C.B. McGarrity
Biripi Dunghutti
Corporal
Royal Australian Corps of Military Police
Private
Royal Australian Regiment
Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Australian Army
Somalia Veteran
Medals and Awards
Australian Active Service Medal with clasp Somalia
National Police Service Medal with 1st clasp
Defence Long Service Medal
National Medal with 1st and 2nd clasps
Australian Defence Medal
Meritorious Unit Citation – Somalia
Chief of Army Certificate of Commendation – Somalia
Infantry Combat Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
NSW Police Diligent & Ethical Service Medal with 1st and 2nd clasps
NSW Police Olympics 2000 Special Operations Unit Citation and Commendation
I am a proud Biripi and Dunghutti man with a strong connection to Country. From a tough start in life, I’ve built a long career serving the community and country in the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police, and not-for-profit and Indigenous community engagement sectors. I have received invaluable care, guidance and support from close mates, Elders and guardians who took me in and helped shape the man I am today. For that, I will be forever grateful.
My formative years were traumatic. My siblings and I were removed from our home and placed in State care. However, my Godmother, who was a wise lady from a military family on the land, had close relationships with Indigenous communities. She saw to our welfare and made sure we knew where we came from and learned culture and lore from Elders. As a child, I suffered from multiple medical conditions and spent a lot of time in and out of hospital. My Godmother ensured I had the treatment I needed and played sports to build me up. She helped put the pieces back together. Her influence also led me to choose my path in life.
The job of a soldier is a tough gig and not for everyone. But, as my Godmother used to say, ‘You’re gonna either be a man or a mouse.’ So, for me, the choice was easy. On 9 April 1991, I enlisted in the Australian Regular Army and, after training, was posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment as a rifleman, platoon medic and signaller. In January 1993, our 1 RAR Battalion group was deployed on Operation Solace, the United Nations effort to protect humanitarian relief efforts in Somalia. We completed our mission successfully in May 1993 and were awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation for sustained outstanding service in warlike conditions. After returning from Somalia, I had further infantry postings to 3 RAR and 5/7 RAR and with SOCOM (Special Operations Command) before becoming increasingly involved in parallel service in the NSW Police Force, including inter-agency liaison, criminal investigations, counterterrorism and dignitary protection. In October 1999, I Corps-transferred to the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police as an active Reservist, a role in which I continue to proudly serve today. As an MP, I have performed in many roles, including Diplomatic Protection, Special Operations Training and Education, and Regional Indigenous Liaison Officer.
For my service with the NSW Police Force, I have received numerous Outstanding Service, Bravery and Good Conduct awards, as well as Commanders’ commendations and unit citations in recognition of my individual and group achievements in Strike and Task Force Operations and Support, Training and Policy, Health and Safety, Critical Incident & Emergency Management and Tactical Intelligence.
In addition to my military and police duties, I am Co-Director and Co-founder of several community organisations: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Veteran’s Association (ATSIVA), Angel Feather Foundation Inc., a registered Charity supporting children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses, and Bullroarers (Aust), an Indigenous and veteran-owned company providing community, cultural engagement, and specialist services. I have been the winner or finalist for many community and volunteer awards, including Major Category Sponsor & Contributor’s Award Macarthur Region NSW (3 times), Finalist – Indigenous Defence Leader of the Year 2020-21, Finalist -Senior Coach of the Year (2016, 2017 & 2018), and Finalist – ‘Community Spirit’ Not for Profit Industry & Public Support Sector Awards (Ch7 Media), amongst others.
I gained life-long friends in the Army, and my experiences there helped shape me. I learned in the Army that there’s no room for mice. I learned that I can’t just turn up; I have to speak up whenever and wherever it’s needed. I am unashamedly patriotic for this country and for Country, and an advocate for my people. As a proud Aboriginal man, I believe, ‘There’s nothing as sovereign as being Indigenous’, words which profoundly resonate with me.
My advice to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is that no one can tell you who you are supposed to be; you have to back yourself. Listen and learn; show thankfulness, empathy, and respect. Above all, don’t be afraid to break track. Strike out on a new course, be bold and brave, and dare to go where others fear to tread.