Cody Bradshaw

A military career of which I proudly reflect and look to the future starts post-secondary schooling, as a young man seeking to find direction and purpose in his life. After committing to a tertiary degree in Landscape Architecture at Griffith University (1998), what felt like the plan at the time would ultimately not be the career choice I would pursue. In October 2000, I enlisted in the Australian Regular Army (ARA) and Royal Australian Corps of Transport (RACT). This was the pivotal decision point in my adult life, a turning point, something I would not understand or completely appreciate until years later. The experiences, mateship, and true sense of belonging across all aspects of service, locations and environments have enabled me to truly develop a strong sense of direction, purpose and pride.

A proud Indigenous soldier and Dunghutti man, I take significant pride in the fact that my family has had strong representation in the Australian Defence Force; my father having served in the Australian Army Reserve (ARES), myself serving in the Army, and three brothers serving or having served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was an exceptionally proud moment when my daughter also chose to serve and enlisted in the RAN. In the coming month, my son will enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), in which I know he will make both himself and us proud.

The past few decades have provided me with some truly cherished memories in representing my Indigenous culture, from performing didgeridoo at Kranji War Memorial, Singapore, for ANZAC Day Services, to mentoring Indigenous youth in the remotest of Australian regions through my tenure at Australian Defence Force Recruiting – Darwin. I feel a true sense of responsibility to ensure similar experiences and opportunities are passed on to those following a similar path to myself.

Making it to my current position in the Army has been due to the strong leaders, mentors and family support from which I gather my strength and who have provided guidance, influence and development in shaping me as a Soldier, Warrant Officer and respected mentor.