Abiu Dennis Ware-Bowie
Argun Clan (Badu Island) and Panai Clan (Mabuiag Island), Wugalgal (St Pauls), Wug Village, Mua Island, Torres Strait
Private
1st Aviation Regiment, 16 Brigade
Royal Australian Corps of Transport
Australian Army
Medals and Awards
Australian Defence Medal
I joined the Army to follow in the footsteps of my father, ex-Warrant Officer Class 1, Don Bowie (Royal Australian Army Medical Corps), and my great grandfathers, Elia Ware and Fred Bowie Snr who served in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion and also my Great Uncles who served in the Water Transport unit, Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion. I feel proud that my Elders served in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion during WW2 and of my relatives who are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force, including my Uncle Phillip Bowie, Aunty Pam Tapim, and my cousins Lieutenant (Dr) Taslena Tapim and Lieutenant (Dr) Justin Tapim who serve in the Royal Australian Navy, and my cousin Pedro Tapim currently serving in the Reserves in 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment in Cairns.
I did my training in 2015 through the Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP) Army, which was run by Norforce in Darwin, before transferring to the Regular Army in November of that year. My current unit is 1st Aviation Regiment, Robertson Barracks Darwin, 16 Brigade and previous postings have been Defence Indigenous Development Program Army NORFORCE, 7 Combat Service Support Battalion Gallipoli Barracks Brisbane and 2nd Cavalry Regiment Lavarack Barracks Townsville. In the next four years, I see myself still serving in the ADF and changing career pathways to become a Marine Specialist in the Army to carry on the legacy of both my great Uncles, who served in the Army Water Transport in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion in WW2. Being in Defence has enabled me to become a stronger, more resilient person, the benefits of which will stay with me throughout my life, both in and out of Defence. A highlight of my service has been the opportunity to march on 17 March 2023 for the 80th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion with Sarpeye Company on Thursday Island.
The culture of serving and defending Country existed for many generations before colonisation. Knowing that my ancestors were Warriors inspires me to uphold the values that they held and have passed down to me through the generations.
