Indigenous Archives - CONTACT magazine

Australian Army soldiers join members of the Gapuwiyak community in performing traditional dances during the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program 2022 Opening Ceremony in Gapuwiyak, Northern Territory. Story by Captain Evita Ryan. Photo by Corporal Lucas Petersen.

Program supporting Indigenous communities for 25 years

01/07/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 116 Views 0 Comments AACAP, Indigenous

The Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP) is in its 25th year of supporting remote Indigenous communities. CAPTION: Australian Army

Royal Australian Navy's inaugural Indigenous cultural performer, Able Seaman Aviation Support Lynton Robbins plays the yidaki/didgeridoo at Garden Island Defence Precinct, Sydney. Photo by Able Seaman Susan Mossop.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

A time to celebrate Indigenous culture

01/07/202201/07/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 98 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for Australians to recognise the rich history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Australian Army soldier Sapper Jeirome Auda-Muckan from the 6th Engineer Support Regiment uses spare materials to enhance the living quarters of AACAP 2022 contingent members living at Camp Birt near Gapuwiyak, on June 22. Story by Captain Evita Ryan. Photo by Corporal Lucas Petersen.

ADF People

Carpenter fulfills calling at AACAP

01/07/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 91 Views 0 Comments 6th Engineer Support Regiment, AACAP, Indigenous, NAIDOC Week

With both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, Sapper Jeirome Auda-Muckan is excited to be deployed on his first Army

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Christopher Smith inspects the Navy Indigenous Development Program graduates during their graduation parade at Munro Martin Parkland, Cairns. Story by Lieutenant Nancy Cotton . Photo by Able Seaman Susan Mossop.

News Royal Australian Navy

Indigenous program graduates inspire others

29/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 314 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Navy Indigenous Development Program, RAAF Townsville

After five months of hard work and determination, the members of class 17 of the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP)

Able Seaman Ned Dibella takes measurements of a green sea turtle while taking part in a turtle conservation project. Story by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

ADF People

Navy aviation technician dives in to help turtles

08/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 87 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, No. 808 Squadron

Growing up in Cape York and other far north Queensland locations down to Port Douglas, Able Seaman Ned Dibella was

Mr Djambawa Marawili conducts a welcome ceremony for Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, accompanied by Mudiny Mudiny Dhamarrandji playing the didgeridoo. Story by Lieutenant Commander Tanalee Smith. Photo by Petty Officer Bradley Darvill.

ADF People History

Shared maritime connection with Indigenous Australians

03/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 464 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

When the Chief of Navy recently led a delegation to a remote Indigenous community, they received a truly Australian welcome.

Nyoongar Artist Kevin Bynder with his artwork. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Sergeant Gary Dixon.

ADF People History

A colourful story of history and connection

03/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 430 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, No. 25 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

Personnel from units and squadrons at RAAF Base Pearce gathered for the unveiling of a series of artworks painted by

Mr Les Huddlestone, left, Mr James Parfitt from Larrakia Nation, Wing Commander Jim Collisson, Flight Lieutenant Norm Grogan and Mr Trent Lee from Larrakia Nation. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Burnet. Photo by Sergeant Pete Gammie.

ADF People History

The power of a cuppa and a yarn

03/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 482 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, No. 13 Squadron, RAAF Darwin

RAAF Base Darwin’s No.13 Squadron (City of Darwin) marked the start of National Reconciliation Week 2022 with the Larrakia People

Chief Petty Officer Tina Elliot with Annette Gayula and Rosilyn Marawili during the Diversity Reference Group's visit to the community of Bäniyala, located on Blue Mud Bay in East Arnhem, Northern Territory. Photo by Petty Officer Bradley Darvill.

ADF People History

Visit to Arnhem Land reinforces shared connection to the sea

03/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 313 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

Sailors from the Navy’s Diversity Reference Group had the rare opportunity to be welcomed by the Yolngu clan in East

Petty Officer Jordan Bradshaw plays the didgeridoo at the Anzac Day commemorative service at Lone Pine, Gallipoli. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton. Photo by Corporal David Cotton.

ADF People History

Bridging cultural gaps focus of sailor’s work

03/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 288 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Indigenous

Building bridges between Navy and the world’s oldest surviving culture is a full-time job for Petty Office Jordon Bradshaw, and

Assistant Director Defence Indigenous Procurement Policy Mrs Tanya Martens from the Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group stands in front of an Indigenous artwork at Russel Offices in Canberra. Story by Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree. Photo by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

ADF People Sovereign industry

Creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses

31/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 460 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

A scarf emblazoned with Indigenous art – featuring an orange and yellow kangaroo and a green army tank – hints

Flight Lieutenant Tjapukai Shaw on the cargo ramp of a C-130J Hercules aircraft. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Aldred. Photo by Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF People

Indigenous aviator’s career taking off

31/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 416 Views 1 Comment Indigenous, mentoring, No. 22 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

Becoming a pilot was a pipe dream for Flight Lieutenant Tjapukai Shaw when he joined Air Force as an Indigenous

A student from Thuringowa State High School speaks to personnel from 3rd Brigade during a mentoring program. Story by Captain Diana Jennings. Photo by Corporal Brodie Cross.

ADF People

Army mentors help empower Indigenous students

31/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 233 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, Indigenous, Lavarack Barracks, STEM

It was back to school for the soldiers and officers of Lavarack Barracks as they supported students at Thuringowa State

The new Defence Indigenous Champions, Deputy Secretary Celia Perkins and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, take part in a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country at the inaugural Defence Indigenous Champion Handover Ceremony in Canberra.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

‘Be brave. Make change.’

27/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 646 Views 0 Comments Indigenous

For more than a hundred years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have proudly served in the Australian Defence Force

Lieutenant Sarah Harrington (left) and Able Seaman Boatswain's Mate Jahlaya Weazel, look over the new Bundian Way signage for HMAS Supply's passageway. Story by Warrant Officer Class 2 Max Bree. Photo by Able Seaman Benjamin Ricketts.

News Royal Australian Navy Videos

HMAS Supply’s tribute to ancient culture

27/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 689 Views 0 Comments HMAS Supply, Indigenous

The crew of HMAS Supply has put a twist on the tradition of ships naming their main passageway after a

RAAF Base Amberley Firefighter, Leading Aircraftman Raymond Solinas, is proud of his family's history and service to Defence. He is one of more than 400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aviators in Air Force today. Photo by Flight Lieutenant Dion Isaac.

ADF People History

Aviator shares his heritage

27/05/202227/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 421 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, RAAF Amberley

Leading Aircraftman Raymond Solinas, a Ngugi and Kaantju man from Cairns, is proud of his family’s history and service to

Then Warrant Officer Class 2 Darren Moffitt with his artwork titled “The Salute”. It depicted a dugong as the centrepiece was created for the Royal Australian Navy’s centenary in 2011. It told the story of Indigenous service and connection to Navy. Story by Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree.

ADF People

A combination of art and service

27/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 334 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Indigenous soldiers, recent

Darren Moffitt didn’t think his first batch of Indigenous artwork was very special. He painted to pass time in hospital and

Seaman Skye Kinchin on watch aboard HMAS Supply. Story by Lieutenant Yvette Goldberg. Photo by Able Seaman Jarryd Capper.

ADF People

Shared stories of HMAS Supply celebrate Indigenous sailor’s culture

11/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 293 Views 0 Comments HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Supply, Indigenous

Seaman Skye Kinchin is in her element at sea aboard HMAS Supply, with its mantra of One ship, many stories, and

Chief of Staff, Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo (centre), accompanied by Air Force Attache - Jakarta Group Captain Ken Bowes, is welcomed to RAAF Base East Sale with a guard of honour. Story by Flight Lieutenant Kate Davis. Photo by Petty Officer Richard Prideax.

Asia News Royal Australian Air Force

Strengthening training ties with Indonesia

06/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 686 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, Indonesian Air Force, PC-21, RAAF East Sale

Opportunities to strengthen training connections were in the spotlight when the Indonesian equivalent of Australia’s Chief of Air Force visited

From left: Private Tori Doherty, Lieutenant Joshua Mildrum and Captain Michele Muncaster, from the 3rd Health Battalion, provide administrative support during the pop-up clinic at Stepping Stones in Port Augusta, South Australia. Story by Captain Nathan Freeman.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News

Health battalion praised for vital COVID support

16/04/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 521 Views 0 Comments 3rd Health Battalion, COVID-19 Assist, Indigenous

An Aboriginal community-controlled health service in Port Augusta, South Australia, has praised the invaluable support of the 3rd Health Battalion

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