Yasmin Wasiu

I come from a long line of leaders who originated from Saibai Island, like my father, I am the first born of my generation which means I must be a good role model for those who come after me. My father Clifford Wasiu is a carpenter by trade and my mother Gloria (nee Mau) is a primary health worker in Bamaga. Where I grew up my whole family took part in raising me, especially my Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Aunties who taught me how to show respect and gave me an understanding of our cultural protocols. I walked beside my grandmother who taught me how to organise family functions and prepare traditional dishes – this inspired me to learn to be chef. I left home at 21 and moved to Weipa where I met my partner. From childhood, I always wanted to go into the Army, it was my dream. My Uncle Dane Wasiu and my Uncle, the late Charles Aniba, told me stories about my  fathers’ and grandfathers’ service in the army, but I didn’t think I could join because I was a girl. I was inspired by the stories about my grandfather, McBonny Wasiu who was a veteran from the Vietnam war. My partner and I went to Canberra to sign up, but it wasn’t the right time. Instead, we studied at the Canberra Institute of Technology where we both received a Business Certificate III. This was a big step in our life, moving away from our family, but we learnt how to be independent. Our daughter was born in Canberra in January 2011, so we went to Weipa, where I still live, only to find I was pregnant again – this time with twins – they were born that very same year in December 2011! I wanted to work in the mines, and with support of my children’s grandparents I did a course with My Pathways that gave me a Certificate 111 in Cleaning which gave me the opportunity to work at the Amrun Mining Project.  When they were short of staff they would ask me to help with the cooking, they knew it was my passion and soon enough I became a chef in their big industrial kitchen doing bulk cookery. This came naturally to me and I combine traditional cooking with what I was taught throughout my career as chef, including cooking at important events, such as NAIDOC week. The right time came for me to enlist five years later. I quit my job at the mine and walked straight into the Army Depot in Weipa to enlist.  I went through a rough patch, this is when I went to my Godfather, McBonny Wasiu Jnr and asked his advice and he said ‘chase your dreams, there is no such thing as rock bottom – the army will teach you this.’

During my recruitment, I signed up as a patrolman in 2021. I was 32 years old and didn’t know a single person I enlisted with. As the days went by we built a bond – we went from strangers to family – a greenskin family. I was guided by my three inspirational fathers, McBonny Wasiu Jnr, the late Charles Aniba and Dane Wasiu, all of whom served. My Uncle the late Charles Aniba told me ‘it’s not going to be easy, remember your mind is your biggest muscle and your greatest enemy –  so train it well and you will overcome any obstacle placed in front you’.  At my passing out parade, I invited three family members to attend.  Later that day that I found out that one of them, my Grandmother, the late Lency Wasiu served in the Royal Australian Air Force. It was a day of mixed emotions as some of the recruits didn’t make it through and we had to say our goodbyes.

Today, so far I am a qualified as a medic, PTCO (boat operator) and in Styre F88 Assault Rifle and FN Minimi Machine Gun as well as being trained in Combat Shooting and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). I have been on four operations and numerous on country patrols to date. On ANZAC day 2025 I will receive my Australian Defence Medal and my Operational Medals. I have been on two overt, one clandestine and one water operation in WA with the Pilbara Regiment, in Weipa, and  two more in the Torres Straits. These experiences have made me see civilian life from a different perspective – they have changed the person I am and I appreciate everything I have in life. Army gave me the opportunity, with special family permission, to be a pall bearer for the funeral of one of my family members the late Awati Mau, WW2 veteran. I felt honoured as this role is normally reserved for men.

Most women aren’t patrolmen so I hope my story inspires other women to become patrolmen because this is what my most of my fathers did, and I can do it too. Being physically fit is not as important as being mentally fit. Nothing can break me down. I take life as it comes. My message to young women is never give up – with guidance you can always chase and catch your dreams, as only the fearless can be great. My career in the Army has only begun and I will pass on my stories to my children and my nieces and nephews, just like my Grandfathers and Fathers did for me.