Chris Duffy
Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta
Major
Australian Army Aviation Corps
Australian Army
Medals and awards
Active Service Medal with clasp East Timor
International Force East Timor Medal
Australian Service Medal with clasp Bougainville
Defence Long Service Medal
Australian Defence Medal
NATO Medal with clasp Kosovo
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
Australian Army Aviation Pilots Qualification Wings
The third of 5 boys, I grew up in Western Australia and New South Wales before attending the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1992 as an Army Cadet. On completing Officer training followed by pilot training, I flew reconnaissance helicopters at 162 Reconnaissance Squadron deploying to Bougainville (1998), East Timor (1999) and Operation Gold (Sydney Olympics) in 2000.
In 2001 and 2002, I served with 2nd/17th Cavalry Regiment 101st Airborne Division in the United States, flying Attack Reconnaissance helicopters and deploying to Kosovo in 2001.
I left the full-time Army in 2005 and served in the Reserves as Manager Indigenous Affairs from 2009-2012, working with amazing First Nations servicemen and women in developing programs for Indigenous Australians trying to join the ADF. From 2013-2015, I served as Officer Commanding A Company 12th/40th Regiment in Launceston, Tasmania.
I joined the Tasmania Fire Service in 2012 and continue to serve. I founded the not-for-profit organisation ‘Just Like Jack’ in 2017, providing children with disabilities and their families adventures they never thought possible. This organisation is based on the adventures I have had with my son Jack, who lives with cerebral palsy. Jack has taught us that you can achieve anything with the right community around you.