Pattie Lees served from 1967 to 1969, and said she joined because she needed work. 

She was part of the Stolen Generation and grew up in a Palm Island mission. 

“I was 17 and looking for a job, and I saw an advertisement at the back of a magazine,” Mrs Lees said. 

“I had no sense of patriotism, I just wanted a job.

“But it groomed me to be a more patriotic citizen.” 

Mrs Lees said her achievements were more impressive considering she did not know her family. 

But she felt guilty because she was the only one at her mission to be recruited. 

“I was the only one chosen from the 20,” Mrs Lees said. 

“I had a sense of pride, and a sense of guilt the others didn’t come with me.” 

She was based at the HMAS Cerberus in Melbourne, the HMAS Harman Penguin in Sydney, and the HMAS Harman in Canberra while serving in the land-based navy. 

Mrs Lees had to resign when she married, in accordance with the policies of the era.

But she has witnessed “better pathways” for women and more opportunities for Aborigines in recent years. 

Kalkadoon elder Ron Page was the master of ceremonies at the NAIDOC Week opening event, and offered community members the chance to share their experiences.

Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health spokeswoman Kaye Smith said she was researching how many local indigenous people served in the defence forces, and had so far discovered 20 people. 

Ms Smith learnt of a local woman’s great-grandfather who kept his platoon alive in Papua New Guinea. 

He saved his undersupplied platoon by using his indigenous bush skills to feed them. 

“I just wanted to share that because I think it’s really important,” Ms Smith said. 

Frank King said many of today’s Elders were not allowed to serve in the war. 

“A lot of them wanted to join up, but were sent back home,” Mr King said. The indigenous men were expected to work at the cattle stations instead. 

“I was 45 years old when I learnt an Aboriginal soldier ever went to war,” Mr King said. 

“I was fascinated because I was never taught that at school.”