Warrk’Mattjun Gaykamangu's interview in Darwin

Warrk’Mattjun Gaykamangu (Warren) is a Gupapuynu man from Milingimbi community, which is an Island off the coast of Arnhem Land. Warren talks about his experience joining NORFORCE and the difficulties he encountered as a Yolgnu man being away from country and family. He talks about the positive aspects of his experience as being the formation of friendships and networks with people from a range of places, and the self-confidence NORFORCE has given him. Warren also talks about finding a book about Donald Thompson and the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit in World War 2 and how this inspired him to join NORFORCE. Jonah Thingle is also present during this interview and involved in some of the conversation.

This interview took place on 11 August 2016 in Darwin and was conducted by Dr Allison Cadzow and Ms Siobhan McDonnell with Craig Greene as part of the Australian Research Council-funded research project Serving our Country: a history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the defence of Australia.

The interview recording above is made available to be listened to here by permission of the interviewee(s), Warrk’Mattjun Gaykamangu. The recording may not be copied, reproduced or communicated in whole or in part without the prior permission of the interviewee(s). Requests for permission for use of this material should be made to the Serving our Country research project: our contact details.

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Updated:  16 July 2015/Responsible Officer:  Director, Serving our Country/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team