Pride shines on Anzac Day
Private Carl Murkun Guyula of Arnhem Squadron had always wanted to be in the Australian Army. About 60 per cent of the Squadron are First Nations people - many of whom come from remote communities throughout Arnhem Land - and are mostly Yolngu, including Yolgnu Elders who have served for decades.
Private Carl Murkun Guyula of Arnhem Squadron had always wanted to be in the Australian Army.
‘When I was in school, it was my wish and my dream to be in the Army,’ he said. ‘I knew if I joined, it would be good for me.’
‘In 2018, I finished school. I didn’t follow my dream, I got into risking my life and I thought oh my God, this is no good here, I’m going to go on that footpath, that bad footpath.’
‘The Army stopped me from risking my life. Now I’m on that good footpath, I really like it because I’m fit, healthy, strong and wise.’
‘I’m following the footpath with those old soldiers from World War II and those after, and for the new ones as well.’
For Private Guyula, Anzac Day is a reminder of the pride in those that came before him.
‘To me [on] Anzac Day, I feel a little bit proud, proud to myself that I’m on that path,’ he said.
‘Anzac Day is remembering the footpath and those who’ve been on it before you.’
Private Guyala will soon be promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. His promotion will take place on-Country in his home community of Gapuwiyak, NT.
Private Guyala’s squadron is a sub-unit of the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE). The Squadron headquarters is based in Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory. The area of operations extends from Milingimbi, across East Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt to the Roper River and Katherine.
About 60 per cent of the Squadron are First Nations people - many of whom come from remote communities throughout Arnhem Land - and are mostly Yolngu, including Yolgnu Elders who have served on Norforce for decades.
The Army relies heavily on the traditional skills and knowledge of First Nations soldiers and their connections to remote communities to be able to effectively conduct operations.
Last year Arnhem Squadron worked with the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP) to build a new Youth Centre in Gapuwiyak, NT.
Private Guyula supported AACAP as a cultural advisor and community engagement.
AACAP is a joint initiative between the Army and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) which sees Army personnel deployed to a different remote community each year to work on projects that improve health, living and economic conditions specific to that community.
Since 1997 AACAP has worked in partnership with First Nations people to build facilities and deliver support to 47 communities.