Kevin Summers
Mother Butchulla, Father Solomon Islands from the Blackbirding days (Queensland Slave Trade)
Chief Petty Officer
Aviation Survival Equipment (SE)
Royal Australian Navy
Medals
Defence Long Service Medal with 1st, 2nd and 3rd clasps
National Medal with 1st clasp
Australian Defence Medal
Awards
1998 Quest Brisbane River Run Walk appointed Volunteer Marshal
2008 AFL Queensland Youth Support Staff of the Year
2013 Qld Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director’s Letter of Thanks – Orca Stranding Hervey Bay
2014 COMCAR Certificate of Appreciation – G20 Leaders’ Summit Brisbane
Growing up in Turrbal country (Cribb Island), nestled within the marine environment of Moreton Bay, surrounded by numerous Family groups, profoundly shaped my worldview and sense of identity. Born to a mother with Butchulla roots and a Father’s heritage hailing from the Solomon Islands, I emerged as the youngest amidst a bustling household of nine siblings—three Brothers and five Sisters. Family bonds ran deep, anchoring me through the tumultuous currents of life. My journey through education paralleled the ebbs and flows of adolescence. While primary school was a source of joy and discovery, secondary education failed to capture my imagination in the same way. Yet, within the constraints of the state system, I found solace in the prospect of adventure and exploration.
At the age of 15 (1974), armed with modest grades and a thirst for adventure akin to my brothers’, I followed their footsteps into the Royal Australian Navy. The allure of the sea, coupled with the promise of travel, beckoned me. Over the course of 22 years in full-time service and an additional 24 years in the Naval Reserves, I found the Navy to be a true equal opportunity employer—a meritocracy where dedication and skill were rewarded. Climbing the ranks to Chief Petty Officer, I honed my leadership skills amidst the rigours of naval life, having served on four ships: HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Stuart, HMAS Moresby, and HMAS Stalwart. I completed my initial training at HMAS Leeuwin (Fremantle, WA) with shore postings to HMAS Albatross (Nowra, NSW), HMAS Coonawarra (Darwin, NT), Navy Recruiting Townsville, QLD, and HMAS Kuttabul Sydney, NSW. I am grateful for the honour of meeting Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia during the 1977 Silver Jubilee celebration while serving on HMAS Melbourne. For Queen and Country then and now King and Country.
However, in 1996, the tides of change swept me towards a new horizon as I transitioned to the Australian Customs Service. Immersed predominantly within the National Marine Unit, I navigated my way from Deck Hand to the esteemed position of Navigator/Executive Officer. It was here, amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, that I felt most alive, orchestrating operations with precision and purpose. Alas, life’s currents can be unpredictable. A medical condition forced me to chart a new course, leading me to the tranquil waters of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). As a Marine Ranger stationed in the breathtaking Moreton Bay Marine Park, I dedicated my days to preserving and protecting our natural heritage. It was a fitting culmination to my career—a testament to my unwavering commitment to conservation.
In recognition of my dedication and commitment to the community, I have been honoured with numerous awards, including: Appointed Volunteer Marshal for Quest Brisbane River Run Walk in 1998; AFLQ Youth Support Staff of the Year 2008 for outstanding commitment to Junior AFL development in the Northern Region; Letter of Thanks from Executive Director, Regional Operations East, QPWS for assisting with Orca stranding, Hervey Bay in 2013; and COMCAR Certificate of Appreciation in acknowledgment of transport services to G20 Leaders’ summit Brisbane 2014. In 2021, I was awarded the National Medal recognising my long and diligent service to protect and assist community through my duties with Border Force (8 years), Coast Guard Townsville (3 years), and Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane (4 years).
Amidst the ebullient waves of my professional journey, love anchored me steadfastly. In February 1992, I exchanged vows, embarking on a lifelong voyage with my soulmate. Together, we nurtured a family—a son, now 31, and a daughter, 29, who has bestowed upon me the precious gift of Grandfatherhood. Reflecting upon the mosaic of experiences that have shaped me, I am keenly aware of the indelible imprint left by my Naval service. It was within the crucible of discipline, teamwork, and unwavering ethics that I forged the bedrock of my character—a testament to the person I am today. As the sun sets on my professional odyssey, I stand on the precipice of retirement, content in the knowledge that I have navigated life’s tempests with courage and conviction.