Tina Elliott
Gubbi Gubbi descendant
Chief Petty Officer
Medical Clinical Manager
Project Officer Indigenous
Royal Australian Navy

Medals
Australian Service Medal with clasp
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Defence Long Service Medal with 2 clasps
Australian Defence Medal

I am deeply honoured to have had the chance to represent our country as an Aboriginal Navy Medic on both an internationally and intercountry platform. My people, both culturally and in service, have taught me strength, pride, resilience, and endurance as a sailor and as a mother. Over 3 decades of service, I am so proud that I could be a part of the wonderful and progressive cultural changes within the Australian Defence Force and to have ended my service in my 4th year as the Project Officer for Navy Indigenous Affairs. My journey in the Australian Defence Force may have ended after 32 years but my continued journey of “Closing the Gap” has only just begun.

My Dad, Warrant Officer Class Two Edward Charles (Ted) Blacker served in the  Australian Army for 23 years. He was a proud Aboriginal Veteran. He passed away 1989. He served with 101 Wireless Regt (now known as 7 Sigs Regt). He was a Signalman Specialist. His tours included Vietnam, Borneo, Vientiane, Laos and Malaya. The British SAS put him up for a bravery award & the Queen issued him the British Empire Medal (BEM).