Uncle Jim

Uncle Jim is a proud Wakka Wakka man who was born and raised in Gayndah, Queensland. A respected community leader, he has more than 35 years of experience across military service, Indigenous engagement, workforce development and cultural leadership.

After completing Year 12, Uncle Jim enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on 3 September 1985. Following recruit training at Kapooka, New South Wales, he was allocated to the Infantry Corps, completed his Initial Employment Training at Singleton, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

During a distinguished 24-year Army career, Uncle Jim progressed through the ranks from Private to Warrant Officer Class Two. He held a range of leadership, training and personnel development appointments, including 8 years as an Instructor and Course Manager. His service was characterised by outstanding operational experience, including deployments on Operation SOLACE in Somalia (1993), East Timor (1999 and 2003), and Iraq (2004). Throughout his career, he made a significant contribution to Army capability through leadership, mentoring and workforce development across domestic and overseas postings.

A passionate advocate for First Nations peoples, Uncle Jim played a key role in developing and nationally implementing the Indigenous Employment Development Course (IEDC), improving education, training and employment outcomes for Indigenous youth. The program received national recognition with an Employment Program Award in 2009.

Following his Army service, Uncle Jim continued to champion opportunities for First Nations peoples through senior Indigenous engagement, workforce development, and cultural heritage and community relations roles. He has worked across the security, resources, infrastructure and employment sectors to strengthen Indigenous participation, support Traditional Owner engagement, develop cultural capability, and create meaningful employment pathways.

Throughout his career, Uncle Jim has built a reputation as a trusted mentor, cultural advisor and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He remains committed to strengthening relationships between Defence, communities and Country while supporting positive outcomes for current and future generations.

Uncle Jim was appointed as the Army Indigenous Elder in August 2026. Reporting directly to the Chief of Army and serving on the Army Indigenous Capability Advisory Board, he provides cultural guidance to Army leadership, represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel, and supports relationships between Army and First Nations communities across Australia.