Profound words during a toolbox meeting in the mines inspired Leading Aircraftman Christopher Timoti to leave his job as a driller for a career in the Air Force.
The First Nations man, who was raised in the Wurundjeri country of the Kulin nation, listened intently as his ex-military supervisor said, "This job will always be here for you. One thing you must do before anything else is serve this country."
Seven months later, at 31, he joined the Air Force and hasn't looked back.
Now at RAAF Base Williamtown, Leading Aircraftman Timoti is committed to connecting Air Force members with culture and community.
When he's not watching the skies as an air surveillance operator, he's mentoring and inspiring Indigenous youth through a three-day program designed to offer a glimpse into life in the ADF.
Leading Aircraftman Timoti takes a frank approach to mentoring, often reflecting on how he wished he'd started his military career earlier.
"I wasn't the best academically growing up; I didn't listen to my teachers much, but I tried," he said. "That's something I tell them they can do too."
"If they want to pursue something, I will help them get there."
As an Indigenous liaison aviator for the Surveillance and Control Group, Leading Aircraftman Timoti nurtures relationships with local Worimi Elders and champions cross-cultural communication.
For Harmony Day he organised a yarning circle, inviting his unit to share dishes from their culture.
"We had everything from Indian food to fairy bread and meat pies," he said.
The event spread awareness, celebrated differences and opened minds as aviators spoke of cultural nuances.
"In my culture, eye contact is a sign of a challenge, so teaching everyone that it's not disrespectful to look away is a step toward bridging the gap," he said.
Leading up to NAIDOC Week, Leading Aircraftman Timoti sent base-wide emails to staff about the theme 'Blak, Loud and Proud', sparking questions about its spelling and significance.
"That's how we originally spelt it, and it aims to reclaim our history," he said.
Leading Aircraftman Timoti said NAIDOC Week is a time for Indigenous people to share what's important to them.
"It's a week where we can talk, create art, dance and tell stories," he said.
"It's a simple but powerful way to show who we are and to learn from each other."
A competitive footy player, Leading Aircraftman Timoti represented the Air Force in the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week touch footy tournament against police, community members, council and teachers.
"It's not so much about the competitive nature of the game; it's about the community coming together to celebrate our history, culture, and achievements," he said.
