, NAIDOC Week, No. 13 Squadron, RAAF Darwin

Indigenous knowledge and culture is important to Darwin-based 13 Squadron chef, Leading Aircraftman David Skeen, who grew up in the

Uncle Allan Charles Lena and his artwork at Kokoda Barracks, with Lieutenant Colonel Alana Burkitt. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

Australian Army News

Artwork unites stories of conflict

07/06/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 780 Views 2 Comments Indigenous

Warfare is painted through the narratives of culture. For Australia, these strokes depict contemporary conflicts abroad and often forgotten wars

Local indigenous cultural performers conduct a smoking ceremony during the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration at Hyde Park, Sydney. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph. Photo by Leading Seaman Susan Mossop.

ADF People History Veterans

Memorial honours Indigenous service

02/06/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1196 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Reconciliation Week, WWII

In 1941, a German spy, disguised as an Australian, sent soldiers from the 2nd and 15th Battalion into a German

Australian Army Warrant Officer Class Two Anne Dufficy showcases Indigenous culture with her paintings at South Camp. Story and photo by Corporal Melina Young.

ADF People

Joining the dots in the Mid-East

30/05/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 575 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Reconciliation Week

At weekends, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Anne Dufficy can be found sitting with a paintbrush in her hand creating

Navy Regional Indigenous Development Coordinator Leading Seaman Joseph Canning plays the didgeridoo at ANZAC Cove during an ANZAC Day rehearsal on the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye. Photo by Corporal Madhur Chitnis.

ADF News

Defence’s calling to Indigenous affairs

30/05/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 729 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

National Reconciliation Week is a chance for Defence to reflect on the contribution First Nations personnel have made, and continue

Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Corey Hardy on board HMAS Choules during the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter first of class flight trails. Story and photo by Able Seaman Rikki-Lea Phillips.

ADF People Editor's Blog

Indigenous sailor has all the right moves

14/04/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 671 Views 2 Comments HMAS Choules, Indigenous, MH-60R Seahawk

From dancing with his people to dancing for his people, Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Corey Hardy is proud to be

Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer, Flight Lieutenant Micheal Naawi promotes cultural awareness to Master Sergeant Jonathan Cowan (middle) and Master Sergeant Marcello Lindo of the United States Air Force during the Australian International Airshow 2023 at Avalon. Story by Flying Officer Shan Arachchi Galappatthy. Photo: Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Czerny.

ADF People

My culture, your culture, our culture

07/03/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 572 Views 0 Comments Avalon Airshow, Indigenous

The Australian International Airshow 23 (AIA23) has been showcasing a plethora of aircraft from all over the globe as well

The Navy Indigenous Performance Group performs at the Chief of Navy reception for the 2013 International Fleet Review held at Sydney Opera House. Story by Lieutenant Commander Michael Henry. Photo by Able Seaman Dove Smithett.

News Royal Australian Navy

A decade of the Bungaree performers

22/02/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1012 Views 1 Comment Chief of Navy, Indigenous, International Fleet Review (IFR)

In October 2013, as international audiences gathered to celebrate the Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review (IFR), Aboriginal and Torres

Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Tramaine Dukes has been working with Indigenous communities in the Kimberley Region. Story by Flight Lieutenant Tremaine Dukes. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Czerny.

ADF People Videos

My role in ADF response to WA floods

10/02/202319/02/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1349 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, Indigenous, No. 35 Squadron, Operation Flood Assist 2023-1

Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Tramaine Dukes tells the story of her role in the ADF’s

rivate Kate Webster with her artwork “Nginhala Ngurambang” (Near Home), which now hangs in the Army Logistics Training Centre, Bandiana. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photo by Corporal Juliet Manalo.

ADF People

Painting connects Defence with culture

03/02/202305/02/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 538 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

Private Kate Webster has provided a unique perspective into Indigenous culture in the ADF with her painting Nginhala Ngurambang (Near

Leading Seaman Teneille Francis is welcomed home by members of her family during a community day at Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia. Story byLieutenant Geoff Long. Photo by Sergeant David Said.

ADF People

Sailor returns home to help flood-hit town

22/01/202322/01/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1002 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, MRH-90 Taipan, Operation Flood Assist 2023-1

A Navy sailor has made a heart-warming return to her hometown of Fitzroy Crossing to help the community recover from

Army personnel with youth from the Indigenous Tribal Warrior program at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, NSW. Story by Captain Mike Edwards. Photo by Major Jesse Robilliard.

Australian Army News

Setting up Indigenous youth for success

15/12/202215/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 409 Views 0 Comments Army Cadets, Indigenous, Victoria Barracks

Local Indigenous children and teenagers from the Tribal Warrior program conducted a physical fitness training program at Victoria Barracks, Sydney,

Artist and Ngarrindjeri man Thomas Readett stands beside his artwork at 462 Squadron Headquarters. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

News Royal Australian Air Force

New artwork depicts squadron’s cyber-threat mission

12/12/202218/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 645 Views 0 Comments Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Indigenous, No. 462 Squadron

462 Squadron, based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia, has taken custodianship of a unique Indigenous artwork that

Defence members posting from Puckapunyal take part in a farewell from country smoking ceremony. Story by Major Carrie Robards. Photo by Kerry Ferrari.

Australian Army News

Ceremony held to farewell members at Puckapunyal

12/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 751 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Puckapunyal

Defence members posting from Puckapunyal have been farewelled from country. CAPTION: Defence members posting from Puckapunyal take part in a

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